Wondering how to file a car accident police report? You’re likely feeling stressed and unsure of the next steps. This uncertainty is common after a collision.
A car accident police report is the official legal document created by law enforcement that records the facts of a vehicle collision. This report is the single most important piece of evidence for your insurance claim and for protecting your legal rights after a crash. It provides an objective account of the incident.
Based on an analysis of current state laws and official procedures for 2026, this guide provides the exact steps you need to take. You will discover how to properly report an accident, obtain the official document, and even correct errors, ensuring your insurance claim process is as smooth as possible.
Key Facts
- Legal Requirement: In most states, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding a set threshold, often between $500 and $2,500.
- Insurance Claim Foundation: An official police report is the primary document insurance adjusters use to determine fault and process a claim; without it, your claim can be significantly delayed or denied.
- Availability Timeframe: A finalized accident report is typically not available immediately; it usually takes 3 to 10 business days for the officer to file it and for it to become accessible through official channels.
- Online Portals are Common: Many states and local police departments, like the Georgia State Patrol, use secure online portals such as BuyCrash to allow drivers to find and purchase copies of their accident reports for a small fee, usually around $11-$15.
- Errors Can Be Addressed: You have the right to address mistakes on a report. Factual errors can often be amended by contacting the officer, while disputes about fault may require adding a supplemental statement to the official record.
How Do You File a Car Accident Police Report After a Collision?
The process to file a car accident police report begins at the scene by ensuring everyone is safe and calling 911 if there are any injuries or significant damage. For minor incidents without injuries, you will still need to exchange information with the other driver and may be required to file a report online or at a police station within a specific timeframe, typically 24 to 72 hours. This car accident checklist will guide you through the exact procedure.
This process can feel overwhelming, but following these steps in order will protect you both legally and financially. Your actions at the scene of the accident are critical for creating an accurate official record.
Step 1: How Should You Secure the Scene and Check for Injuries?
Your first priority is safety; immediately check on all involved parties for injuries before taking any other action. If anyone is hurt, complains of pain, or seems disoriented, call 911 to request emergency medical services right away. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger from fire or traffic.
Practical experience shows that securing the scene prevents further collisions and preserves evidence. Follow these critical safety steps:
* Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
* If your vehicle is drivable and the accident is minor, move it to the shoulder or a safe location out of traffic.
* Check on passengers in your car, the other vehicle, and any pedestrians or cyclists involved.
Pro Tip: Do not admit fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry” at the scene. These statements can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick strictly to the facts when speaking to the other driver and law enforcement.
Step 2: When Should You Call the Police to the Accident Scene?
You are legally required to call the police in most states if an accident involves any injury, death, or property damage that appears to exceed a specific amount, which is often between $500 and $2,500. Even for a minor car accident, a police response is highly recommended because the officer files an official report that is invaluable for the insurance claim process.
Always call law enforcement to the scene of the accident under the following conditions:
* Anyone is injured or complains of pain, no matter how minor.
* A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* The collision is a hit-and-run.
* A driver is uncooperative or does not have a driver’s license or liability insurance.
* There is significant damage to any vehicle or property.
* The crash is blocking traffic lanes.
Common Mistake: A common mistake is assuming a “fender bender” doesn’t need a police report. However, hidden vehicle damage can be extensive and costly, and injuries like whiplash can appear days later. Without an official report, proving your case becomes incredibly difficult.
Step 3: How Do You Exchange and Document Information Correctly?
While at the scene, you must exchange key driver, vehicle, and insurance information with the other party and thoroughly document everything with your phone’s camera. This evidence is essential for both the police report and your insurance claim. From our experience handling these situations, being organized here saves significant trouble later.
Information to Exchange
- Driver’s Information: Full Name, Current Address, and Phone Number.
- License & Insurance: Driver’s License Number and Insurance Company with Policy Number.
- Vehicle Information: Make, Model, Color, and License Plate Number of all vehicles.
Scene Documentation to Capture
- Photos: Take pictures of all vehicle damage from multiple angles, the other driver’s license plate and insurance card, the overall accident scene, skid marks, road debris, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
- Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their full name and phone number. A witness statement can be a powerful part of your claim.
