How to Get a Motorcycle Accident Report in Los Angeles

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you’re dealing with painful injuries, stress, and a lot of confusion about what to do next. One of the first steps in protecting your rights is obtaining a copy of your accident report. 

If you’re unsure how to get your motorcycle accident report, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. 

Did you suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle accident? The personal injury lawyers at The Dominguez Firm can help. Call us today for a free consultation at (800)818-1818.

Why Motorcycle Accident Reports Matter

A traffic collision report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim. It provides official documentation of the motorcycle crash, including who was involved, when and where it happened, and what damage occurred. Insurance companies and accident injury lawyers rely on these reports to determine liability and compensation.

Who Can Request a Motorcycle Accident Report?

Not everyone is allowed to request a copy. You must be:

• A person involved in the motor vehicle accident
• A legal representative of someone involved
• A parent or guardian of a minor involved
• An authorized insurance company representative

You’ll need to show valid photo ID and proof of your connection to the accident.

What Does a Traffic Collision Report Include?

A traffic collision report is prepared by the officer who responded to the scene. It can include:

• Date, time, and exact location of the crash
• Names and contact information for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Descriptions of vehicle damage and property damages
• Diagram of the accident scene
• Road, weather, and lighting conditions
• Statements from involved parties
• The officer’s initial assessment of fault
• Citations issued or arrests made
• Identification numbers for forms and case documents

This report is used as evidence by your motorcycle accident lawyer and helps insurance companies evaluate liability and damages.

How to Request Your Motorcycle Accident Report

How you request your report depends on where your motorcycle accident happened. It could be the LAPD, California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the police department of a city within Los Angeles County.

If Your Accident Happened on an LA City Street (LAPD)

The LAPD handles most motorcycle accidents that happen on surface streets in Los Angeles. You can request your report:

• Online at policereports.lexisnexis.com (not available for accidents involving minors, arrests, or fatalities)
• By mail using the LAPD Traffic Collision Report Request Form
• In person at the LAPD Records and Identification Division at 100 West 1st Street,  Room P1-731, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The LAPD usually takes 7 to 14 business days to prepare the report, but it may take longer for serious crashes. However, online reports are not made available right away. The LAPD recommends waiting at least 45 days after the accident date before requesting the report online to ensure it has been reviewed and released.

If you need the report sooner, request it by mail or in person—those methods may result in faster access once the report is complete.

The cost is $15 for the report. If you want photos, there’s an additional $5 fee. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the LAPD. Cash is not accepted by mail.

If Your Accident Happened on a Freeway (CHP)

Crashes on highways like the 405, are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). These reports are not available online. You must ask for them by mail or in person.

Steps to request a CHP collision report:

1. Go to chp.ca.gov and download the CHP 190 form
2. Complete the form with the crash date, location, and parties involved
3. Include a copy of your photo ID and the required fee
4. Mail everything to the local CHP office that responded to your crash

CHP fees depend on report length:

• $10 for 1–25 pages
• $20 for 26–50 pages
• $30 for 51–75 pages
• $40 for 76–100 pages
• Add $10 for every 25 pages over 100

Checks or money orders should be made out to California Highway Patrol. Cash is only accepted for in-person requests.

CHP reports generally become available within 7 to 14 business days, but it’s best to wait at least a week before submitting your request.

If Your Motorcycle Accident Happened in a City Within Los Angeles County

You would request the traffic accident report from that city’s police dept., even though it happened in LA County. For example, if your motorcycle crash happened within the city limits of Commerce, you would contact the Commerce Police Dept. for the report.

Common Motorcycle Accident Report Problems and How to Avoid Them

Delays in Processing

Accident reports usually take time to obtain, and the process isn’t always predictable. Crashes involving fatalities or multiple vehicles often take longer, and most agencies require internal review before a report is released. Some departments also deal with backlogs that can cause further delays. 

Know which law enforcement authority handled your crash and follow their process closely to avoid added wait time.

Errors in the Report

Mistakes, such as wrong names, vehicle info, or crash locations, can happen. If something is inaccurate, you can ask for a correction by contacting the officer or the department. You may need to provide documentation.

Missing Report Number

If you don’t have the report number, include as much information as possible: the date and time, crash location, vehicle types, and full names of those involved.

How the Report Affects Your Insurance Claim

When your personal injury lawyer files a claim on your behalf, the traffic collision report becomes key evidence. Insurance adjusters use it to evaluate the accident scene, assign fault, and determine how much compensation to offer. A detailed, accurate report can support your claim and help your accident attorney seek full compensation.

Important: The DMV Also Requires You to File an SR-1 Form

Crashes with injuries, a fatality, or more than $1,000 in property damage require a Traffic Accident Report (SR-1). The SR-1 form must be filed with the DMV within 10 days of the accident, in addition to the police report.

Your personal injury lawyer will file the SR-1 for you in a timely manner as part of your claim.

It can also be filed online at dmv.ca.gov.

Fees and Wait Times

• LAPD: $15 for report, $5 for photos (by mail or in person)
• CHP: $10–$40 depending on length (by mail or in person)
• Processing: between three to four weeks, longer if there were fatalities

Final Tips for Retrieving Your Motorcycle Accident Report

• Know which agency responded—LAPD, CHP or a local city police dept.
• Include detailed and accurate information with your request
• Review your report for mistakes
• Keep a copy for yourself

Call the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at The Dominguez Firm

Having a copy of your motorcycle accident report is a vital piece of evidence for building your case. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will obtain the report, review it carefully, and use it as key evidence to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to, not what the insurance company wants to pay you. 

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, call The Dominguez Firm for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 today. Let us handle all police reports, DMV files, legal deadlines, and insurance adjusters, so you can concentrate on your recovery.