How to get a police report after a Florida car accident

Close-up of a collision report form with bold text, checkboxes, and listed driving fault categories, text that reads:

A car accident police report is more than a piece of paper – it’s a record of events that helps establish liability and strengthens your claim to compensation.

Police reports contain crucial details about the incident, including:

  • When and where the crash occurred​
  • A diagram of the collision​
  • The police officer’s narrative of what happened​
  • A determination of fault​
  • Driver’s license and insurance information​
  • A list of accident witnesses

These records are essential for seeking compensation through insurance claims or car accident lawsuits. But do you know how to request a police car accident report in Florida?​

Keep reading for a detailed guide from our skilled West Palm Beach car accident lawyers, then call (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.

When am I required to report an accident in Florida?

According to Florida Statute §316.066, you must contact law enforcement for accidents involving:​

  • Injury or death
  • Intoxicated drivers​
  • Hit-and-run drivers​
  • Apparent property damage of $500 or more​
  • Inoperable vehicles requiring tow-truck removal​
  • Commercial vehicles​

If your accident doesn’t meet the above criteria, you may self-report it within 10 days to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Failing to do so can impact your right to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage.​

Insurance denial is another reason you should get a copy of your crash

report

Your insurance company may deny your accident claim without a police report. A police report makes it easier to determine who caused the crash. If the insurer cannot determine fault, they are unlikely to pay a liability claim.​

How to order a police accident report in Florida

You may request a copy of a police accident report in Florida if you are a listed driver, passenger, property owner, or vehicle owner. You can request a traffic crash report through one of two methods:

  • Online: Visit the Florida Crash Portal to request a copy of a crash report. Reports are typically available about 10 days after the accident. A copy of the report costs $10, plus a $2 convenience fee for online payments.​
  • By mail or in person: Complete a signed statement to receive a crash report and submit it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Processing times for mail requests can take four to six weeks.

What you’ll need to request the report

Whether you request a report from law enforcement or the FLHSMV, you may need to provide the following:​

  • Your name​
  • The date and approximate time of the accident​
  • The location of the accident​
  • Any additional documents requested, such as a sworn statement or a copy of your driver’s license​

Involved in a Florida car accident? Contact us today!

Knowing how to request a police car accident report in Florida is only one step in seeking fair compensation. If you need help locating evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or building your case, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today.

Call (561) 655-1990 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.​

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