- Officer Details: If police respond, be sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and the official accident report number.
| Information Category | Details to Collect ✎ |
|---|---|
| Other Driver’s Info | Full Name, Address, Phone Number, Driver’s License # |
| Other Vehicle Info | Make, Model, Year, Color, License Plate #, VIN |
| Insurance Info | Insurance Company Name, Policy Number, Phone # |
| Witness Info | Full Name, Phone Number, Brief description of what they saw |
| Police Officer Info | Officer Name, Badge Number, Report Number |
Step 4: How Do You File a Report Online or After Leaving the Scene?
If police did not respond to a minor accident, you can file a police report after the fact using an online reporting system on your local police department’s website. Many jurisdictions, such as the Atlanta Police Department, provide these portals for non-injury accidents that occurred within their limits. You will typically need to file this report within 24 to 72 hours.
To file a police report after leaving the scene, follow this procedure:
1. Go to the website of the police department or state patrol with jurisdiction over the accident location.
2. Look for a link that says “File a Police Report,” “Online Reporting,” or “Report an Accident.”
3. Carefully fill out the form using the driver, vehicle, and incident details you collected at the scene.
4. Submit the report and save a copy of the confirmation or temporary report number for your records.
Did You Know? Some states require a separate report to be filed directly with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if an accident results in damages over a certain threshold. For example, Georgia requires drivers to submit an SR-13 Self-Report Form to the Department of Driver Services for any accident with over $500 in damages, even if a police officer also filed a report.
How Can You Get a Copy of a Car Accident Police Report?
You can get a copy of your accident report online, in person, or by mail. The fastest and most common method is requesting it online through a state-approved portal, like BuyCrash for accidents in Georgia. To do this, you will need key information like the accident report number, the date of the crash, and the last name of an involved driver. This official record is the foundational document your insurance company requests to begin processing your claim.
Method 1: How Do You Request an Accident Report Online?
Requesting your report online is the fastest method, with the official document often available for download within minutes of the request. Most law enforcement agencies in states like Georgia partner with a secure portal called LexisNexis BuyCrash to manage public requests for traffic collision reports.
Here is the standard procedure for getting your digital crash report:
1. Navigate to the Portal: Visit the state-approved online portal. For Georgia accidents, this is typically LexisNexis BuyCrash.
2. Search for Your Report: You can search using the report number provided by the officer or by entering the state, jurisdiction, and details like the driver’s last name and accident date.
3. Pay the Fee: There is usually a small fee, around $11 to $20, to purchase the report. This is a convenience fee for the secure, instant access.
4. Download the PDF: Once payment is complete, you can download a PDF copy of your official accident report. Save it and send a copy to your insurance company.
It’s important to note that reports are typically available online 3-10 business days after the accident.
Method 2: How Do You Get a Report In Person or By Mail?
If you prefer a physical copy or need a certified accident report for court, you can request one directly from the law enforcement agency that filed it. This involves visiting or mailing a request to the department’s “Records Division.”
In-Person Requests
To get a report in person, go to the police department or sheriff’s office that responded to your accident. You will need to bring your driver’s license for identification and cash or a money order to pay the report fee. This is often the best method if you require a certified copy with a raised seal for legal proceedings.
Mail-In Requests
For mail-in requests, you must send a formal written request to the agency’s records division. Your letter should include all relevant accident details, a check or money order for the fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the report.
Pro Tip: Before you go or send a request, call the agency’s records division. Confirm their business hours, the exact fee amount, and what forms of payment they accept to avoid a wasted trip.
How Do You Correct Errors on a Car Accident Police Report?
To correct factual errors on a police report, like a misspelled name or incorrect license plate, you should contact the reporting officer or their department’s records division directly to request an amendment. However, if you dispute the officer’s opinion on fault or a witness statement, you typically cannot change the original report but can add your own supplemental statement to the record. Understanding this distinction is critical.
How to Correct Factual Errors
Factual errors are objective mistakes that can usually be fixed with a simple amendment. These include incorrect personal details, vehicle information (like VIN or license plate), or factual inaccuracies about the location or time. Contact the officer who wrote the report, politely point out the error, and provide the correct information (e.g., a photo of your driver’s license or insurance card). If the officer agrees, they can file an amended report.
How to Dispute Fault or Statements
Disputing subjective information, such as the narrative of how the accident happened or the officer’s opinion on contributing factors, is more complex. You cannot force an officer to change their conclusion. In this situation, your recourse is to file a supplemental police report. This is your written version of the events that gets attached to the original report. Think of it as adding your official footnote to the record. It doesn’t erase the officer’s report, but it ensures your side of the story is officially documented for insurance adjusters and legal professionals to review. For these types of disputes, it is wise to consult a personal injury attorney.
