When a car accident occurs in Redlands, authorities are typically notified, and an officer is dispatched to the scene, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. However, in some minor accidents, those involved may be instructed to file a report themselves, either because an officer is unavailable or due to the City of Redlands protocol. In these cases, it is the responsibility of both the at-fault driver and the victim to make sure a police report is properly filed.

Regardless of how minor an accident may seem, filing a police report in Redlands is very important if you wish to pursue compensation. It serves as an official record of the crash, supports your ability to seek compensation, and fulfills legal requirements. Reports can be filed online, in person, or by mail, and failing to do so could impact your rights and your ability to recover damages.

Under California law, drivers must stop and assist after an accident. Leaving the scene without stopping can result in severe legal consequences, including being charged with a hit-and-run, even if you didn’t cause the accident. Additionally, you are required to report the accident to the local Redland authorities if:

• Someone is injured
• Someone dies
• Property or vehicle damage exceeds $1,000

If any of these factors apply, the California Vehicle Code mandates that a written report be submitted to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the local police department within 24 hours. Drivers must also complete an SR-1 form and submit it to the DMV within 10 days if injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage occur. Failing to submit an SR-1 report or lacking proper insurance coverage at the time of the accident can result in a suspended driving privilege.

If you need assistance filing a police report in Redlands, the experienced car accident lawyers at the Gold Firm are here to help. Many people are unfamiliar with the process, but our team is committed to guiding you through each step to ensure you comply with all legal requirements and protect your right to compensation. We can also help you get a Redlands police report online.

How to File a Redlands Police Accident Report Online

The City of Redlands Police Department website does not provide extensive details on how to file a Redlands accident report online. However, it does offer specific instructions for filing a hit-and-run criminal report and for reporting non-criminal traffic or parking issues. To determine whether you can file an accident report online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the City of Redlands website and navigate to the Police Department page.
2. Once there, scroll down to the “Report a Crime” section and carefully review the available information.
3. The information also states that the Citizens Online Police Reporting System is only available for certain incidents, and you must confirm the following criteria before proceeding:
   • The incident is not an emergency.
   • It occurred within Redlands city limits.
   • There are no known suspects.
   • The incident did not happen on a state freeway.

If all of these conditions apply to your situation, you may file your report online by selecting the appropriate category, either Criminal or Non-Criminal reporting. Since filing accident reports may not always be covered under this system, you may need to contact the Redlands Police Department directly for further assistance.

How to File a Redlands Police Accident Report by Mail

The Redlands Police Department website does not provide specific guidance on how to file a police report in Redlands by mail. While there is information on how to report a hit-and-run accident or certain non-criminal traffic issues online, there are no clear instructions for when you want to file an accident report through the mail. If you are required to file a police report but cannot do so online, you may need to contact the Redlands Police Department directly to inquire about mailing options or visit the station in person.

However, if your accident meets certain criteria, you can file an SR-1 form with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail. The SR-1 report must be completed and submitted within 10 days if someone was injured (regardless of severity), killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. You, your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can fill out and send the SR-1 form directly to the DMV. This report is required in addition to any police report and ensures compliance with state law while protecting your rights after an accident.

How to File a Redlands Police Accident Report by Phone

If you need to file a police report in Redlands by phone, you should call 911 immediately if there are injuries or if the accident is severe, as this will make sure that medical personnel and law enforcement respond promptly to the scene. However, if the accident is minor and no one is injured, you can report it by calling the Redlands Police Department’s non-emergency line at (909) 798-7681.

When calling the non-emergency number, an officer or dispatcher will provide you with instructions on how to proceed, which may include filing a report online, in person, or through other available methods.

How to File a Redlands Police Accident Report in Person

To file a Redlands police report in person, visit the Redlands Police Department Public Office, located at:

1270 W Park Ave
Redlands, CA 92373

The Redlands Police Department office is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays. When filing an accident report in person, be prepared to provide details about the accident, including:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Any involved parties’ contact information
• Insurance information collected from involved drivers
• Any other information you can possibly provide

If possible, bring any relevant documents, such as your driver’s license, insurance information, and photos of the accident scene as well. Filing a report in person ensures that you can speak directly with an officer or staff member who can guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure it is done properly.

Need More Information On How To File A Redlands Police Report?

If you need help filing a Redlands accident report or need more information on how to do so properly, don’t hesitate to contact our Redlands car accident lawyers at The Gold Firm. Managing the reporting process can be confusing, especially if you’re unsure whether to file online, in person, or with the DMV. Our experienced legal team is here to help you every step of the way and make sure that you meet all necessary legal requirements while protecting your rights to compensation with our No Fee Guarantee. Filing a proper accident report is very important for securing the compensation you deserve, so reach out to The Gold Firm today for expert guidance and support.

Contact our car accident accident lawyers today to receive full compensation for your damages.