How to Obtain Your Car Accident Police Report: A Guide

Who Can Request a Car Accident Police Report?

Police accident reports are not public records. To protect the privacy of those involved, law enforcement agencies restrict access. Generally, you can obtain a copy of the report if you fall into one of the following categories for a 'proper' party of interest:

• Drivers involved in the accident: If you were listed as a driver in the crash, you are almost always entitled to a copy of the report
• Passengers: Individuals who were passengers in any of the vehicles involved in the collision are typically eligible to request the report
• Vehicle owners: Even if you weren't driving at the time of the accident, if you are the registered owner of a vehicle that was involved, you can usually obtain the report
• Insurance companies: Insurers representing any of the involved parties can request the report to process claims
• Legal representatives: An attorney acting on behalf of any driver, passenger, or vehicle owner can obtain the report with proper documentation, such as a letter of representation
• Parents or legal guardians: If a minor was involved in the accident, their parent or legal guardian can request the document

In most cases, you will need to provide proof of your identity and your connection to the accident when making your request. It is much more difficult for an unrelated third party to obtain a copy, and they may need to file a formal public records request, which can be a lengthier process and is not always granted.

How to Obtain Your Report: The General Process

While every state and agency has its own specific systems, the overall process for obtaining your car accident police report follows a similar pattern across the country. Following these steps will streamline your request.

1. Wait for the report to be filed

Patience is key. The responding police officer may not file the incident instantly. It typically takes 3 to 10 business days from the date of the collision for the report to be completed, approved, and entered into the law enforcement agency's system. Calling an hour after the accident will not yield results. It's best to wait at least 5 business days before attempting your request.

2. Identify the correct law enforcement agency

This is the most important step. You must request the report from the agency whose officer responded to the scene.

• City police department: For accidents within city limits
• County sheriff's office: For accidents in unincorporated areas of a county or on county roads
• State police or highway patrol: For accidents on interstate highways or state freeways

In some regions, you may be able to request this from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The name of the agency will be on the card or information sheet that the officer provided at the scene. If you don't have this, you can usually determine the correct agency by knowing the exact location (city, county, or highway) of the accident.

3. Choose your request method

Most agencies offer three primary ways to request a report.

• Online: This is the fastest and most common method, and you may even be able to receive it via email. Many states use centralized online portals for crash report purchases; however, a common third-party vendor used by many states is BuyCrash.com, operated by LexisNexis. Individual police departments may also have their own online request systems on their official websites
• In-person: You can visit the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency in person. That said, be sure to check their public business hours beforehand, and bring all necessary information and payment for any fees
• By mail: You can mail a written request to the records department, but be advised that this may be the slowest method available to you. This method requires including all your personal and accident details, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the processing fee. It can take several weeks

4. Gather the information you'll need

To complete your request—whether online, in-person, or by mail—you will likely need most of the following:

• Your full name and contact information
• The exact date, time, and location of the accident
• The name(s) of the other driver(s) involved
• The police report number, if you received it from the officer at the scene
• Your driver’s license number and/or vehicle VIN
• A credit or debit card for online payment, or a check/money order for mail or in-person requests

If you don't have the report number, most systems allow you to search by at least two pieces of information, like your last name and the accident date.

Need Your State's Specific Process?

The general steps above apply everywhere, but the exact websites, fees, and forms are different for each state and sometimes for each local agency. For the specific release of information instructions of your specific location, including direct links to official online portals like your state's Department of Transportation or Highway Patrol site, visit our comprehensive state-specific legal information resource page.

What to Do After You Get the Report

Getting the police report is not the final step; it's the beginning of the next phase of your claim. Your immediate action should be to carefully review the document for accuracy. This document will be a foundational piece of evidence for insurance companies, and any errors could complicate your pursuit of a fair settlement.

1. Review the report thoroughly

Check every section of the document for mistakes. Pay close attention to:

• Personal information: Is your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information (make, model, license plate) spelled and listed correctly?
• The narrative and diagram: Does the officer's written description and drawing of the accident match your recollection? Are the road positions, point of impact, and street names accurate?
• Citations: Are the listed traffic violations correct? If the other driver was clearly at fault but wasn't cited, this is something to note
• Witness information: Are the names and contact details for any witnesses listed wholly and accurately?

2. Dispute any inaccuracies immediately

If you discover significant errors, it is possible to have them amended. The process for corrections varies by jurisdiction, but usually involves contacting the responding officer's agency directly and providing evidence to support your claim (e.g., your own photos, independent witness statements). It can be very difficult to change an officer's opinion or conclusion on fault, but factual errors like incorrect VINs, license plates, or vehicle descriptions can and should be fixed.

3. Use the report for your insurance claim

Submit a copy of the report to your insurance company as part of your claim file. This lends objective credibility to your account of the events, according to the non-profit Insurance Information Institute (III). It is particularly useful for establishing:

• The identity of the other driver and their insurance information
• The location and time of the incident
• The responding officer's initial assessment

Remember, while influential, the police report does not ultimately decide insurance liability. Adjusters will conduct their own investigation, but a well-documented report is a powerful piece of the puzzle.

4. Consult with an attorney

If the report contains errors that affect fault determination, if the accident involved severe injuries, or if the insurance company's settlement offer seems unfair based on the evidence, the American Bar Association advises that you seek professional advice. This is because an experienced attorney can interpret the report's strengths and weaknesses, handle communications with insurance companies, and gather additional evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. Most offer free consultations, which can provide clarity on your best path forward.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining your traffic collision report is a straightforward but critical step in protecting your rights after a crash. While the process requires a short waiting period and some basic information, having this official document is essential for navigating insurance claims and ensuring your account of events is accurately represented. Remember, this document is a key piece of evidence, but it is not the final word. If you encounter inaccuracies or face challenges during the claims process, you have options.

You don't have to navigate this alone. If you're struggling to get your report, disagree with its findings, or are facing a low settlement offer from an insurance company, the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At YourAccident.com, we simplify the process of finding qualified legal help. We can connect you with experienced personal injury lawyers who know how to use the police report to build a strong case and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

For more guidance on every step of the post-accident process, from filing insurance claims to understanding your state's laws, explore our full library of educational articles.