Traffic accidents are an unfortunate but daily reality in Los Angeles County. With millions of vehicles on the road, congested freeways, distracted drivers, and high-speed urban corridors, collisions are inevitable. When an accident occurs, one of the most important documents created during the aftermath is the traffic accident report—commonly known as the police report or collision report.

For injury victims, this report is often the cornerstone of a personal injury claim, and understanding how it’s generated, how to obtain it, how insurance companies use it, and how your lawyer evaluates and challenges it can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how traffic accident reports work in Los Angeles County, including:

• Who creates the report
• What information these reports include
• The difference between LAPD, CHP, and Sheriff’s Department reports
• How and when to request your collision report
• What to look for when reviewing it
• How lawyers use reports to build strong injury claims
• What to do if the report is wrong or incomplete

As a personal injury law firm representing crash victims for over 28 years, Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC has helped thousands of clients navigate the complexities of these reports and use them to obtain successful settlements and jury verdicts. This article is based on that real-world experience and aims to empower Los Angeles residents with clear and practical guidance.

1. Why Traffic Accident Reports Matter So Much in Los Angeles Injury Claims

Immediately after a collision, confusion, shock, and adrenaline often cloud the memories of those involved. The law recognizes this, which is why California requires law enforcement to complete official collision reports under certain circumstances.

These reports matter because:

1. They document critical facts before memories fade

Officers record what they observe at the scene, including:

• Position of vehicles
• Skid marks and debris
• Road and weather conditions
• Damage estimates
• Initial statements from drivers and witnesses

When gathered minutes after the crash, these details are often more accurate than recollections shared weeks later.

2. Insurance companies rely heavily on them

Even though the report is not legally binding, insurers often treat it as highly persuasive when determining fault.

3. They may contain expert opinions

Many officers, particularly with CHP’s MAIT (Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Teams), conduct detailed analyses and provide conclusions about:

• Primary collision factors (PCF)
• Contributing factors
• Violations of California Vehicle Code

These conclusions—while challengeable—can impact negotiations.

4. They influence settlement value

A report that clearly shows the other driver was at fault often leads to faster and higher settlements. Conversely, an ambiguous or unfavorable report may require:

• Additional investigation
• Accident reconstruction
• Expert testimony
• More extensive litigation

5. They help your lawyer build a strong liability narrative

A well-documented report enables your attorney to tell a detailed, compelling story of how the collision occurred and why you deserve compensation.

2. Which Law Enforcement Agency Prepares Traffic Accident Reports in Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County is unique because several different agencies respond to and investigate traffic collisions. Which agency you deal with depends on where the crash occurs.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

Handles collisions occurring within the city limits of Los Angeles.

• Downtown LA
• Hollywood
• South LA
• San Fernando Valley
• West LA

LAPD uses its own LAPD Traffic Collision Report form, though the structure is similar to statewide reports.

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

CHP handles accidents on:

• Freeways (I-5, I-10, 405, 101, 110, 210, 605, etc.)
• State highways
• Unincorporated areas

CHP uses the CHP 555 Traffic Collision Report—the most widely recognized report in California.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)

Investigates collisions in unincorporated areas and cities that contract with the Sheriff, such as:

• Malibu
• Compton
• Lakewood
• West Hollywood
• Palmdale
• Lancaster
• Carson

Each agency’s processes differ slightly, especially when it comes to requesting your report.

3. When Law Enforcement Must Complete a Traffic Accident Report in California

California Vehicle Code §20008 requires police to prepare a written report when:

• Someone is injured (even minor injuries)
• Someone is killed
• Property damage exceeds $1,000 (nearly every collision today)

Additionally, if drivers report:

• Pain
• Dizziness
• Shock
• Possible concussion
• Pregnancy concerns
• Any medical condition

…officers must treat the incident as involving injury.

Important: Even if the police do not come to the scene, you may still file a counter report at the nearest station. This can be helpful when a driver:

• Flees the scene
• Denies involvement
• Lies about what happened

4. What Information Traffic Accident Reports Contain

While formats vary, most collision reports in Los Angeles County contain the same core elements.

1. Basic Parties Involved

Names, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers, and insurance information for:

• Drivers
• Vehicle owners
• Passengers
• Pedestrians
• Cyclists

2. Vehicle Information

• Make, model, year
• License plate
• VIN
• Damage classification (e.g., disabling, minor, major)

3. Diagram of the Collision

Includes:

• Streets and intersections
• Traffic signals
• Vehicle paths
• Points of impact
• Final resting positions
• Road evidence (skid marks, debris, gouges)

This diagram often plays a crucial role in reconstructing the collision.

