An official accident report — often called a traffic collision report — is prepared by the law-enforcement agency that responded to the crash. It is requested from that agency, usually becomes available a few weeks after the collision, and is released to the people involved and their representatives.
What an accident report is
A traffic collision report is the responding agency’s official record of a crash. It typically summarizes who was involved, the vehicles, the location, and the officer’s account of what happened. It is a record of what was reported — not a legal finding of fault.
Who prepares it
The agency that responds to the collision prepares the report. On freeways and in unincorporated areas that is usually the California Highway Patrol; on city streets it is usually the local police department. See how to identify the responding agency.
When it becomes available
A report is generally not available immediately. Agencies need time to complete and process it, and timing varies by agency and by the complexity of the investigation. If a report is not ready yet, see what to do if your report is not available yet.
How to request one
You request the report directly from the responding agency, following that agency’s process. Our accident-report guides summarize the official steps for specific agencies and link to each agency’s own resource, which is always the authoritative source.
Terms explained
- Traffic collision report
- The official term many California agencies use for an accident report.
- DR number
- A report or case number some agencies (such as the LAPD) assign to a collision report.