What do I need to do to get a copy of an accident report ?

A: Being in an accident can be stressful and present many challenges to those involved. From insurance investigators and adjusters to the bank carrying the auto loan and the parties involved, almost everyone wants a copy of the accident report. Getting a copy of the accident report is a straightforward process that sometimes requires a little patience and perseverance to work through government red tape to find it.

Things You'll Need

•    Accident information including date and location
Write down the date, location and any other pertinent information that you have about the accident. This information should include any street names and identifying landmarks. Also, be sure and make a note of the make and model of the vehicles involved as well as the names and ages of the drivers, if available.

Contact the law-enforcement agency for that area. This is the most direct method of gaining a copy of the accident report. Within the city limits, the law-enforcement agency is most likely the city police department. County sheriff's department and state police usually cover areas outside the city limits. Keep in mind that the state police also can respond to accidents within the city limits.

Contact the court of jurisdiction for older cases that have gone to court. If an accident investigation has led to a lawsuit over any of the issues involved, it may be possible to get a copy of the accident report from the court that ruled on the case. If you go this route, you will need to know the case number, so the court clerk can look up the records.

Fill out any required forms, and submit them to the proper authority. Many places have forms that are required to keep a record of who has requested public records such as accident reports. In some cases city and state clerical departments charge a fee for processing requests for public records. Fees can range anywhere from $5 to $20, in most cases.

Contact the party or parties involved in the accident. As a last resort, if you are unable to procure a copy of the accident report from official sources, it may be possible to obtain a copy of the accident report from the parties involved in the incident. In some states, individuals are also required to submit their version of an accident report if they are involved in the accident. In these states, the investigate law-enforcement agency also is required to give anyone involved a copy of the individual reports as well.

Tips & Warnings

•    Always call the police if you are involved in an accident that involves vehicle damage or personal injury. Always call the police if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist

Most importantly call an experienced personal injury attorney.