How to Get a Copy of a Florida Traffic Crash Report

A crash report, also known as a car accident report, is a detailed document that summarizes the events surrounding a car accident. Obtaining a copy of your Florida Traffic Crash Report is often an essential step after an accident, as this document provides critical details that can support your insurance claim or legal case.

With our extensive experience handling personal injury and accident cases throughout Central Florida, Dismuke Law understands the importance of timely access to your traffic crash report. Our team is here to guide you through each step, ensuring you have the information needed to move forward confidently. If you’re interested in retaining our support, feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.

Understanding Crash Reports

A crash report is a detailed document that summarizes the events surrounding a car accident. Typically filled out by the law enforcement officer who responded to the scene, this report provides an official account of the incident.

Crash reports are essential for insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and other legal proceedings. They contain vital information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the parties involved, the vehicles involved, and any injuries or property damage sustained. Having a comprehensive crash report ensures that all details of the car accident are documented accurately, which can be crucial for resolving disputes and claims.

Recommendations and Next Steps After a Car Accident

If you or someone in your family was in a Lakeland car accident, the police were likely called to make a report, which is then maintained by law enforcement agencies. This is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Florida traffic crash report and an explanation as to why you would need it. If you have recently been involved in a traffic accident, you are probably wondering what to do next. 

The very first thing you need to do is get a copy of the traffic accident report, which will greatly facilitate the further resolution of your claim and make it easier to receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. After you have been examined, you can seek medical attention and an attorney. If you are a client of Dismuke Law, we will obtain the traffic crash report for you, there is no need for you to go to the trouble of securing it.

Why Should You Get a Copy of Your Florida Traffic Crash Report?

This report, also known as a car accident report, is useful, and often even necessary, for making property damage or injury claims with the insurance company. The law dictates that the report must include certain information, and this data could make it easier to receive compensation for your losses.

Most reports will also include details about how the accident occurred, if EMS was called for anyone involved, an estimate of the property damage to each vehicle, if and to whom a citation was issued, and more. 

When Can You Get a Copy of a Florida Traffic Crash Report?

The time it takes for a traffic crash report to become available varies depending on the investigation conducted by law enforcement agencies. Florida Statutes require that a crash report be completed and submitted to the department within ten days after an investigation is completed by the law enforcement officer.

More often than not, if all parties involved in the crash remained at the scene when police arrived, and the collision did not cause a fatality, the investigation can be completed on the same day as the crash, and the report becomes available within ten days. However, if circumstances create an extended investigation, the crash report will not be available to the public until the investigation has been completed.

How Can You Get a Copy of a Florida Traffic Crash Report?

You can obtain a copy of the traffic crash report by visiting the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. This portal, managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, serves as the central repository for crash records in the state. In addition to obtaining a traffic crash report, individuals can also submit a crash report form for minor accidents through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

The total fee is $12 and can be paid by debit or credit card. You will be asked to provide your driver’s license or ID number (for proof of age and citizenship), the date of the crash, the county in which it occurred, and the last name of any party involved. Once purchased, the report will be immediately available for download.

Alternatively, an attorney you retain to manage your car accident claim can retrieve the crash report on your behalf. If you want us to represent you and reduce stress related to your case, please contact Dismuke Law as soon as possible.

What to Expect in a Crash Report

A crash report typically includes comprehensive information about the accident. You can expect to find the following details in your Florida Crash Report:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• The parties involved, including their names, addresses, and contact information
• The vehicles involved, including their make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• A description of the vehicles involved.
• A detailed description of the accident, including the circumstances leading up to the crash and the events that occurred during the crash
• The name, badge number, and law enforcement agency of the officer investigating the crash.
• The names of the insurance companies for the respective parties involved in the crash, including all drivers and passengers
• Any injuries or property damage sustained
• The law enforcement officer’s conclusions about the accident
• Any citations or charges issued as a result of the accident

This detailed information helps in understanding the full context of the crash and is crucial for any subsequent legal or insurance processes.

Correcting Errors in a Crash Report

If you discover errors in your crash report, it is crucial to address them promptly. Contact the law enforcement agency that issued the report to request corrections. Providing accurate information is essential, as discrepancies can significantly impact your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

If you encounter difficulties in correcting the report, consider seeking the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer. We can help navigate the process and ensure that the crash report accurately reflects the incident, safeguarding your interests in any legal or insurance proceedings.

Self-Reporting a Minor Car Accident

In cases of minor car accidents where police assistance is not required, you have the option to self-report the incident. However, you are required to report the crash to the DMV if anyone was seriously injured, anyone was killed, or if damages are worth $500 or greater.

In Florida, this can be done online or by mail through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). To self-report, you will need to complete the Driver Report of a Traffic Crash form, providing details such as the date and location of the accident, the parties involved, and any injuries or property damage sustained.

It is important to keep a copy of this report for your records, as your insurance company may request it. Self-reporting ensures that even minor accidents are documented, which can be important for future reference and insurance claims.

How Dismuke Law Can Help You with Your Car Accident Claim

Accessing your Florida Traffic Crash Report is essential for ensuring the accuracy of your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings. At Dismuke Law, we prioritize making this process as seamless as possible, handling each step with expertise and a commitment to your needs. 

With over 18 years of experience, our team not only retrieves and reviews these reports but also assists in correcting any discrepancies that may impact your case. To learn more about how we can support you, contact us at (863) 250-5050 or visit our contact form.