Accidents can be a traumatic experience, and navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One crucial aspect of dealing with the consequences is obtaining a copy of the accident report. Florida makes it easy to request your crash report after an accident by visiting the Florida Crash Portal on the FLHSMV website.
In this article, we will discuss the process of obtaining a copy of an accident report in Florida, addressing essential questions such as how to get a police report, access the report online, and the timeframe for obtaining the report. We'll also explore the legal aspects of an accident in Florida and how our law firm can help you with your potential personal injury claim.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 321-LAWSUIT. We offer free legal consultations with a lawyer at our office, and we don't charge any upfront costs or retainer fees. Representation is free unless we win money for you.
What Information is Contained in a Florida Crash Report?
In Florida, crash reports contain a wide variety of information. Typically, the report reads in sections, with each section containing certain categories of information. The main content in a Florida crash report includes the following:
- Crash Identifiers: This is information about where the crash occurred, when it occurred, and when the officer arrived on the scene.
- Roadway Information: This is information about the particular location where the accident occurred, including the road name, latitude and longitude, and the nearest intersection.
- Crash Information: This contains information about the light and weather condition, as well as any contributing circumstances.
- Vehicle: This section provides information about the vehicles involved in the crash, the license plate numbers, the drivers, the insurance coverage, the state of registration, and where the damage on the vehicles was located.
- Person Record: This section provides information about the people involved in the crash, including their names, addresses, driver license number, whether they were wearing a seatbelt, their injuries, and their actions at the time of the crash.
- Violations: This section outlines who was at fault for the crash.
- Non Vehicle Property Damage: This section outlines any damage that was done to property besides the vehicles involved.
- Narrative: This section is the police officer's narrative about what happened, how the crash occurred, and who was at fault.
- Reporting Officer: This section provides the information for the office that completed the crash report, including the officer's name, badge number, department, and type of department.
- Diagram: The diagram is essentially a drawing of how the crash occurred. Typically, the diagram is included at the very end of the police report.
This report is a valuable resource when filing insurance claims, settling disputes, and pursuing legal action if necessary. It's main function is to establish the basic facts of a crash, including when, where, and how it occurred, as well as the people and vehicles involved. Although we can use an accident report as leverage in pre-suit negotiations, it is not generally admissible at trial.
Types of Accident Reports in Florida
In Florida, there are two primary types of accident reports: the Florida Traffic Crash Report and the Florida Traffic Crash Report-Long Form. The former is a brief report that provides essential details, while the latter offers a more comprehensive account of the accident. Typically, the long-form crash report will take longer for the police to prepare, while the more abbreviated version is often available sooner.
How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Florida
Florida Statute § 316.066 governs how police reports are completed and distributed in Florida. Reports should be available within 10 days of a crash. However, in our experience, reports can take two weeks or longer, depending on how busy the police are.
There are three ways to obtain a police report in Florida: in person, by mail, or online.
In Person
You can visit the local law enforcement agency that investigated the accident and request a copy of the report. Make sure to bring a valid ID and be prepared to pay a small fee for the copy. You also need to complete a sworn statement, which can be found on the FLHSMV website.
If you are requesting more than 10 records, you must request the documents by mail.
By Mail
If you prefer to request the report by mail or if you're requesting more than 10 crash records, you can send a written request to the law enforcement agency closest to where the crash occurred, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the required fee. You can
Be sure to include details such as the case number, date of the accident, and names of the parties involved.
Florida's Official Crash Portal (Quickest and Easiest Method)
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) maintains the official crash portal, where you can access accident reports. Visit the Florida Crash Portal and follow the instructions to search for and obtain a copy of the report.
This is, by far, the quickest and easiest way to get your accident report. We go through this process ten or more times per week, and we rarely have any problems. We are lucky to have this system in Florida.
Third-Party Providers
If you don’t want to use the Florida Crash Portal, there are several third-party providers offer access to accident reports online. These providers may charge a fee for their services, so be sure to research and compare your options before choosing one. Some of the more popular third-party providers include CrashDocs and LexisNexis. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on the law enforcement agency involved in the accident investigation.
Timeframe for Obtaining a Police Report After an Accident in Florida
The timeframe for obtaining a police report after an accident in Florida can vary. In general, it takes about 10 days for the report to become available. However, this timeframe may be longer if the accident is complex or requires additional investigation. It's essential to be patient and periodically check the status of your report with the relevant law enforcement agency.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After an Accident in Florida
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that in most cases, your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, in severe cases involving significant injuries, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
If you've sustained significant injuries or damages from an accident, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is two (2) years. In other words, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Reach out to an attorney at our office as soon as possible after your crash to make sure your rights are protected.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers in Orlando Can Help You
We understand the complexities of Florida's accident and personal injury laws. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, protect your legal rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the ways we can help you:
- Perform an investigation right away
- Gather evidence to strengthen your case
- Communicate with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Draft a demand letter and demand payment
- Attend mediation with potential defendants
- File a lawsuit and litigate your case
- Take your case to trial, if necessary.
From obtaining your accident report to representing you in court, our team is committed to providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer at Our Office Today
When you work with us, you get your lawyer’s cell phone and direct contact information. We're a family. We're not a high-volume settlement mill law firm. We litigate cases and take them to trial when insurance companies don't want to treat our clients fairly.
Also, you don' pay us anything unless we win, and we don't charge people interest on case costs. There are no upfront costs, and a call is risk-free to you. Reach out to us anytime at 321-LAWSUIT to talk with a lawyer at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining a Crash Report After an orlando Car Accident
How much does it cost to obtain an accident report in Florida?
The cost of obtaining an accident report in Florida varies depending on the method used and the law enforcement agency. Generally, when you request a crash report from the Florida crash portal, the fee is $10 to $12.
Can I obtain an accident report if I wasn't directly involved in the accident?
In most cases, only the parties involved in the accident, their legal representatives, or their insurance companies can obtain a copy of the accident report.
How long do law enforcement agencies keep accident reports in Florida?
Florida law enforcement agencies are required to retain accident reports for at least five years.
What information do I need to provide when requesting an accident report?
When requesting an accident report, you'll typically need to provide the case number, date of the accident, location, and names of the parties involved.
Can I request an accident report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) directly?
Yes. You can request a crash report through the FLHSMV website in the Florida Crash Portal.
How Long Does it Take To Get an Accident Report in Florida?
Typically, crash reports and accident reports are available within 10 days. However, it could take longer if the police department responsible for the report is busy.
Are Police Reports Admissible in Civil Cases in Florida?
No. Typically, police reports are not admissible as evidence in a Florida personal injury case. This means that police reports cannot generally be used as evidence at trial.
How Do I Look Up An Accident Report?
You can look up an accident report at the Florida Crash Portal on the FLHSMV website.
Can You Get Crash Reports for Free?
You usually have to pay for a crash report. In Florida, crash reports are typically $10 to $12.
How Do I Get My Accident Case Number?
Typically, the accident case number will be on the accident report.
Do I Have to Pay for a Crash Report in Florida?
Yes. You typically have to pay between $10 to $12 for a crash report in Florida.
What is In a Florida Crash Report?
An accident report is a crucial document that provides details about the accident, such as:
- Parties involved in the crash,
- Vehicles involved in the crash,
- Owners of the vehicles,
- Auto insurance policies,
- Date and time of the incident,
- Location of the incident,
- Who was at fault for the crash,
- Injuries sustained,
- Whether an ambulance was called.