Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience. After ensuring everyone’s safety and exchanging information at the scene, obtaining a police report is a crucial next step. This report serves as an official record of the incident and is often necessary for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and personal records. In Florida, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is the official repository for these records. This guide will explain how to get a police report from a car accident in Florida, ensuring you have the information you need efficiently.
Florida Crash Records Portal Banner: Access official Florida car accident police reports and crash data through the FLHSMV online portal.
Understanding Florida Crash Reports
A Florida Traffic Crash Report, often referred to as a police report or accident report, is a detailed document created by law enforcement officers after responding to a car accident. This report typically includes vital information such as:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Details of all drivers involved, including names, contact information, and insurance details
- Witness statements
- Diagrams of the accident scene
- Contributing factors to the crash
- Road and weather conditions
- Officer’s opinion on fault (though this is not legally binding)
This report is essential for navigating the aftermath of a car accident. It provides documented evidence for insurance claims, helps establish facts in potential legal disputes, and can be a valuable resource for understanding the circumstances of the accident.
How to Obtain Your Florida Car Accident Report
The FLHSMV offers several convenient methods to get a police report from a car accident in Florida. Whether you prefer online access, mail, or in-person requests, here’s a breakdown of your options:
Purchasing Online via the Florida Crash Portal
The quickest and most convenient way to get a police report from a car accident is through the FLHSMV’s online Crash Portal. This portal provides immediate access to reports once they are available, typically within 10 days of the crash.
Button to Buy a Crash Report: Click here to purchase your Florida car accident police report online through the FLHSMV portal.
Here’s how to purchase your report online:
- Visit the Florida Crash Portal.
- Follow the prompts to search for your crash report. You may need information such as the date of the crash, county, and driver’s name.
- Once located, you can purchase the report for $10.00. A $2.00 convenience fee applies to each online transaction.
- After purchase, a download link will be emailed to you, and the report must be downloaded within 48 hours.
This online method offers immediate access and is ideal for those needing a report quickly. Remember that reports may take up to 10 days to become available in the system.
Requesting by Mail or In Person
For those who prefer traditional methods, you can also get a police report from a car accident by mail or in person.
Button for Reporting a Traffic Crash: Learn about reporting a car accident in Florida and options for self-reporting minor crashes.
By Mail:
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Download and complete the signed statement form required for obtaining crash reports.
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Write a request letter detailing the crash report you need.
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Include a check or money order for $10.00 per report, payable to “FLHSMV”.
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Mail your request, signed statement, and payment to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Crash Records
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28
Tallahassee, FL 32399
In Person:
- For 10 or fewer reports, you can visit the FHP Troop Station nearest to where the crash occurred.
- Bring a completed signed statement form and payment of $10.00 per report.
Processing time for mail-in requests is typically 4-6 weeks. In-person requests at FHP Troop Stations for a small number of reports can be quicker, depending on availability.
Reporting a Car Accident in Florida
While this article focuses on how to get a police report from a car accident, it’s important to understand when law enforcement must be notified and when self-reporting is an option.
According to Florida law, you must notify law enforcement and remain at the scene if the accident involves:
- Injury
- Fatality
- Hit and run
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Vehicle requiring a tow truck
- Commercial motor vehicle
- Apparent damage of at least $500
In these situations, law enforcement officers will complete a crash report, which you can then obtain using the methods described above.
Self-Reporting a Minor Accident
For minor accidents that do not meet the criteria above (damage likely less than $500 and no injuries), drivers may self-report.
Button to Florida Crash Data: Explore official Florida car accident statistics and data resources provided by FLHSMV.
Self-Reporting Options:
- Online: Download the Driver Report of a Traffic Crash form, complete it, and email it to [email protected].
- By Mail: Download the form, complete it, and mail it to the same Tallahassee address mentioned earlier for mail-in report requests.
Self-reporting is for minor incidents and does not involve a police-generated crash report in the traditional sense. However, submitting a self-report can still be beneficial for your records and insurance purposes.
Accessing Florida Crash Data
Beyond individual reports, the FLHSMV also provides access to broader crash data for public information and research purposes.
- Visit the FLHSMV Crash Facts page for general statistics and reports.
- Explore the Florida Crash Dashboard for interactive data visualization.
- Government agencies can use the Signal 4 portal for deeper data access.
For specific data requests not available online, media inquiries should go to the Office of Communications, and public records requests can be directed to [email protected].
Conclusion
Getting a police report from a car accident in Florida is a straightforward process thanks to the FLHSMV. Whether you choose the convenience of the online portal, prefer mail, or need to visit in person, obtaining your crash report is essential for managing the aftermath of an accident. Remember to use the official FLHSMV resources to ensure you are getting accurate information and official documents for your needs.
