How to Get Copies of Accident Reports

All details gathered by the reporting officer are easily available.

Following an automobile accident, worrying about a traffic crash report and filing an insurance claim might be the last thing on your mind, especially if injuries are involved. Immediately after an accident, the police are usually called. The police will record and gather details of the accident and injuries, take witness statements, take photos and gather information regarding the persons involved. The most important thing for you to do at this time is either get a business card from the police officer or take note of the department that is responding so you'll know who to contact when you request the report. The responding officer will be from either the Sheriff's department, the local police department or the State Highway Patrol.

Instructions

Obtaining an Accident Report

1. Contact the police department using the non-emergency number and ask for the records department. They may require identification information.

2. Ask the records representative for a public records request form. You may be able to obtain the form online, in person or by mail.

3. Complete the public records request form and return it to the police department.

4. Ask when the report will be ready and the cost.

5. Pick up your report. Once you have obtained the report, you can submit it to your automobile insurance company or attorney.

Tips & Warnings

• When requesting a copy of the accident report, ask if the officer took photographs of the damage to the vehicles or scene. The charge for the photos will be additional. Additionally, if your accident report does not include witness statements, contact the records department again to inquire whether statements were taken. They are not always included with the initial accident report.

• If the incident involved a fatality or serious injuries, the report may not be available within the normal two weeks and may include some redacted areas which contain confidential information. Redactions could be made to protect minors or victims.

References

• einvestigator: How to Obtain a Police Report
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety: How Do I Get a Copy of My Police Report?