4. Officer’s Narrative

One of the most important sections. It may include:

• Chronological summary of the crash
• Observations about injuries
• Statements from drivers and witnesses
• Speed estimates
• Driver behavior

5. Primary Collision Factor (PCF)

The officer assigns one cause—usually a violation of a California Vehicle Code section—such as:

• CVC 22350 – Unsafe speed
• CVC 22107 – Unsafe turning / unsafe lane change
• CVC 23152 – DUI
• CVC 21801 – Failure to yield
• CVC 21453 – Red light violation

6. Contributing Factors

Other elements that may have worsened the crash, including:

• Weather
• Road conditions
• Mechanical issues
• Distraction

7. Witness Information

Names and contact details for independent witnesses—often vital to proving fault.

8. Photos and Attachments

Some reports include:

• On-scene photos
• Supplemental statements
• DUI results
• Medical summaries
• Follow-up reports

5. How Officers Determine Fault (and Why They Sometimes Get It Wrong)

While officers document the crash, they are not perfect. Their fault assessment is not legally binding but can affect insurance decisions.

Officers base their findings on:

1. Physical Evidence

• Skid marks
• Vehicle damage profiles
• Debris fields
• Paint transfers
• Video footage if available

2. Driver Statements

Drivers may be:

• Confused
• Traumatized
• Defensive
• Misremembering facts
• Trying to avoid admitting wrongdoing

3. Witness Statements

Witnesses may be honest but mistaken, especially in fast-moving collisions.

4. Traffic Laws

Officers compare the facts against the California Vehicle Code.

5. Intuition / Experience

Most officers receive training, but not all are accident reconstruction experts. Misinterpretations are common, especially when:

• No witnesses exist
• Drivers give conflicting accounts
• Damage appears misleading
• A multi-vehicle chain reaction occurs
• Weather or lighting conditions distort visibility

This is why an unfavorable report is not the end of your claim. A skilled injury attorney can often overcome inaccuracies.

6. How to Obtain Your Traffic Accident Report in Los Angeles County

Each agency has its own request system. Here’s a breakdown.

A. Obtaining an LAPD Traffic Collision Report

Most LAPD reports are available within 45 days at:

LAPD Records & Identification Division
100 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

You can request it:

✔ Online
✔ By mail
✔ In person

LAPD typically charges $18.

Important: LAPD only releases reports to:

• Drivers involved
• Vehicle owners
• Parents of minors
• Attorneys
• Insurance companies

If a criminal case is pending (e.g., DUI), release may be delayed.

B. Obtaining a CHP Collision Report (CHP 555)

CHP reports are usually ready in 7–14 days unless a major investigation is underway.

Requests can be made using CHP Form 190:

CHP Southern Division
411 N. Central Ave.
Glendale, CA 91203

Or the specific area office that responded to your crash.

CHP charges about $10–$15.

CHP is generally quicker and more consistent than other agencies.

C. Obtaining a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Report

Request through:

LASD Records & Identification Bureau
12440 E. Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650

LASD reports may take weeks to months, depending on workload.

7. Supplemental Reports, Amended Reports & Body-Worn Camera Footage

Supplemental Reports

Officers may file supplemental reports when:

• New witnesses come forward
• Medical updates are provided
• Additional evidence is found
• A hit-and-run suspect is identified

Amended Reports

If a mistake is discovered (wrong address, wrong VIN, missing witness), officers may amend the report.

Body-Worn Camera Footage

LAPD and LASD routinely record interactions, and this footage can be requested through:

• CPRA (California Public Records Act) requests
• Subpoena
• Criminal case discovery

Footage is often invaluable in proving:

• Statements made at the scene
• Admissions of fault
• Officer observations

8. Common Errors Found in Los Angeles Collision Reports

Accident reports—while important—are not infallible. Our office frequently identifies the following errors:

1. Incorrect or incomplete driver statements

Officers sometimes paraphrase inaccurately.

2. Misassigned primary collision factors

For example, blaming a victim for “following too closely” when the real cause was a sudden unsafe lane change.

3. Missing witnesses

Sometimes witnesses leave before identifying themselves, or officers forget to include them.

4. Incorrect intersection or location details

Cross streets and lane numbers matter when reconstructing the crash.

5. Inaccurate diagrams

Poor diagrams may misrepresent angles, distances, or turning paths.

6. Wrong insurance information

This can delay claims.

7. No mention of injuries

Victims often tell the officer they are “fine” due to adrenaline, only to feel pain hours later.

8. Misinterpretation of property damage

Officers may underestimate severity.

A skilled personal injury attorney knows how to identify these errors and correct the narrative.

9. How Insurance Companies Use Traffic Accident Reports Against You

Insurance adjusters love collision reports—especially when they can exploit them.

Adjusters may use the report to:

• Deny liability
• Reduce settlement value
• Blame you for comparative negligence
• Argue you didn’t report injuries
• Claim the property damage does not match your injury claims

They may quote directly from:

• Officer narratives
• Driver statements
• Witness comments

This is why it is crucial to have legal representation early in the process.

