If you’ve been involved in a crash in Fontana, whether it was a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, filing a police report is an essential step in documenting the incident.
This report will play a key role when dealing with insurance claims or legal proceedings.
But how do you file a police report in Fontana? Below, we’ll cover the various options, including online, by mail, by phone, and in person.
Filing a police report online can be a convenient option, saving you a trip to the Fontana Police Department. However, as of now, it is not possible to file a police report online in Fontana for a motor vehicle accident.
Despite the option of submitting incident reports online for things like vehicle theft, burglary, and vandalism, the Fontana Police Department does not currently have a dedicated online system for submitting accident reports.
This means that if you’re looking to file a police report online in Fontana, you’ll need to consider alternative methods, such as visiting the station in person or calling the department directly.
Fontana is smack dab in the middle of two of the busiest freeways in the state, I-10 and I-15, which fall under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In addition to the CHP, an officer from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department may have responded to the scene of your accident.
In addition to filing an accident report with the local law enforcement agency, California residents may also need to file form SR-1 with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
With the Fontana Police Department, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol in the equation, it can sometimes be confusing as to which agency is responsible for filing your police accident report – especially immediately following an accident.
For more information or updates on online reporting options, you can visit the official Fontana Police Department website.
If you’re involved in a car accident in California that causes injury, a fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form. This requirement has been in place since January 1, 2017.
You or your representative must file the SR 1 form within 10 days of the crash, regardless of who was at fault or whether it happened on private property. Filing this report is mandatory even if you’ve already reported the accident to the police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or your insurance company.
Failure to submit the form could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
California Vehicle Code (CVC) §1806 requires the DMV to record accident details when reported by individuals under the Financial Responsibility Law or through investigations by law enforcement or the CHP.
For commercial vehicle drivers, state law also mandates notifying your employer within five days if you’re in an accident while driving a company vehicle (CVC §16002). However, your employer may require immediate notification based on their policies.
You’ll need this info to successfully file form SR-1:
Remember, failure to provide the information will result in suspension of your driving privilege. You need to file this report separately from any reports submitted to law enforcement, your insurance company, or the California Highway Patrol (CHP), as those do not meet the required criteria. A driver’s insurance agent, lawyer, or another authorized representative can handle the submission on their behalf.
Filing a police report by mail is another option that some cities provide, but in Fontana, this service is also not available. The Fontana Police Department does not currently allow reports to be submitted through the mail.
If you’ve been in a wreck or need to document an accident for insurance purposes that the responding law enforcement agency did not file, or there was not one present due to a minor crash, you will need to explore other channels.
Filing your report in person or over the phone is your next best available course of action at this time. These options ensure that your report is accurately documented and processed promptly.
If you’re unable to visit the station in person, filing a police report by phone can be a practical choice. To file a non-emergency accident report in Fontana, California by phone, you can call (909) 350-7700.
This method is typically used for incidents with no immediate threat or emergency, such as a minor crash or damage caused by a collision that didn’t require police presence at the scene.
When calling, be prepared to provide the following details:
The department may provide further instructions or ask you to follow up by visiting the station. Filing a report over the phone ensures that the incident is recorded, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance claims after a wreck.
If you’re looking to file a police report for a crash or collision in Fontana, the most reliable method is to visit the Fontana Police Department in person. This option allows you to speak directly with an officer and ensure all details of the incident are accurately documented.
Here’s what you need to know about filing a report in person:
Location:
Fontana Police Department
17005 Upland Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
Hours:
The station is typically open for report filing during regular business hours. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
What to Bring:
Visiting the station in person ensures that your report is officially filed and provides an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process.
Even if the police weren’t present at the scene of your accident, filing a report can be essential. A police report is important for various reasons.
Insurance companies typically require an official report to process claims related to collisions or wrecks. Additionally, a police report provides legal protection by serving as an objective record of the incident, which can be helpful if disputes arise. It also ensures accurate documentation, preserving important details such as the time, location, and circumstances of the accident for future reference.
Whether your crash involved property damage, injuries, or simply the need for a formal record, filing a report is a step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
File your report promptly after the accident to ensure all details are accurate. You also want to request a copy of the report for your records, as it may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Lastly, be sure to provide honest and detailed information about the incident to prevent potential complications in the future.
Filing a police report in Fontana is an important step for anyone involved in an accident, crash, or collision. While options like online or mail submissions are not currently available, you can still file a report by phone or in person at the Fontana Police Department.
Taking the time to document your incident properly will ensure you have the necessary records for insurance claims and other needs.
If you have further questions about how to file a police report in Fontana, don’t hesitate to contact the Fontana Police Department directly at (909) 350-7700.
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