How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Kern County

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision in Kern County—whether in Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, California City, on the freeway, or in unincorporated areas—you may need a car accident report for insurance claims, legal purposes, or personal reference. Below is a comprehensive guide on How to Get a Car Accident Report in Kern County as soon as possible.

First: Why and When You Need a Car Accident Report?

Whether you’re filing a claim, documenting injuries, or just safeguarding your rights, having the official record of the event is invaluable. Insurance companies often require it to process claims, and attorneys use it to establish fault in legal cases. 

If injuries are involved, the report documents critical details like witness statements, weather conditions, and officer observations. Even if the crash seems minor, having an accident report can protect you from disputes and provide essential documentation if new injuries or vehicle issues appear days after the collision.

Who Issues Accident Reports in Kern County?

In general, the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) handles incidents within city limits. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) typically responds to collisions in rural/unincorporated areas of Kern County, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) often takes control of crashes on major highways like Highway 99 or I-5, particularly outside city jurisdiction. Any one of these agencies may issue an accident report, and knowing which agency filed the report is essential for submitting your request correctly and avoiding delays. 

How to Request a Report From?:

Bakersfield Police Department

In Person: Visit the BPD Records Department at:

1601 Truxtun Avenue,

Bakersfield, CA 93301-5109

Reports are available for $7 during regular business hours.

Call: BPD Records at (661) 326-3800 (option 3 for reports).

By Mail: Send a written request including: the case number, date of incident, involved parties’ names, and a return phone number. Include the $7 fee, then mail to the address above.

Online: Use services like BuyCrash to search and purchase the report using your case number from the scene. These reports typically cost around $11.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office

Online: Download and fill out the accident report request form available on the Sheriff’s website. You can submit a request to KCSO by mail, in person, or by email.

In Person: The KCSO Records Office is located at:

1350 Norris Road,

Bakersfield, CA 93308

Call: KCSO at (661) 391-7624 for assistance. Filing fees vary.

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

Online: Use the CHP Crash Portal to request the report electronically. You must be a proper party of interest—for example, a driver, passenger, property owner, legal guardian, or insurer with a valid claim.

Mail/In Person: Print and complete the CHP Form 190, then submit it to any CHP Area office in Kern County—not necessarily where the crash occurred. Filing fees vary.

Central CHP offices in the area include:

• Bakersfield: 9855 Compagnoni Street, Bakersfield, CA 93313 – (661) 396-6600
• Buttonwillow: 29449 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93314 – (661) 764-5580
• Fort Tejon: 1033 Lebec Rd, Lebec, CA 93243 – (661) 248-6655

How Chain Cohn Clark Can Help After a Car Accident in kern County?

One of the advantages of hiring a Kern County car accident attorney to handle your injury claim is that your lawyer can secure this report for you, whether in Tehachapi, Delano, or elsewhere. In addition, we can ensure you:

• Complete the required SR-1 Traffic Accident Report. In California, drivers must file an SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days if there’s an injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage—even if a law enforcement report was filed.  
• Request DMV records. You may need to request accident details via DMV records, especially if needed for your insurance or legal case. We can keep copies of your request confirmations and the report as evidence.
• Protect yourself. Your attorney is familiar with the questions insurers may ask to attempt to undermine or devalue your claim and can intervene on your behalf.
• Explore your options. We can demand fair payment from insurers who are unwilling to negotiate or are delaying the settlement process.

It costs nothing to speak to a car accident attorney about your case. Contact Chain | Cohn | Clark for a free case review today.