What's the time limit on filing a police report in California?

Last updated on: February 14, 2020
My foot was run over a little over a month ago. I didn't want to file a police report because it was a mutual friend and she said she would help with any medical bills. Now the bills are starting to come in an she's nowhere to be found. I have proof of my medical bills in the emergency room as well as 2 witnesses saying she ran my foot over. Is it too late for me to file a police report?
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Answer
Joseph L. Benson II, Esq
Joseph L. Benson II, Esq
Las Vegas, Nevada
Personal Injury
702-684-6900
About
Licensed Nevada State Bar-2000 | U.S. District Court Nevada-2000 | Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals-2000 | Joseph Benson solely practices personal injury and accident law.

In California, there is no strict deadline for filing a police report for most incidents, including non-fatal traffic accidents or injuries. However, it's generally better to file a report as soon as possible after the incident. Even though a month has passed since your foot was run over, you should still be able to file a report, especially as you have medical bills and witnesses to support your claim. When it comes to insurance claims or potential legal action, timely reporting can be crucial. For instance, insurance companies often have their own time limits for when an incident needs to be reported for a claim to be considered. Since your situation involves a personal injury and there's an issue with the responsible party not covering your medical expenses as promised, it's advisable to file the police report to officially document the incident. Additionally, you may want to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your options for pursuing compensation for your medical bills and any other related damages. To file the report, you can contact the local police department or law enforcement agency in the area where the incident occurred. They can guide you through the process and inform you about the information and documentation you'll need to provide.

03/07/2024

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