How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Orange County

If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Orange County, one of the most important documents you’ll need is the official police report. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim, preparing for a legal case, or simply trying to understand what happened, the report can be a critical piece of evidence. But for many, figuring out how to actually obtain that report can be confusing especially when dealing with stress, injuries, or vehicle damage.

At Khalil Law Group, we regularly help clients obtain and interpret their police reports after car accidents throughout Southern California. This guide breaks down where to get your report based on which agency responded, how long it typically takes, what details it includes, and why it matters for your personal injury claim.

Why You Need a Police Report

While not every accident legally requires a police response, you should always file a report if there’s any injury, death, or significant property damage. The official police report sometimes called a traffic collision report includes crucial details such as:

• Names and contact info of involved parties
• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
• Witness statements (if available)
• Diagram of the accident scene
• Road conditions or violations
• Officer’s observations or preliminary fault determination

This report can be extremely helpful when dealing with insurance companies, who often rely on it to determine liability. It also serves as foundational evidence if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit or need to prove the other driver’s negligence in court.

Step 1: Determine Which Agency Responded

In Orange County, several different law enforcement agencies may respond depending on the exact location of the accident:

• Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD): Handles unincorporated areas of OC
• California Highway Patrol (CHP): Responds to crashes on freeways and state highways
• Local police departments: Such as Anaheim PD, Irvine PD, Santa Ana PD, etc.

Look at your incident card or ask the officer on scene which department filed the report. If you didn’t get this information at the scene, check with your insurance company they may already know.

Step 2: Requesting Your Report Agency by Agency

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

If your accident happened on a freeway like the 5, 405, 91, or 55, your report was likely filed by CHP.

• Form Required: CHP 190 (Request for Collision Report)
• Submission: In person or by mail (no online access)
• Fee: ~$10 for most reports
• Timeline: Typically 7–10 business days

Make sure to include valid photo ID and the crash date/location when submitting.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD)

For accidents in unincorporated parts of the county or cities contracting with OCSD:

• Request Link: OCSD Police Report Portal
• Methods: Online or by mail
• Fee: Varies, usually $10–$25
• Timeline: 7–15 business days

You’ll need the report number, crash date, and names of involved parties. If you’re unsure, OCSD may be able to locate it using location and date.

 Local City Police Departments

If your accident occurred in a city like Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, or Newport Beach, use that city’s police department.

Examples:

• Anaheim PD: https://www.anaheim.net/3334/Police-Records
• Irvine PD: https://www.cityofirvine.org/ipd-services/request-police-report
• Santa Ana PD: https://www.santa-ana.org/pd/requesting-copies-reports

Most departments allow online requests, or you can file in person at the records department. Have your ID, report number, and accident date handy.

Step 3: What If the Report Isn’t Ready Yet?

It’s not uncommon for reports to take 1–2 weeks or longer to become available, especially if there was an injury or more than two vehicles involved. If the report isn’t ready:

• Call the records division of the police agency that responded
• Check back regularly — reports are typically released once reviewed by the reporting officer
• If your insurance company needs confirmation sooner, request an “incident confirmation letter” that verifies the report is in progress

Step 4: Who Can Access the Report?

In most cases, police reports can only be requested by:

• Involved drivers
• Vehicle owners
• Passenger victims
• Legal guardians (for minors)
• Attorneys and insurance companies

Third parties cannot access the report without a signed authorization. This protects your privacy and ensures accurate use of the document.

How Police Reports Help Your Injury Claim

When you’re filing a personal injury claim especially for compensation related to medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering the police report serves as a foundational document.

It offers:

• An unbiased third-party assessment of what happened
• Support for proving the other party’s fault
• A list of witnesses your attorney can contact
• Documentation of any traffic violations issued at the scene

At Khalil Law Group, we always obtain and review the full report before starting settlement negotiations with the insurance company. If the officer made a mistake or left out key facts, we work to supplement the record with witness statements, surveillance footage, or crash reconstructions.

What If There’s a Mistake in the Report?

Police officers are human they sometimes get facts wrong, especially in chaotic scenes. If your report contains errors or omits details that matter to your claim:

• You can submit a supplemental statement to the police department
• Contact your attorney to determine the best way to address discrepancies
• Gather supporting evidence (dashcam footage, photos, witness statements)

While it’s difficult to change a finalized report, it’s still possible to clarify the facts with additional evidence which can strengthen your legal position.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Report

If you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Between medical care, car repairs, and insurance calls, tracking down a police report can feel like one more stressor. Let our legal team handle it.

At Khalil Law Group, we:

• Request your report from the appropriate agency
• Review it for inconsistencies or missing details
• Use it to build a strong case for liability and compensation
• Communicate with insurers so you don’t have to

We’ve handled hundreds of car accident claims in Orange County if you need a car accident lawyer we can help. We know exactly what these reports contain, how they’re used, and how to challenge inaccuracies when needed.

Don’t Delay Get the Facts You Need to Move Forward

A police report may seem like just paperwork, but in the world of insurance and personal injury law, it can make all the difference. If you or a loved one has been in a crash in Orange County, don’t wait to get the documentation and legal help you need.

Contact Khalil Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll get your police report, protect your rights, and help you pursue full and fair compensation.