After a car accident in Santa Rosa, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, filing a Santa Rosa car accident report is a crucial step to take. Not only does it safeguard your right to seek compensation for any injuries or property damage caused by another driver’s negligence, but it is also required by law under California regulations.
According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 20008, if your car accident results in injury or death, you must file a written report with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local police within 24 hours, unless a police officer has already responded to the scene and filed the report for you. If you are physically unable to file the report, CVC § 20010 places the responsibility on any passengers in your vehicle to file the accident report. Additionally, CVC § 16000 mandates that any motor vehicle accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 10 days of the incident.
At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process and providing clear instructions on how to file a police report in Santa Rosa. Our objective is to ensure that you are well-informed and protected, fulfilling your legal duties while safeguarding your right to pursue compensation. Knowing how to properly file a police report in Santa Rosa is not just a step toward recovering financially after an accident; it’s a vital legal protection. Let our Santa Rosa car accident lawyers assist you in taking the right actions to shield yourself both legally and financially following an accident.
How to File a Santa Rosa Police Accident Report Online
If you’ve been the victim of a non-injury hit-and-run accident, you can file a police report online in Santa Rosa. However, it’s very important to note that hit-and-run accidents are the only type of car accident you can report online in Santa Rosa. All other vehicle collision types cannot be reported online, as the Santa Rosa Police Department states that you must contact dispatch if there was an injury or a pedestrian or bicyclist was involved.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process of filing a police report online in Santa Rosa after a non-injury hit and run:
- Visit the City of Santa Rosa Website – Start by going to the official City of Santa Rosa website.
- Go To The Police Department Page – Hover over the “Government” tab at the top of the homepage, and a drop-down menu will appear. From the dropdown menu, find the section “Departments and Divisions,” then click on “Police.” This will take you to the official Santa Rosa Police Department webpage.
- Find the Crime Reporting Section – At the top of the Police Department page, hover over the “Services” tab in the menu that is below the Santa Rosa Police Department logo. When the dropdown menu appears, click on the options for “Report a Crime, or Submit A Crime Tip.” This will take you to a new page.
- Access The Online Reporting Portal – On the new page, look for and click the underlined text that says: “CLICK HERE TO FILE A REPORT ONLINE OR SUBMIT A CRIME TIP.“
- Select the Appropriate Report Type – You’ll be taken to a new page featuring three options for reporting a crime, submitting a tip, or reporting a hit and run. Click on the box labeled “Hit And Run Contact.”
- Complete the Report Form – From there, you’ll be directed to a form where you’ll need to provide information about the non-injury hit-and-run accident, including when and where it occurred, vehicle information (if known), and any other relevant facts.
Knowing how to file a police report online in Santa Rosa helps ensure that your case is officially documented, which can be an important piece of evidence for insurance claims and future legal actions. At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’re here to help if you need guidance or support when looking for information on how to file a police report in Santa Rosa.
How to File a Santa Rosa Police Accident Report by Mail
As of 2025, the Santa Rosa Police Department does not provide any official information on its website about how to file a police report in Santa Rosa by mail. While this option may not provide information on how to do so publicly, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely off the table.
If you’re unable to file a report in person or online, we recommend calling the Santa Rosa Police Department directly at (707) 543-3600. A staff member from the Police Department can provide information on if mailing in a report is possible based on your situation and may offer alternative solutions.
At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand that managing the reporting process after an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you find the best and most efficient way to file a police report in Santa Rosa and protect your legal rights.
How to File a Santa Rosa Police Accident Report by Phone
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Santa Rosa that resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is essential to call 911 immediately to ensure that medical assistance can be provided. Emergency responders, including law enforcement officers, will be dispatched to the scene to tend to the injured parties. A police officer will then conduct an investigation and file an official police report in Santa Rosa on your behalf. This report is a crucial piece of documentation for insurance claims and any potential legal action.
If the accident involves only minor property damage and no injuries, you should call the Santa Rosa Police Department’s non-emergency number at (707) 528-5222. A dispatcher will assess the situation and determine whether an officer needs to come to the scene to begin filing a police report or if you will be given instructions on how to proceed with filing the report yourself.
Regardless of the situation, ensuring that an official report is filed can have a significant impact on your ability to pursue compensation and protect your legal rights. At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are here to guide you through this process, helping you understand your options and advocating for your interests every step of the way.
How to File a Santa Rosa Police Accident Report in Person
If you prefer to file a police report in Santa Rosa in person, or if you need to obtain a copy of a police report you have already made, you can visit the Santa Rosa Police Department directly.
Their address is:
965 Sonoma Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Lobby Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on holidays
During business hours, you can speak with a representative at the front desk, who will contact a police officer who can help you file your report or direct you to the appropriate department. Bringing any relevant documentation can help streamline the process, such as:
- ID
- Insurance details
- Photographs or the accident scene
- Accident information
At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we recommend filing your Santa Rosa police report in person if you need additional guidance or want to make sure all details from he accident are accurately reported. It’s one more step toward protecting your rights and strengthening your compensation case, and if you need any assistance, our team is here to help.
Can You File A Police Report Days After An Accident In Santa Rosa
You can file a police report days after a car accident in Santa Rosa, but it’s important to understand the legal requirements concerning deadlines for filing police reports in Santa Rosa. We recommend acting promptly to comply with California law and protect your rights. Technically, you have to report the accident to local law enforcement within 24 hours, meaning you have 1 day to file a police report in Santa Rosa, or you may face legal penalties.
How Long Do You Have To File A Police Report After An Incident
Under California law, you are legally required to file a police report in Santa Rosa :
- Police Report (CVC §20008) – If the accident resulted in injury or death and a police officer did not respond to the scene, you must file a police report in Santa Rosa with the local police department or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours.​
- DMV Report (CVC §16000) – If the accident caused injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000, you must file a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1 Form) with the DMV within 10 days, regardless of who was at fault. ​
Failing to meet these deadlines can lead to you facing legal penalties, including the suspension of your driver’s license.
Need More Information On How To File A Police Report In Santa Rosa?
At King Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Santa Rosa can be overwhelming. If you need more information on how to file a police report in Santa Rosa, or need further legal assistance, our team of car accident lawyers is here to help you manage the legal requirements and protect your rights when pursuing compensation. Contact us today to help you navigate the process after a car accident.
