How do I get a copy of my accident report?

A copy of a police accident report is requested from the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash, which is usually a city police department, county sheriff or state highway patrol. Most agencies accept requests online, by mail or in person. Local Accident Reports can help you identify the right agency at no charge.

How long does it take for a police report to be available?

A police accident report is usually available within five to ten business days of the crash, although timing varies by agency. Reports involving serious injuries or fatalities often take longer because the investigation has to be completed first. Contacting the responding agency directly is the fastest way to confirm the status of a specific report.

Why is my accident not listed on this site?

Local Accident Reports publishes incidents that appear in official agency releases and credible local sources, so not every crash is covered. Minor collisions without injuries are rarely reported publicly. If an incident is missing and you believe it should be listed, call 888-657-1460 and we will look into it.

Where does Local Accident Reports get its information?

Local Accident Reports compiles incident information from law enforcement releases, emergency response reports and credible local news sources across the United States. Early details can change as investigations continue, and coverage is updated as new information is confirmed. Readers who spot an inaccuracy can contact us so we can correct the record.

Is there a cost to request an accident report?

Help from Local Accident Reports is free and carries no obligation. Some law enforcement agencies charge a small administrative fee for the copy of the report itself. That fee is set by the agency rather than by us, and it varies from one jurisdiction to another.

Can information in an accident report change?

Details in an accident report can change as an investigation continues. Initial reports are often filed at the scene before every fact is confirmed, and agencies may later issue amended reports correcting information about the vehicles, the parties involved or the sequence of events.

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