How to File an Accident Report in Sacramento, California
Taking notes is not likely to be the first thing on your mind when you are in an accident, but you will need to gather information and file an accident report. An accident in Sacramento, California, should be reported to the Sacramento Police Department. If the accident occurs in an unincorporated part of Sacramento, file your report with the sheriff's office. You may also need to file Form SR1 with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Before you leave the scene, exchange information with other drivers, if applicable. Write down the vehicle makes and models, driver's license numbers, plate numbers and the identity of any witnesses.
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Instructions
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Accidents in the City of Sacramento
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Browse to the Sacramento Police Department's Crime Reporting Page.
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Select "Accidents." Read the two vehicle codes listed and select the type of accident you were involved in. You can choose between "Hit and Run" and "Non-Injury."
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Wait for a pop-up window to appear after clicking on the accident type. Select the report type. If you are filing a new report, select "Original." Otherwise select "Supplemental" and enter the report number and office name, if necessary. Click "Continue."
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Complete the subsequent fields, including information about yourself, the incident, and the vehicle. Review the information for accuracy and submit the report.
Accidents in Sacramento County
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Make sure that you are reporting an accident, and not a theft, telephone harassment, illegal dumping or other crimes. Accidents must be reported to the Sacramento County Sheriff over the phone.
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Call the Sacramento County Sheriff Non-Emergency line at 916-874-5115.
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Tell the responding officer that you need to file accident report. Convey any necessary information over the phone, such as the name and address information for involved parties, the location of the accident and the identity of any witnesses. Visit the sheriff's office in person if directed. The officer will instruct you as to what information to bring or what forms you will need to fill out upon arrival.
File SR1 with the DMV
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Open Form SR 1, the Traffic Accident Report, from the California Department of Motor Vehicles website. You will have to file this form if your property damage is more than $750 or anyone was injured or killed. You must file the report within 10 days of the accident, whether you caused the accident or not. You must file it even if the accident occurred on private property.
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Fill out each part of the form. You will need to list the contact information for parties involved, any injuries, deaths or property damage and insurance information. Print the completed form by clicking "File" and "Print."
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Sign the document and mail it back to the DMV at the address listed on the bottom of the form.
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