Whenever the police are called to check out the scene of a traffic crash, they fill out an official report based on all the information they obtain at the accident scene. Obtaining the police report, called a traffic crash report in Florida, is often an important piece of evidence when it comes to determining fault and liability in a car accident claim.
This report serves as official documentation that indicates you were in an car accident. Without the traffic crash report, proving exactly what happened during the crash and who caused it can be difficult.
Sometimes, police departments might not respond to the scene of a crash, whether it is due to understaffing, COVID-19 concerns, or other reasons. In this instance, you should take the necessary steps to properly report the crash online. Self-reporting when there is no police report is not only important but is often required by law.
Getting a CrashReport After a Florida Car Accident
The most convenient and recommended way to obtain a traffic crash report according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is through the Florida Crash Portal. You must pay a $10 fee and a non-refundable $2 convenience fee to get your traffic crash report.
Your requested report can be accessed online immediately, and you must download it within 48 hours. You will receive a download link for the report at the email address you provided when you requested the report. Take note, however, that it can take up to 10 days from the time of the accident for a traffic crash report to become available.
In addition, the FLHSMV sometimes experiences issues loading reports from certain agencies. If you’re having any issues searching for your crash report and ten days have passed since the accident, you can reach out to the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash directly to get the report. If the agency can’t give you the report, you can mail your request and payment to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Crash Records
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28
Tallahassee, FL 32399
You may have to wait four to six weeks to receive the report.
What’s in a Florida Traffic Crash Report?
A traffic crash report can include the following details:
- The location, time, and date of the car accident
- All the parties’ names and addresses, including the drivers and passengers
- Descriptions of all the motor vehicles involved
- If applicable, the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- The police officer’s name, law enforcement agency, and badge number
- The information of all the parties’ insurance providers involved in the accident
- A diagram showing the crash site and point of impact on the vehicle
- Any photos or videos that the responding officer took of the crash site, including damage to the cars and other things relevant to the accident.
- Any traffic violation citations if the officer issued citations to one or both drivers.
Speak to a Skilled Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in a car accident in Florida? You can find out more about your case and options for recovering financial compensation from the liable party by talking to our skilled Florida car accident lawyer. Reach out to Hancock Injury Attorneys and set up your free case evaluation by calling 813-915-1110 or completing our online contact form.