How to Get a Riverside Police Accident Report (Online & In-Person)

Knowing how to get a Riverside police accident report, whether online or in person, is an important part of the recovery process after a crash. This report contains essential details about the collision, including who was involved, how it happened, and whether any traffic laws were violated. 

Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or preparing for legal action, having this documentation on hand can strengthen your position and protect your rights.

If you need help understanding your report or determining your next steps, a Riverside car accident lawyer at J&Y Law can review the details and explain your options. We know how difficult the recovery process can be, and we’re here to support you throughout your case.

Do You Need a Police Accident Report?

A police accident report serves several important functions when you’re involved in a collision:

• Insurance and legal use: Insurers and courts rely on the official report to assess fault, document damage, describe injuries, and identify witnesses. A complete report strengthens your position in claims or lawsuits.
• Statute of release: Traffic collision reports typically become available approximately 10 business days after the incident, once reviewed by the Traffic Division.
• When you must obtain one: If you were injured, someone else was injured, a vehicle was towed, or there was significant property damage, having the report helps protect your rights.

Yes, if you were involved in a crash and anticipate dealing with your insurance, another party’s insurer, or legal action, you should get a copy of the police accident report.

Where to Order a Police Accident Report Online (Portals Serving Riverside)

Here are the online options for ordering a crash report for Riverside:

• LexisNexis eCrash: The Riverside Police Department partners with LexisNexis to provide online access. There is a $10 convenience fee on top of the standard fee.
• California Highway Patrol (CHP): If your crash occurred on a state freeway or was handled by CHP instead of RPD, you may need to request your report through the CHP’s online request portal.

Payment and processing details:

• Report fee: $20 if requested in person (official RPD fee)
• Online requests include an additional $10 convenience fee
• Reports are typically available about 10 working days after the crash
• Reports involving fatalities or on-duty emergency vehicles are not available online and must be requested directly from the Riverside Police Department

Steps to request online:

1. Wait approximately 10 working days from the crash date to allow time for report processing.
2. Visit the LexisNexis Police Reports portal: https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com/search.
3. Enter the required information, such as the report number (if known), crash date, and involved party name.
4. Pay the applicable fee (including a convenience charge) and download the report once available.

How to Order a Car Accident Police Report In Person

You can also request your police report in person or by mail through the Riverside Police Department.

Location:

4102 Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501

Hours:

Monday through Friday during normal business hours (call ahead to confirm availability)

What to bring:

• Valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
• Report number, or the crash date, location, and names of involved parties
• An authorization letter if you are not an involved party

Payment options:

• $20 fee
• Check or money order payable to “City of Riverside”
• If requesting by mail, include payment, a copy of your Driver’s License, the Police Report Number, and any other identifying information.

Redacted vs. Unredacted Copies of a Car Accident Police Report

Understanding what version of the report you can access is important:

• Standard (unredacted) reports are available to involved parties and their authorized representatives. This includes drivers, vehicle owners, passengers, or attorneys working on their behalf.
• Redacted copies may be issued in cases where the report involves a fatality, on-duty emergency vehicle, minor, or active investigation. These reports may omit sensitive details and are not released online.
• If you’re not an involved party, you may need a subpoena, court order, or written authorization from someone involved in the crash. California law generally treats police reports as confidential, with access limited to those directly connected to the incident.

What’s Inside the Accident Report and How to Read It

Once you obtain the report, here’s what you can expect:

Included sections:

• Crash diagram showing vehicle positions and directions of travel
• The officer’s narrative of how the accident happened
• Statements from drivers and witnesses
• Contributing factors and suspected violations
• Injuries and property damage
• Unit pages listing vehicle and driver information

Report Reading Tips

Once you receive your Riverside police accident report, it helps to know what to look for. This document contains several key sections that may influence your insurance claim or legal case. Reading the report carefully can help you catch errors, understand how the fault was assessed, and prepare your next steps.

Here’s what to focus on when reviewing your report:

• Crash diagram: Confirm the positions and directions of all vehicles involved match what you remember. Mistakes here can impact how fault is assigned.
• Narrative section: Look for phrases such as “failed to yield,” “rear-ended,” or “unsafe turn.” These statements can shape the way insurers and attorneys view liability.
• Contributing factors: Watch for listed causes like speeding, inattention, or failure to stop. These details may affect how your claim is handled.
• Injuries and damage: Make sure all injuries and property damage are listed. If something is missing, you may need to submit additional documentation.
• Citations issued: If the officer issued any traffic citations, note them. While not final proof of fault, citations can support your position during negotiations.

Timeline and Follow-Up

Here’s what to expect after you request the report:

• Processing time: Reports are generally available approximately 10 working days after the accident, depending on the complexity of the incident.
• If there’s a delay: Contact the Riverside Police Department Records Bureau at (951) 826–5700, option 2 to check the status.
• Proof of identity: Bring a valid photo ID when requesting in person, or include a copy with your mail-in request. Online requests will require matching party details, such as name, crash date, or report number, to verify eligibility.
• Keep a copy: Once you receive the report, save a digital or printed copy for your records. Share it with your insurance company or a Riverside car accident attorney if you plan to pursue a claim.

Call J&Y Law for Help With Your Riverside Car Accident Today

Getting a Riverside police accident report online or in person is just the beginning. If you were hurt in a crash in Riverside, J&Y Law is ready to help you take the next step. We can review your report, explain your legal options, and help you file a claim or lawsuit if needed. We focus on you—because we’ve been there ourselves.

Call J&Y Law today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you move forward.