How long does it take to get an Accident Report from Bakersfield Police Department?

A traffic accident report is one of the important documents in the fling on an insurance claim if you were involved in a car accident. In fact, insurance companies will not initiate a claim without a finalized accident report, which is why it’s essential to obtain a copy as soon as possible. The law enforcement agency that responded to your accident has a duty to release the report in a timely manner. But each local department has their own timeline for how long it takes to complete a collision report. Additionally, accidents with severe injuries or suspicious circumstances merit further investigation, which can hold up the release of an accident report.

It’s difficult for many victims to figure out how long they should wait, and if the reasons delaying their accident report are valid. If you are waiting on a traffic accident report form the Bakersfield Police Department, please keep reading to learn more about your rights and legal options. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

How long will it take to get a Copy of my Accident Report from Bakersfield PD?

The turnaround time for a traffic accident report with the Bakersfield PD is normally 5 to 10 business days, meaning it can be anywhere from one to two weeks before you can ask for a copy. However, accidents involving serious injuries, extensive property damage, or fatality can take much longer. In that case, you should prepare to wait several weeks before the Bakersfield PD wraps up their investigation.

However, there are times when reports are delayed without a good reason. Bureaucratic red tape affects all government entities, and the Bakersfield PD is no exception. Are you having trouble getting a copy of your accident report, even after several weeks? Are you getting the run-around when you call the police department to ask why it’s taking so long? Our lawyers can help in either of these situations, along with any other questions you have about your insurance claim. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact our office at your earliest convenience.

Can I get a Copy of my Accident Report Online?

Yes, the Bakersfield Police Department makes their accident reports available online. To get an online copy of your report, you will need to navigate to the “Reports” section of the Bakersfield PD website. From there, look for the “request a copy of your accident report online” link. This will take you to the LexisNexis Buy Crash system, where you can locate your report by name, case number, location, and date and time of your accident.

You can also get a copy of your accident report by visiting the Bakersfield Police Department from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 3:30 PM. If you’d rather order a copy by mail, you can send a written request to the police department with your case number, the name of all the involved parties, the accident date, and a telephone number where you can be reached.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements

What is I was in a Truck or Motorcycle Accident?

The majority of collision reports for a truck or motorcycle accidents are ready within 5 to 10 business days. Keep in mind, however, that truck and motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries and/or fatality, compared to the average car accident. As a result, investigations for these incidents may take longer than expected. In fact, it’s possible for these investigations to take several months, which is undeniably frustrating when you’re waiting to file an insurance claim.

If you are stuck in this situation, give us a call and speak to one of our car accident lawsuit attorneys. Even if your report has not been finalized, there may be information we can request in order to start your case. We can also calculate a fair amount of damages for your injuries and help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.

What if I was in a Pedestrian Accident?

Like truck and motorcycle accidents, a pedestrian accident can take a long time to investigate. This is particularly true in the case of hit and runs, which are charged as a criminal misdemeanor or felony, depending on the degree of damage. A criminal investigation can take several months or more, which can certainly hold up an accident report. Help from an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial in these matters. Even if your case is charged as a criminal offense, you have the right to sue the responsible party for your physical and emotional injuries. Our lawyers can take immediate action on your behalf and aggressively fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Will I be Charged for a Copy of my Accident Report?

The Bakersfield Police Department charges $7.00 for traffic accident reports that are ordered by mail or in-person. If you’re placing an online order, LexisNexis will charge you an additional amount on top of the $7.00. Essentially, your cheapest option is to visit the police department or send in a written request. However, it may be worth it to pay the extra fee and get a copy of your report instantly.

What do I do if there’s a Mistake on my Police Report?

Mistakes and false information are not uncommon on accident reports, and some of them are easily resolved. A wrong birth date, for example, can be proven right away with a photo ID or birth certificate. But what if you were misquoted by the responding officer? What if the other driver lied in order to minimize their liability? These issues are more difficult to resolve, but this is another area where we can be of help.

What you’ll need is evidence to support the requested change, which can come from various sources. Surveillance footage may be available from traffic lights or from the dash cam of one of the involved vehicles. In some cases, we can find new witnesses that were not questioned by the responding officer. We can also consult with experts, who may be able to establish a timeline of your accident that supports your version of the events. The actions we can take depend on the circumstances of your accident, but the important thing is to take action right away. Evidence becomes harder to collect as more time goes by, so contact our office right away for help with a false or inaccurate police report.

What are my Rights if my Lawyer won’t Help me with my Accident Report?

Is your attorney refusing to help you with a mistake on your accident report? Perhaps you’ve been told that it’s impossible to change the error, or that it’s not worth it to request the change. But you’re not so sure about their advice, and you’re afraid that the misinformation can hurt your chances for monetary compensation. You are right to worry, and should speak with another lawyer immediately to verify your suspicions.

If you have concerns about what your attorney is telling you, please schedule a free second opinion with the lawyers of Normandie. During your consultation, we can address all the issues you’re having with your lawyer and discuss the pros and cons of switching to another law firm. If you’re interested in working with us, you won’t have to worry about the ordeal of firing your attorney, since we’ll take care of the transfer process for you. Then again, you may decide that it’s in your best interest to stay with your lawyer, which is completely up to you. Either way, the consultation is free, so don’t hesitate to call and schedule a free second opinion.

The Personal Injury Attorneys of Normandie Law Firm

It’s easy to feel defeated when you run into trouble with an accident report. This should be the simplest part of your insurance claim, yet you are fighting to obtain a copy of your report from the Bakersfield Police Department. If you have a copy of your report, you may be struggling to have it amended with the correct information. When the police are uncooperative, victims can feel overwhelmed and give up on their right to monetary damages.

The lawyers of Normandie are here for you, and will take charge of your injury claim from day one. We will fight zealously for your rights and will not rest until we recover your compensation award. Best of all, we will never charge upfront for our services, as a promise under our Zero fee guarantee. We only recover our fees by winning your case, so there is never any risk to your finances.

To learn more about what the lawyers of Normandie can do for you, contact our office and schedule a free case evaluation.