When most of us complete driver’s education or obtain our driver’s licenses, we are taught the basics of road safety, traffic signs, and how to prevent common accidents. What we aren’t taught, however, is what to do after being in a car accident, including how to file a police report in Riverside after an accident. In Riverside and the rest of the state, many drivers are left confused about when and how to report a crash, which often leads to mistakes that can hurt their ability to claim compensation, as well as break the law.
At Riverside Accident Injury Attorneys, we want to make the process of filing a police accident report in Riverside as simple and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve pulled together information outlining the different ways you can file a police report in Riverside, through the Riverside Police Department. We hope that this information provides you with the information you need to file a police report to protect your right to compensation and fulfill your legal obligations.
How to File a Riverside Police Accident Report Online
While the City of Riverside does provide an option for residents to file certain types of police reports online, such as for lost property or theft, this option does not include traffic accidents. At this time, there is no online system available for filing a police accident report, according to the Riverside Police Department’s webpage.
If you need to file a report online in Riverside after being in a car accident, you will need to do so through another avenue. For assistance, you can contact the City of Riverside’s non-emergency line at (951) 354-2007, where staff can direct you to the proper resources and explain the steps required to complete the process of filing your report.
How to File a Riverside Police Accident Report by Mail
At this time, the Riverside Police Department does not provide information on its website about how to file a police accident report by mail. Because of this, we recommend contacting the Riverside Police Department directly to inquire about whether reporting an accident through the mail may be possible for your situation.
While the local police department does not provide an online filing system, you can still submit an accident report to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online if your crash meets state reporting requirements. To do this:
- Visit the DMV’s Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) page. Be sure to carefully read the section titled “Before You Begin” before proceeding. Once you are ready, click the blue button on the left side of the page labeled “Start an SR-1.”
- This will take you to a new screen where you must provide information, including your first name, last name, and email address, to create an account with the CA DMV or create a new account if you wish to file the form online.
- After submitting this information, the DMV will send a notification to your email address with a secure link to continue your SR-1 application. Please note that this link will expire after 10 days.
- From there, simply follow the prompts provided until you can fully complete your accident report with the DMV.
Once the accident report is filled out completely, you can print the SR-1 Form and mail it to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Financial Responsibility
Mail Station J237
P.O. Box 942884
Sacramento, CA 9428-0884
How to File a Riverside Police Accident Report by Phone
You can file a police report by phone in Riverside after being in an accident by contacting the Riverside Police Department’s non-emergency line at (951) 354-2007. This number can connect you with the dispatch team, where you can explain the situation and receive guidance on whether your accident qualifies for a phone report or if an officer needs to respond to the scene.
Important Disclaimer – If your accident involves injuries, fatalities, vehicles blocking traffic, or any other type of emergency, do not use the non-emergency line to report the accident. Instead, you must immediately call 911 so emergency responders can be dispatched to the scene without delay, to attend to victims and clear traffic.
How to File a Riverside Police Accident Report in Person
If you prefer to file a police report in person, you can go directly to the Riverside Police Department (RPD) at one of its locations. At the front desk, an officer or staff member can guide you through the process of filing a report and ensure the necessary information is documented. Filing in person is often the best option if your accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or circumstances that require immediate attention.
The main Riverside Police Department station is located at:
Riverside Police Department
4102 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Before visiting your local RPD station, it’s a good idea to call ahead at the non-emergency line (951) 354-2007 to confirm office hours and ensure staff are available to assist you.
Can You File a Police Report Days After an Accident in Riverside?
Yes, in most cases, you can file a police report days after an accident in Riverside, but you must first make sure you aren’t required to call local law enforcement immediately. California law requires that drivers who are involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 report the crash to law enforcement within a specific amount of time after it occurred, according to California Vehicle Code § 20008. Drivers are also required to file an SR-1 form with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within a specific number of days after the accident.
That means even if you did not file a report at the scene, you still have a legal obligation to report the accident afterward. Filing late can complicate insurance claims and could even result in legal penalties if you fail to notify the DMV. If your crash happened in Riverside, you can contact the local Riverside Police Department office to see if they will still accept a delayed report.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Incident?
In California, the timeline for reporting an accident depends on the circumstances and what occurred in the accident. If someone is injured or killed, or if the crash causes property damage that exceeds $1,000, you must report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours. However, reporting the accident to law enforcement isn’t your only reporting obligation, and California law requires that you submit an SR-1 form to the DMV within 10 days if the accident meets any of the above conditions.
While these are legal deadlines that drivers must adhere to, it’s always recommended to file a police report as soon as possible after an accident has occurred. The sooner you file a police report in Riverside, the more accurate the details will be, which can protect your rights if disputes arise with insurance companies or in court.
What Does the Riverside Accident Report Include?
A police accident report in Riverside is an official document that is created and submitted by law enforcement and is used to record important details about the crash. While the exact format may vary between police departments, most accident reports include:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers of the parties involved
- Vehicle information, including make, model, license plate, and insurance details
- Descriptions of injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, bystanders, or bicyclists
- Witness statements and their contact information
- Diagrams or narratives explaining how the accident occurred
- Responding officer observations, including contributing factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or intoxication
This report often serves as a very important piece of evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings, as it provides an unbiased record of the accident.
Need Information On How To File Police Report in Riverside?
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Riverside, don’t wait to protect your rights. Filing a police report is just the first step, and having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact Riverside Accident Injury Attorneys today for a free case consultation and more information on how to file a police report in Riverside. When searching for trusted legal help, many people look for a car accident attorney near you, and Riverside Accident Injury Attorneys are ready to provide the guidance you need.
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