Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, Stockton, California is located approximately 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area. As one of the state’s most populous cities, Stockton boasts a diverse and dynamic community. With a history deeply rooted in agriculture, it has evolved into a thriving urban center with a rich cultural heritage.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Stockton involving serious injury or a loved one passed away as a result of the collision, be sure to contact the Stockton injury lawyers at Roberts for a free consultation. The Roberts Personal Injury Law Firm is dedicated to helping car accident victims, and our attorneys are here to offer you and your family personal attention and compassion while helping secure compensation for your injuries.
How to File A Stockton, CA Police Accident Report
If you were in an accident that the police did not respond to, or if for some reason the police responded but did not create an accident report, you may need to file the report yourself. You can file a citizen police report as long as the incident is not an emergency and does not involve domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, or a stolen vehicle. If any of these circumstances apply, please contact the department directly for further instruction on how to proceed with your report. Be sure to consult our guide on how long after an accident can you file a police report in California.
Stockton Police Department Non-Emergency:
(209) 937-8377
If you are facing an emergency or witnessing a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. Provide accurate information about the situation, your location, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
How to File a Stockton Police Accident Report Online
Traffic accidents can be reported online via the Stockton Police Department’s online reporting system. All information submitted to the reporting portal will be reviewed by the Stockton Police Department. If further investigation or information is needed, you will be contacted directly. If no further investigation is needed, you will not be contacted.
Note: The Stockton Police Department does not allow hit-and-run accident report submissions online. Please contact their non-emergency call center at (209) 937-8377 to report hit-and-run accidents.
How to File a Stockton Police Accident Report by Mail
In order to save time and streamline the accident reports process, the Stockton Police Department asks that police accident reports be submitted online, per the process noted above.
How to File a Stockton Police Accident Report by Phone
If you are in an emergency situation or witnessing a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. Provide accurate information about the situation, your location, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
To report a non-injury traffic accident by phone, please call the Stockton Police Department’s non-emergency line directly at (209) 937-8377.
How to File a Stockton Police Accident Report in Person
If you need assistance filing your Stockton police report, you can visit the police department in person during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Stockton Police Department
22 E Market Street
Stockton, CA 95202
What Documentation Is Required to File My Stockton, CA Accident Report?
When you report a Stockton traffic accident, you will need to provide information about the accident. This includes specifying the time, date, and location of the wreck. To ensure the report is comprehensive and accurate, provide additional information such as the individuals involved, details about witnesses, property and vehicle damage, as well as any relevant photos or other pertinent details related to the accident.
Why Do I Need to File a Stockton, CA Accident Report?
Police incident reports serve as official documentation of the accident and are often used by insurance companies, legal representatives, and individuals involved in the accident for claims, settlements, or legal proceedings.
Filing an accident report is not only necessary for recovering damages, but is also a legal requirement outlined in the California Vehicle Code. In accordance with this code, drivers are required to report accidents to local law enforcement agencies if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The responding law enforcement officer is responsible for filing the official Stockton police accident report. Failure to notify law enforcement about an accident may result in penalties, including possible jail time, fines, or both.
In addition to informing law enforcement, drivers are required to submit an accident report to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the incident. Neglecting to do so could lead to a license suspension of up to one year. It’s important to note that reporting to the DMV is a separate requirement from the police report, but equally important.
Filing a Stockton accident report is important for a variety of reasons:
Documentation of Details: An accident report provides an official and detailed account of the incident. It includes information such as the date, time, location, and involved parties. This documentation can be essential in accurately reporting the events leading up to the accident.
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies typically require an incident report when processing claims for vehicle damage or injuries. Having an official crash report can help expedite the claims process and provide insurers with necessary information to determine liability.
Legal Purposes: If there are disputes or legal actions from the accident, your police report serves as an objective and impartial document. It can be used as evidence in court proceedings to establish the facts of the case.
Identification of Witnesses: The police report may include witness statements. This information can be valuable in supporting your version of events and corroborating accident details.
Traffic Violations or Criminal Activity: If the accident involved a traffic violation or criminal activity, the police report is necessary for documenting these aspects. It enables law enforcement to take appropriate actions, such as issuing citations or pursuing criminal charges.
Official Record: The police report is an official record for law enforcement agencies.
Safety Improvement: Aggregated data from accident reports can be used to identify areas with a high frequency of incidents. This information can lead to improved safety measures to enhance safety, such as traffic signals and signage.
Once your report is filed, you will need to get an official copy for your records. Consult our guide on how to get a car accident report in Stockton, CA for more information. In an accident in another jurisdiction? See our guides on getting a San Joaquin County police report and how to get a California Highway Patrol car accident report.
Questions About Stockton Accident Reports?
Here are some helpful phone numbers if you have questions about the Stockton, CA accident reports process:
- Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers: (209) 488-5210
- Stockton Police Department: (209) 937-8377
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Stockton Car Accident?
Insurance companies allocate substantial resources to their legal representation, and you deserve equally exceptional legal support. Contact the Stockton injury attorneys at the Roberts Law Firm for a complimentary consultation. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side often results in significantly higher compensation and assistance for victims of car accidents and their families.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident or experienced the loss of a loved one in a collision, reach out to us for a free consultation. Managing the aftermath of a car accident can be emotionally challenging, and your primary focus should be on recovering from the incident. Let us handle your case, while you concentrate on your recovery.
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