In San Bernardino, and the rest of California, there are specific legal stipulations regarding the filing of police reports after a car accident.

According to the California Vehicle Codes 20008 and 16000, drivers must report a collision to the San Bernardino Police Department within 24 hours, and the California DMV within 10 days under certain circumstances.

These include instances where:

• Property damage amounts to $1,000 or more,
• Someone sustains injuries
• A fatality resulted from the accident

The San Bernardino car accident reporting requirements serve multiple purposes that are primarily aimed at monitoring driving histories to identify negligent operators. Drivers can fulfill their obligation to report accidents to the DMV by submitting Form SR-1 within 10 days, however they must report the accident within 24 hours to the San Bernardino Police Department, County Sheriff, or California Highway Patrol.

These legal requirements are designed to ensure accountability of all drivers involved in accidents, facilitate the monitoring of road safety, and assist in determining fault and liability following traffic accidents in San Bernardino, CA.

For individuals with minor injuries or those who emerged unscathed from the incident, filing the report may seem relatively simple. However, for those who have suffered severe injuries or encountered other types of obstacles during the car accident reporting process, navigating the process may be difficult.

When we receive our California Driver’s Licenses, we are not instructed specifically on how to file a police accident report in San Bernardino. Therefore, turning to a trusted car accident attorney at the Gold Firm can prove invaluable.

Our dedicated team is always available to assist you, and provide information on how to file a police report in San Bernardino.

If you have just been in a car accident, and this is an emergency, dial 911 immediately instead of delaying to file a police report. Your safety is very important, and to ensure prompt medical and police assistance during urgent situations, calling 911 is the advised course of action.

How to File a San Bernardino Police Accident Report Online

The San Bernardino Police Department only allows individuals to file a San Bernardino accident report online in incidents involving property damage without any personal injuries or fatalities.

In instances where injuries or fatalities occur as a result of a car accident, individuals are not permitted to file a San Bernardino police report online. This procedural distinction is enacted in an effort to prioritize the severity and complexity of reported accidents.

By restricting online filing to property damage only, the department aims to ensure that cases involving bodily harm or loss of life receive the necessary immediate attention and intervention from law enforcement personnel equipped to handle such critical matters with diligence and expertise.

To file a San Bernardino police accident report online, these steps need to be followed:

1. Go to the City of San Bernardino website.
2. Along the top of the page will be a menu. Hover over the “Services” tab to reveal a dark blue drop-down menu, then click on “Police Department.“
3. You’ll be directed to the San Bernardino Police Department page, where you’ll find five blue boxes towards the top, each with various icons and labels. Click on the box labeled “Online Services” featuring a computer icon.
4. This will take you to a new page where you’ll see a list of online services offered by the San Bernardino Police Department. Click on the “Report a Crime” option. Note that this by clicking on this, you will not be reporting your accident as a crime, it encompasses various types of reports.
5. You’ll be taken to a new page with information provided by the San Bernardino Police Department regarding reporting processes. Read through this information thoroughly, then click the “Continue” button at the bottom of the page.
6. On the next page, you’ll find details about how the filed police report is reviewed, along with the issuance of a temporary report number upon filing your San Bernardino accident report. After reading through this information, click “Continue” at the bottom.
7. Review the information provided on the next page regarding filing a false police report. Thoroughly review this information, as it is a criminal offense to file a false police report, even regarding a traffic accident. Once done, click “Continue.”
8. You’ll be directed to a reporting menu that lists various types of reports that can be filed with the San Bernardino Police Department. Look for the option labeled “Traffic Collision – Property Damage Only” and click on it.
9. This action will open a new tab on the LexisNexis BuyCrash website, where you’ll be asked two questions regarding the number of vehicles involved and reminded about filing a false police report. Respond accordingly. If the accident involved only one vehicle, a “Continue” button will appear at the bottom of the questionnaire. Click on it.
10. Continue through the filing process by following all prompts and accurately filling out the information to complete the filing of your San Bernardino police accident report.

By adhering to these steps, you can efficiently file a San Bernardino police report online for car collisions involving property damage only. If two or more vehicles are involved, injuries are sustained, or a fatality occurs, those involved will not be able to file a San Bernardino accident report online.

How to File a San Bernardino Police Accident Report by Mail

The San Bernardino Police Department page does not provide specific information on how to file a police report by mail. However, they can contact the San Bernardino Police Department at 909-384-5742 to inquire whether it is possible to file a San Bernardino police accident report via mail.

Individuals can still complete their obligation to file a report to the DMV by printing out an SR-1 Form and sending it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The SR-1 Form should be addressed to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Financial Responsibility
Mail Station J237
P.O. Box 942884
Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

This allows individuals to fulfill their reporting obligations to the DMV in accordance with California state regulations, confirm that all necessary documentation regarding traffic collisions is appropriately submitted for review and record-keeping purposes.

How to File a San Bernardino Police Accident Report by Phone

To file a San Bernardino police report by phone, individuals have two options to choose from, depending on the nature of the accident. In cases of emergencies involving heated arguments between drivers, injuries, or fatalities, it is critical to dial 911 immediately for swift assistance and intervention from law enforcement.

However, if none of these escalating factors are present, individuals may contact the San Bernardino dispatch directly at 909-384-5742 to report the accident. Upon receiving the call, the dispatch coordinator will dispatch an officer to the scene to begin the process of creating the police report.

This approach allows for appropriate measures to be taken to address the motor vehicle accident and document the necessary information in compliance with legal and safety protocols outlined by the San Bernardino Police Department.

How to File a San Bernardino Police Accident Report in Person

To file a San Bernardino accident report in person, individuals have two convenient options. Firstly, they can contact the non-emergency number at 909-384-5742 to inform the dispatcher of their intention to file a police report.

It’s important to provide a clear and concise explanation of the details surrounding the car accident when placing the call, allowing the dispatcher to assess the situation’s urgency and relay necessary information to the responding officer. This streamlined process ensures that law enforcement can address concerns promptly and allocate appropriate resources as needed.

Alternatively, individuals have the option to file the police report in person by visiting the San Bernardino Police Department directly at:

10 N D St
San Bernardino, CA 92401

This approach offers a hands-on method of reporting car accidents to San Bernardino authorities, allowing individuals to complete the necessary documentation efficiently and effectively.

Need Help Filing a San Bernardino Police Accident Report?

Our team of San Bernardino car accident attorneys at the Gold Firm are dedicated to providing support and guidance during challenging times following a motor vehicle accident.

If you’ve sustained injuries or find yourself uncertain about the process of filing a police report, and timelines associated with filing a police report, our team is available and always willing to assist you. We understand the complexities involved in navigating such situations and are committed to answering any questions or addressing any concerns you may have.

Whether you need clarification on the filing process or require someone to file a police report on your behalf, our experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys are here to advocate for your rights and ensure that your interests are protected.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance tailored to your unique circumstances.

More questions? We are here to help!

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