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To obtain a police report after a car accident, you must request it from the specific law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. You can typically get a copy online through portals like LexisNexis BuyCrash, in person at the police department’s records division, or by submitting a request via U.S. Mail.
How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident
Securing a police report is one of the most critical steps you can take after a collision. This official document contains the responding officer’s objective findings, witness statements, and initial fault determinations. Whether you are filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, the crash report serves as the foundational piece of evidence for your case. Obtaining your report is generally a straightforward process, provided you know which agency responded and what information to provide.
Information You Need Before Requesting Your Report
Law enforcement agencies process thousands of collision reports every month. To help the records department locate your specific file quickly, you need to provide precise details about the incident.
The Police Incident or Report Number
Before leaving the crash scene, the responding officer should hand you a business card or an information slip containing a specific incident or report number. This 9-to-12 digit number is the fastest way for the records department to pull your file. Always keep this number in a safe place.
Date, Time, and Location of the Crash
If you lost the report number or were transported to the hospital before receiving one, you can still request the report using the exact details of the crash. You will need to provide the exact date, the approximate time of day, and the specific intersection, street address, or highway mile marker where the collision occurred.
Names of the Drivers Involved
Records clerks can often search their database using the names of the involved parties. Providing your full legal name, as well as the name of the other driver if you have it, will help narrow down the search results.
3 Ways to Get a Copy of Your Traffic Collision Report
Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific law enforcement agency (city police, county sheriff, or state highway patrol), you generally have three options for retrieving your crash report.
1. Requesting the Report Online (State Portals & BuyCrash)
The most convenient method is requesting the document online. Many police departments partner with third-party databases, such as LexisNexis BuyCrash, to distribute reports digitally. Alternatively, some state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) or state police agencies host their own online portals. You simply enter your report number or crash details, pay a processing fee via credit card, and download the PDF instantly.
2. Picking Up the Report In-Person at the Police Station
If you prefer a physical copy or need the report immediately after it becomes available, you can visit the responding agency in person. Head to the police department’s Records Division or Crash Reports Unit. Be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID and an accepted form of payment. Calling ahead to confirm their operating hours and verify that your report is ready can save you a wasted trip.
3. Requesting the Report via U.S. Mail
For those who cannot travel or access online portals, requesting the report by mail is a reliable option. This usually involves downloading a specific request form from the police department’s website, filling it out, and mailing it to the records unit. You will typically need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order or certified check to cover the fee.
How Much Does a Police Report Cost?
Police reports are rarely free, but they are inexpensive. Depending on the state and the specific agency, the fee usually ranges from $5 to $25. If you use an online portal like BuyCrash, you may also be charged a small digital convenience fee. If you hire a personal injury attorney, their office will typically advance this cost on your behalf.
How Long Does It Take for a Crash Report to Be Ready?
Do not expect the report to be available the moment you leave the accident scene. Officers must return to the station, write the narrative, submit it for supervisor approval, and route it to the records department. For a standard collision, this process takes 3 to 10 business days. If the accident involved severe injuries, a fatality, or required a specialized crash reconstruction team, the report could take several weeks or even months to finalize.
Who Is Authorized to Request a Police Report?
To protect the privacy of those involved, unredacted traffic collision reports are not public records. They are generally restricted to authorized individuals, which include:
- Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the crash
- Owners of vehicles or property damaged in the collision
- Parents or legal guardians of a minor involved in the crash
- Legal representatives (lawyers) representing an involved party
- Insurance agents or adjusters handling the claim
What If the Police Didn’t Respond to the Accident Scene?
During severe weather events or in jurisdictions with staffing shortages, police may not respond to minor fender benders where there are no injuries and vehicles are drivable. In these situations, the responsibility falls on you to document the event.
Filing a Self-Report or Civilian Crash Report
If law enforcement does not arrive, most states require you to file a self-report (often called a Civilian Crash Report or Blue Form) with the DMV or the state’s Department of Transportation within a specific timeframe—usually 5 to 10 days. You will need to provide your insurance information, driver’s license details, and a brief narrative of how the crash occurred. This form acts as the official record for your insurance company.
Let an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Handle the Paperwork
Dealing with records departments, tracking down incident numbers, and paying administrative fees is the last thing you should worry about when recovering from an injury. If you were hurt in a crash, an experienced car accident lawyer will take over the entire investigative process. They will obtain the official police report, gather witness statements, secure dashcam footage, and deal directly with the insurance companies so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.