If you’ve been injured in a car accident you didn’t cause, you’re probably eager to file an insurance claim against the other driver. But as you likely know, an insurance company isn’t just going to take your word for it — they need some kind of proof.
Most of the time, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) report is the best kind of proof. Here’s what you need to know about CHP reports and why they’re so important to your case.
What’s a CHP Report?
If you are involved in a car accident in California that causes injury or death, you’re required to call 911 to report it to either the police or the CHP.
The CHP investigates accidents that happen on California’s highways. They then write up their findings in an official accident report. That report contains a number of details that are important if you intend to pursue an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit, but one of the most important details is the assignment of fault.
In many cases, both drivers involved in an accident contributed to the crash somehow. But in California, the driver with the highest percentage of fault is the one responsible for paying damages to the other driver.
Why Is a CHP Report So Important For Insurance Claims?
If you’re hurt in an accident another driver caused, you’ll likely want to file a claim with their insurance company. Before paying the claim, the insurance company will want a copy of the CHP report stating that the other driver was at fault.
However, the assignment of fault isn’t the only part of the report the insurer looks at. Over the course of their investigation, the CHP talks to involved drivers, and they usually write down what they hear. This is why you should never admit fault at the scene of an accident. It’s best to avoid saying, “I’m sorry,” or anything else that even suggests you were at fault.
Insurance companies usually do whatever they can to avoid paying a claim. Even if the CHP found the other driver at fault, an insurer may point to something you said during the investigation and argue that it means they can pay you less.
How Do You Get a Copy of Your CHP Report?
Generally, getting a copy of your report isn’t difficult. California lets you fill out a form to request a copy by mail. Alternatively, you can stop by your local CHP office and request a report. There is usually a small fee.
You can also ask for a copy of the report from your insurance company, and in some cases, that means you don’t have to pay a fee. If you have retained a personal injury attorney to help you seek compensation, your attorney may also be able to get a copy for you.
Keep in mind that CHP reports are not available immediately after a crash. Before creating a report, the CHP must thoroughly investigate the crash, and this takes time. In most cases, it will take a week or two for a crash report to be filed. If there were fatalities involved, it might take a few months.
Why Your CHP Report Matters
A CHP report provides evidence that is absolutely crucial in any personal injury claim; it verifies that you were not responsible for the accident that caused your injuries.
However, while getting a copy of your CHP report is important, it isn’t the only thing that matters. Whether it’s CCTV footage, witness statements, or photos of the accident scene, the more evidence you have, the better.
