Getting your Los Angeles traffic collision report depends entirely on where the crash happened. Collisions on city surface streets are handled by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which enforces a 45-day processing wait before releasing reports. Collisions on Los Angeles freeways (I-405, US-101, I-10, I-110, I-5) are handled by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and are usually ready in 7–14 days.
Los Angeles Crash Report Quick Reference
| Investigating Agency | Where Crash Occurred | Cost | How to Order | Availability Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAPD (Online) | City surface streets | $11 | LexisNexis BuyCrash | Minimum 45 days after crash |
| LAPD (In Person / Mail) | City surface streets | $20 | 100 W. 1st St., Room 124, LA, CA 90012 | Minimum 45 days after crash |
| CHP (Form CHP 190) | Freeways (101, 405, 10, 110, 5) | $10 | CHP Online Portal or local CHP Office | 7–14 business days |
| LA County Sheriff (LASD) | Unincorporated LA / Contract Cities | $1–$16 | Local LASD Station (e.g., West Hollywood, East LA) | 10–14 business days |
Step 1: Ordering from LAPD vs. CHP
If LAPD Responded (Surface Streets)
- Wait the mandatory 45 days: LAPD's Records and Identification Division rejects requests submitted less than 45 days from the crash date while traffic detectives complete supervisory review.
- Order Online ($11): Visit policereports.lexisnexis.com, select California and Los Angeles Police Department, and enter your DR Number (Division of Records number) and crash date. Fatalities, juvenile collisions, and felony hit-and-runs/DUIs are excluded from online download and must be requested in person or by mail.
- Order In Person or By Mail ($20): Visit 100 W. 1st St., Room 124, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Phone: 213-486-8190) with photo ID and a $20 check, money order, or cash.
If CHP Responded (Freeways & State Routes)
- Complete Form CHP 190 or log into the CHP Crash Portal.
- Use the 4-digit CHP Area Office code on your yellow incident receipt (e.g., Central LA, West LA, West Valley, or East LA).
Step 2: How to Read California Form CHP 555
Both LAPD and CHP write collision reports on California Form CHP 555. Insurance adjusters focus on three sections:
- Primary Collision Factor (PCF): The officer identifies Party 1 (typically the driver deemed primarily at fault) and cites a specific California Vehicle Code (CVC) violation—such as
CVC 22350(Unsafe Speed),CVC 21801(a)(Left Turn Failure to Yield), orCVC 21453(a)(Red Light). - Associated Collision Factors: Secondary factors that split liability under California's Pure Comparative Negligence rule (Civil Code § 1714). Even if you are 70% at fault, you can recover 30% of your damages.
Step 3: Mandatory 10-Day California DMV Form SR-1
Ordering an LAPD or CHP report does not satisfy your DMV requirement. Under California Vehicle Code § 16000, you must file Form SR-1 with the California DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000, or face automatic license suspension.
Listed as "Party 1" unfairly on your LAPD or CHP 555 report? Get a free legal review of your report and fault codes at submitaccident.report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a report if LAPD didn't come to my minor accident?
If your crash involved no injuries, no DUI, and no felony hit-and-run, file an LAPD Online Traffic Collision Report at lapdonline.org/file-a-traffic-collision-report and submit your DMV Form SR-1 within 10 days.
Can I amend an LAPD report if the officer got the facts wrong?
LAPD will not erase an officer's Primary Collision Factor opinion, but you can mail or hand-deliver a Supplemental Written Statement with photos to the investigating LAPD Traffic Division (Central, South, Valley, or West) to be permanently stapled to your DR file.