Essential Legal Resource

California Accident Report Guide

Get your accident report fast from CHP, Fresno Police, or other agencies. Essential for insurance claims and personal injury cases in Fresno County.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) Accident Reports

CHP investigates accidents on highways, freeways, and state routes in Fresno County including Highway 99, I-5, Highway 180, and Highway 41.

How to Get CHP Reports

  1. Visit the CHP website: chp.ca.gov
  2. Click "Official Collision Reports"
  3. Search by case number or driver info
  4. Pay $26 fee online or by mail
  5. Reports available 10 days after accident
CHP Report Information

What You Need:

  • • Date and time of accident
  • • Location (highway/mile marker)
  • • Driver names or case number
  • • $26 fee (check, money order, or online)

Contact Information:

CHP Fresno Area Office

5770 N Brawley Ave

Fresno, CA 93711

Phone: (559) 275-3311

Local Police Accident Reports in Fresno County

Fresno Police Department
City of Fresno accidents

Address: 2323 Mariposa Mall, Fresno, CA 93721

Phone: (559) 621-7000

Online: Available through city website

Fee: $20 per report

Processing: 7-10 business days

Fresno County Sheriff
Unincorporated county areas

Address: 2200 Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93721

Phone: (559) 600-3111

Coverage: Rural areas, county roads

Fee: $15 per report

Processing: 5-7 business days

Clovis Police Department
City of Clovis accidents

Address: 1033 5th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Phone: (559) 324-2800

Online: ClovisPD.com

Fee: $18 per report

Processing: 5-7 business days

California DMV Accident Reporting (SR-1 Form)

California law requires you to report certain accidents to the DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1 (Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California).

You MUST Report to DMV if:

  • • Anyone was injured or killed
  • • Property damage exceeds $1,000
  • • The other driver was uninsured

How to File SR-1 Form:

  1. Download Form SR-1 from DMV.ca.gov
  2. Complete all required information
  3. Submit within 10 days of accident
  4. Mail to: DMV, PO Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 94284
  5. No fee required for SR-1 submission
Failure to Report Consequences

Additional Penalties:

  • • Financial responsibility requirements
  • • SR-22 insurance filing requirement
  • • Difficulty obtaining future insurance
  • • Complications in personal injury claims

Why Accident Reports Are Critical for Your Case

Official accident reports provide crucial evidence for insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits in Fresno County courts.

Official Documentation

Objective third-party documentation of accident details, conditions, and preliminary fault determination.

Witness Statements

Contact information for witnesses and their statements recorded at the scene when memories are fresh.

Insurance Claims

Required documentation for insurance claims. Helps establish coverage and liability for all parties.

Legal Evidence

Admissible evidence in court proceedings, providing foundation for personal injury and wrongful death claims.

Need Help with Your Accident Report or Insurance Claim?

Our personal injury attorneys help you obtain accident reports and use them effectively in your case. Free consultation for accident victims in Fresno County.

No fees unless we win • Free consultation • Serving Fresno, Clovis, Madera & Central Valley