10. How Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC Uses Collision Reports to Strengthen Your Case

For nearly three decades, our firm has developed a system for thoroughly analyzing and using traffic collision reports to maximize our clients’ claims.

1. Verifying accuracy

We compare the report with:

• Photos
• Video
• Vehicle damage
• Medical records
• Client recollections
• Event data recorder (EDR) downloads when necessary

2. Conducting independent investigations

If the report is incomplete or inaccurate, we may:

• Re-interview witnesses
• Locate surveillance footage
• Hire accident reconstruction experts
• Conduct scene inspections
• Obtain 911 recordings

3. Requesting amendments or supplements

If the officer acknowledges a mistake or missing information, they may agree to update their report.

4. Challenging unfair conclusions

We prepare comprehensive demand packages that:

• Highlight contradictions
• Present clearer evidence
• Undermine faulty assumptions
• Use expert opinions

5. Using the report to negotiate

A strong report supports arguments for:

• Policy limits payouts
• Full compensation for medical bills
• Lost earnings
• Pain and suffering

6. Using the report at trial

While not always admissible, certain parts of the report may be used to:

• Refresh an officer’s recollection
• Impeach a witness
• Support expert testimony

11. What to Do if Your Traffic Accident Report is Unfavorable

Don’t panic. A negative police report does not doom your case.

Step 1: Obtain the full report (including supplements)

Many clients are surprised to learn that supplemental reports exist.

Step 2: Let your attorney review the evidence

We evaluate:

• Physical evidence
• Medical documentation
• Photographs
• Video
• EDR (black box) data

Step 3: Identify inconsistencies

We compare the officer’s narrative to:

• Vehicle damage patterns
• Witness statements
• Time-distance calculations
• Scene geometry

Step 4: Conduct a private investigation

Our firm routinely discovers evidence missed by officers.

Step 5: Reframe liability for insurance purposes

Even with a negative report, insurers may settle when confronted with:

• Better evidence
• A compelling liability argument
• Reconstruction expert opinions

Step 6: Prepare for litigation if necessary

Courts do not presume an officer’s opinion is correct. Juries often disregard:

• Speculative opinions
• Inconsistent narratives
• Poorly written reports

12. Should You Give a Statement to Police After a Collision?

Yes—but carefully.

Statements matter because they appear permanently in the traffic collision report.

What to say:

• Provide your ID
• State the facts as you know them
• Mention any pain or injury
• Ask to speak with a lawyer for complex questions

What NOT to say:

• “I’m not hurt” (injuries often appear hours later)
• “It was my fault”
• Guesses about speed or distance
• Speculation

Remember: everything you say may later be used by an insurance company to minimize your claim.

13. Hit-and-Run Collision Reports in Los Angeles

Hit-and-run collisions are extremely common in LA County.

When officers take a hit-and-run report, they may include:

• License plate information
• Witness leads
• Vehicle description
• Surveillance camera locations
• Suspect interviews

Even if the suspect is not found, the report helps you make:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) claims
• Medical payments (MedPay) claims

Your attorney can also work with police to assist in identifying the responsible driver.

14. DUI Collision Reports

DUI collisions involve specialized reports that may include:

• Field sobriety test results
• Breathalyzer readings
• Blood alcohol concentrations (BAC)
• Arrest records
• Body-worn camera footage

These cases often result in larger settlements due to punitive exposure against the impaired driver.

15. When You Should Contact a Lawyer About Your Traffic Accident Report

You should contact a lawyer right away if:

• You are injured
• You are unsure what to say to an officer or insurance company
• The police report contains inaccuracies
• A hit-and-run driver is involved
• The officer blamed you unfairly
• The other driver is lying
• Witnesses were not included
• Insurance companies start denying or delaying your claim

Early legal involvement greatly increases the likelihood of success.

16. How Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC Can Help

For nearly 30 years, our firm has been a trusted advocate for victims of motor vehicle collisions in Los Angeles County. We know how complicated accident reports can be and how insurance companies manipulate them to minimize payouts.

We assist clients by:

• Obtaining all reports quickly
• Analyzing every detail for accuracy
• Challenging unfair conclusions
• Performing independent investigations
• Hiring reconstruction experts when needed
• Negotiating aggressively with insurers
• Filing lawsuits where necessary

We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients and stand ready to help you navigate the aftermath of your collision.

Conclusion

Traffic accident reports play a central role in personal injury claims throughout Los Angeles County. Whether generated by LAPD, CHP, or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, these reports contain crucial information that can either strengthen or complicate your case.

Understanding how these reports work—and having an attorney who knows how to interpret, challenge, and leverage them—is essential to protecting your rights and maximizing your financial recovery.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC is here to help. Call us toll free 24/7 at 866-966-5240.