How to Amend a Traffic Collision Report in Los Angeles County

To amend a traffic collision report in Los Angeles County, you'll need to provide evidence of the error to the investigating agency, usually the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the appropriate local police department. If the report has already been finalized and sent to the California Highway Patrol Data Processing Section, you'll need to use a Traffic Collision Report Supplemental (CHP-556) form. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Identify the Error and Gather Evidence:

• Determine the specific errors or omissions in the report. 

• Collect evidence to support your claim, such as:

  • Photographs or videos of the accident scene. 

  • Medical records if injuries were misreported. 

  • Vehicle information from registration or title. 

  • Statements from witnesses. 

  • A detailed timeline of events. 

  • Information from the National Weather Service if road or weather conditions are in question. 

    
    

2. Contact the Investigating Agency:

• If the report is not yet finalized, contact the investigating officer or their supervisor to discuss the errors and provide your evidence. 

• If the report has been finalized and forwarded, you'll need to use the CHP-556 form. 

  
  

3. Consider Legal Counsel:

• An experienced car accident attorney can be valuable in navigating the process of amending a traffic collision report, especially if there are complex legal issues involved or if the investigating agency is resistant to making changes.

• They can help gather evidence, prepare necessary documentation, and negotiate with the agency on your behalf. 

  
  

4. Filing the CHP-556 Form (if applicable):

• If the report has already been finalized, you or your attorney will need to complete the CHP-556 form. 

• This form is used to make changes to a report that has already been sent to the CHP Data Processing Section. 

• You'll need to provide a clear explanation of the changes you are requesting and the evidence to support those changes. 

  
  

Important Considerations:

• Accuracy is Key: Be as precise as possible when describing the errors and providing evidence. 

• Time Sensitivity: It's generally easier to make changes before the report is finalized. 

• Don't Assume: The investigating officer won't simply make changes based on your say-so; you need to provide supporting evidence. 

• Alternative: If the agency refuses to amend the report, you can write a statement explaining the discrepancies, which will then be attached to the original report. 

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