As the dust settles after an accident, you’re left dealing with pain, repairs, insurance claims, and paperwork.
One of the most important documents you’ll need during this process is your Lancaster accident report. Whether you’re filing a claim or considering legal action, the accident report is a key piece of evidence that can help support your case.
If you were involved in a crash in or around Lancaster, California, this guide explains how to get your accident report and why it matters. At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, our team has over 40 years of combined experience helping accident victims across Southern California.
We can help you understand your rights, navigate the process, and pursue compensation if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a Lancaster police report and how a Lancaster personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Steers & Associates can help if you’ve been injured.
Do I Have to File an Accident Report?
Generally, yes. California law generally requires drivers to report car accidents to law enforcement and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If a crash results in an injury or a fatality, drivers must notify local law enforcement, such as the Lancaster Sheriff’s Department or the California Highway Patrol, within 24 hours. If officers did not respond to the scene, a written report must still be submitted to the appropriate agency.
In addition, you must file a report with the California DMV within 10 days if the accident involved any of the following:
- Injury to any person,
- Death, or
- Property damage exceeding $1,000.
Failing to meet these reporting requirements can lead to penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license. Filing the proper reports helps preserve an official record of the crash and can be critical if you later pursue an insurance claim or personal injury case.
How Do I Get a Lancaster Police Report?
The process of requesting your Lancaster accident report depends on which agency responded to the crash. In Lancaster, that’s typically either the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
Under California law, agencies will only release a crash report to a “proper party of interest.” This includes individuals or entities directly connected to the crash, such as:
- Drivers involved in the collision,
- Passengers who were in the vehicles at the time of the crash,
- Vehicle owners whose property was damaged,
- Bicyclists or pedestrians involved in the accident,
- Parents or legal guardians of a minor involved in the crash,
- Anyone who may incur civil liability from the accident, and
- Legal representatives of any of the above.
Each agency has its own procedure for accessing accident reports, as outlined below.
California Highway Patrol
If the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to your Lancaster accident, you can request your crash report either online or through your local CHP Area office.
Request Through the Crash Portal (Online)
To request a copy online, visit the CHP Online Crash Report System and create a new account. Once registered, you can search for your report and download it directly from the portal. Reports are typically released within eight business days from the date of the crash.
Request in Person or by Mail
If you prefer to request your report offline, you can submit a request by visiting or mailing your local CHP Area Office. You’ll need to complete the CHP 190 form, which is an application for the release of information, and provide certain details to help locate the report.
To complete the form, you’ll be asked to include:
- Date of the crash;
- Location of the crash;
- Your interest (driver, passenger, pedestrian, family member, or insurance company);
- Your contact information;
- Signature to verify the request; and
- Payment.
Note: Payment varies by office, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm the amount.
Mail or bring the completed form, along with a copy of your government-issued ID, to the nearest CHP office.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
If your accident was investigated by the LASD, you’ll need to go through the Records and Identification Bureau for a copy of the report.
Request in Person (by Appointment)
Call (562) 345-4441 to schedule an in-person appointment to pick up your report. You will need to provide:
- Your full name (and any aliases),
- Date of birth,
- A valid ID, and the
- Date and address/location of the accident.
Reports are released only after verifying your legal authority to obtain them. You may be redirected to a specialized unit depending on the type of incident.
Request by Mail
To request the report by mail, send your written request and supporting documents to:
- Records and Identification Bureau
Attn: Records Inquiry Non-Law Enforcement Section
12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400 West
Norwalk, CA 90650
Include the following information:
- Your full name and any aliases;
- Your date of birth;
- Mailing address for where the report should be sent;
- A signed request; and
- Notarized copy of a valid, government-issued identification.
LASD accepts state IDs, driver’s licenses, passports, matrícula consular cards, and employment authorization documents. If you lack an ID, you’ll need to visit the DMV for a temporary printout and provide another form of photo identification.
Contact a Lancaster Personal Injury Lawyer for Help with Your Lancaster Police Report and What Comes Next
Getting your Lancaster accident report is a critical first step after a crash, but it’s only part of the process.
If you’ve been injured, dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, or missed work can quickly become overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we’ve represented over 3,000 clients and recovered millions of dollars for accident victims throughout Southern California.
We’re committed to making high-quality legal support accessible by starting with a free consultation and a no-fee guarantee: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us today to speak with a Lancaster personal injury attorney who’s ready to help you move forward.
