LAPD's New Policy on Traffic Collision Reports

LAPD no longer writes reports for many minor crashes. That makes proving fault harder. Here's what to do.

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Police Department announced a shift in their police report policy. In cases where police are contacted for an auto accident, unless the accident requires an ambulance transport, involves someone with broken bones, or involves a crime or DUI, the LAPD will no longer take down a report. In many instances, they may not even come to the scene. Basically, if no ambulance is required, then no officer is required, and your accident is considered "minor" for the LAPD.

These "minor" accident victims are then referred to an online crash report system where each person reports their own version of the accident online. This is all due to the LAPD's budget cuts, which reduced the number of officers significantly.

What Does This Mean?

• It will be far more difficult to prove fault in many cases. An account from a neutral and reliable person (a police officer) from the accident scene will not be available. An officer's report usually includes their observations, statements from the scene as a neutral witness, and their conclusion on who caused the accident. Remove that, and each party reporting the accident online will likely place the other driver at fault.
• There will be a loss of potential independent witnesses and/or surveillance video from an accident scene, something officers usually pay close attention to once arriving.
• Crash victims may not get necessary medical treatment, as they may not realize the severity of their injuries or downplay them thinking they are okay. By leaving it up to the crash victim, a potentially serious injury can become much worse untreated.
• Crash victims may not seek necessary medical treatment even in obvious situations, because they are worried about an ambulance bill.

So if you're injured or feel hurt in any way after a car accident in Los Angeles, request an ambulance. Don't risk your claim against the other party, or your health.

Have you been injured in a car accident? Let our office get you the maximum compensation you deserve.