FAQs About how to file a car accident police report
How long do I have to file a police report after an accident?
The timeframe varies by state, but you generally have between 24 hours to 10 days to file a report. Some jurisdictions require immediate reporting for accidents with injuries, while you might have several days for minor property damage. It is always best to file as soon as possible to ensure details are fresh and to meet insurance deadlines.
Does a police report determine who is at fault?
No, a police report does not legally determine fault, but it is a highly influential piece of evidence. The officer’s opinion on contributing factors is often a primary document used by insurance adjusters to make their initial liability decision. Final legal determination of fault is made by insurance companies or, if necessary, a court.
Do I need a police report for a minor car accident in a parking lot?
While often not legally required if damage is minimal and on private property, it is highly recommended. Many police departments will not dispatch an officer for minor parking lot accidents, but you can and should file an online or counter report. This official document is crucial if the other driver later disputes the incident or claims injury.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a police report?
The cost typically ranges from free to around $25. Some departments may provide a free copy to involved parties, while online portals like BuyCrash usually charge a convenience fee of about $11-$15. Certified copies needed for legal use may have a slightly higher fee when you request them in person at the police station.
What if the other driver refuses to give me their information?
If a driver is uncooperative, do not escalate the situation; call the police immediately. While waiting, try to safely get their license plate number and a description of the driver and their vehicle. Refusing to exchange information after an accident is illegal in most places, and the arrival of law enforcement will compel them to comply.
Can my lawyer get the accident report for me?
Yes, your personal injury attorney can and almost always will obtain the accident report on your behalf. Law offices have streamlined processes for requesting these official records from various jurisdictions. This is a standard part of their procedure for building your case file and handling all communications with the insurance company.
Is a police report required for an insurance claim?
While not always a strict legal requirement for filing a claim, proceeding without a police report is extremely difficult. The report serves as the primary, objective documentation of the incident. Without it, your claim becomes a “he said, she said” situation, which can lead to significant delays or even an outright denial from the insurance company.
How can I find my accident report number if I lost it?
You can usually find the report number by contacting the records division of the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash. You will need to provide them with your name, the date, and the location of the accident. With that information, they should be able to look up the report in their system and give you the number.
How long does it take for a police report to be ready?
It typically takes 3 to 10 business days for a police report to be finalized and become available for request. Complex accidents that involve serious injuries or require a lengthy investigation can take longer to complete. You should not expect the report to be available on online portals for at least a few days after the incident.
What is the difference between a police report and a driver’s self-report (like an SR-13 in Georgia)?
A police report is filed by a law enforcement officer at the scene, while a self-report is a form you file directly with your state’s DMV or Department of Driver Services. A police report is an officer’s official record. A self-report is a driver’s separate legal obligation to notify the state of an accident that meets certain damage or injury thresholds, regardless of police involvement.
Key Takeaways
- Safety First, Report Second: Your immediate priority at the accident scene is safety. Check for injuries and call 911 for help before you begin worrying about any paperwork or documentation.
- Filing vs. Obtaining: These are two distinct steps. “Filing” is the initial act of reporting the incident to law enforcement. “Obtaining” is the later process of requesting a copy of the official report for your insurance claim.
- Document Everything: Use your smartphone to take detailed photos of all damage, the scene, and critical documents like the other driver’s license and insurance card. This evidence is vital.
- Online Portals Are Fastest: The most efficient way to get your finalized report is through an official online portal like BuyCrash. Expect the report to be ready within 3-10 business days.
- A Report is Crucial for Insurance: Filing an insurance claim without a police report makes the process significantly more difficult and can lead to a denial. The report provides an objective foundation for your claim.
- You Can Correct Factual Errors: If your report has an objective mistake, contact the reporting officer to request an amendment. For subjective disputes over fault, you will need to add a supplemental report.
- When in Doubt, Call the Police: For any accident involving injuries, significant damage (over $500), a hit-and-run, or an uncooperative driver, calling the police to the scene is non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is stressful, but understanding the role of the police report empowers you. This official document is more than a formality; it is the cornerstone of your financial and legal protection. By following the correct procedure to file it, document the scene, obtain a copy, and address any errors, you build a strong foundation for a fair insurance settlement. Armed with this knowledge, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have taken the right steps to protect your interests.
