Have you been involved in an accident in San Luis Obispo? If so, it’s important to have a copy of your accident report for your records and in the event of any future legal action.
Getting the report is just one step to take following an accident. If you or anyone in your vehicle has been hurt, you should seek medical attention immediately.
In addition, consider working with an experienced vehicle accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive just compensation for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Getting a Copy of Your Accident Report
If the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department took a report for your accident, you can get a copy by going in person to the Police Records Department. The department is open from noon to 4:45 p.m. on Mondays and 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays.
To get a copy of an accident report, you must have been involved in the accident or represent an insurer of someone involved in the accident. You’ll need photo identification, and you will be charged a fee for the report.
The cost varies by the type of report requested and the number of pages of the report. A Police Department records clerk can assist you in determining the charge for your report.
If you live out of town, you can call the Records Department at 805-781-7311 to find out if your report is available, whether you can get a copy and the fee amount.
Once you have the information, you should send a letter requesting your report — along with a copy of your photo identification, a return envelope, and a check for the fee amount payable to the City of San Luis Obispo. Mail your letter to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, 1042 Walnut St., San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.
You should receive your report within 15 business days. The department does not fax copies of police reports.
Avoiding an Accident in the Future
Being involved in an accident is one of the most significant traumas anyone can experience. By understanding the leading causes of crashes, you can take action to avoid an accident in the future.
Distracted driving is a fact of modern life, and it has become one of the top causes of crashes on the nation’s roadways. On any highway or side street, you’re likely to see someone driving too slowly and weaving as they look down at the phone in their lap.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, put away your phone while driving, and watch out for distracted motorists who may cross your path.
Excessive speed also contributes to many crashes. By ignoring the speed limit, drivers put themselves and others in danger by going faster than planners thought prudent for that roadway.
With heightened speed comes an increased requirement for braking distance and an increase in dangerous collisions. Stay safe by adhering to the speed limit and driving defensively around others who exceed the limit.
Rear-end crashes account for nearly 30 percent of all accidents and cause whiplash and other serious injuries, along with many fatalities. In most cases of rear-end collisions, the lead car has stopped or is moving at a slow speed before being hit from behind. Frequently, drivers are distracted or simply not looking ahead of them when rear-end crashes occur.
You cannot avoid a rear-end crash if your vehicle is stopped or in slow traffic and someone hits you. However, by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front of you, the odds are lower that you will be pushed into another vehicle by someone hitting you from behind.
Consult with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Individuals who are hurt in San Luis Obispo traffic accidents can incur significant costs, including medical expenses and time lost from work. To ensure that you receive the compensation to which you’re entitled, it’s important to work with an attorney experienced in vehicle accident cases. For a free initial consultation, please contact The Law Office of Daniel J. O’Neill.
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