Can I Still File a Personal Injury Claim Without a Police Report in LA?
You’ve just been in a car accident. It wasn’t major, so you didn’t call the police. Now you’re sore, missing work, and unsure what to do next. The good news? In California, you can still file a personal injury claim even if no police report was filed—but it makes things more complicated.
Here’s what to know if you're dealing with injuries from an accident in Los Angeles and didn’t get an official report at the time.
Do You Need a Police Report to File a Claim?
No—but it helps. A police report is not legally required to file an insurance claim or lawsuit in California. However, insurance companies love them. Why? Because they provide an “official” version of what happened, which can make it easier to prove fault.
Without one, you’ll need other forms of evidence to support your side of the story.
Why People Skip Police Reports (And Why It Can Backfire)
It’s common for people to skip calling the police after a crash when:
The damage seems minor
No one appears hurt at the scene
The other driver promises to “handle it privately”
But symptoms from soft tissue injuries, back pain, or concussions can appear hours or days later. And by then, it’s your word against theirs.
How to Strengthen Your Case Without a Police Report
If you didn’t file a report at the time of the accident, here’s how to build a strong claim anyway:
Get medical care right away. Your medical records will help connect the injury to the accident.
Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries if possible.
Collect witness names and contact info. They may be willing to provide statements.
Notify your insurance company and document every step of communication with the other driver.
In some cases, you may still be able to file a delayed police report, especially if it’s within a reasonable window and there were injuries or significant property damage.
How a Lawyer Can Help Without a Police Report
Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim if there’s no police documentation. A personal injury attorney can:
Help gather and organize other forms of evidence
Work with medical providers to link your injuries to the crash
Negotiate on your behalf to recover compensation
Push back on low offers or blame-shifting tactics
No Police Report? Don’t Let That Stop You.
If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles and didn’t file a police report, Crowley Law PC can still help you build a strong case. We’ve handled claims like yours and know how to work around missing documentation.
Here to make it right when you’ve been wronged!
Crowley Law PC
