How to Check Accident Details & Get Your Crash Report

How to Get Your Crash Report & Check Accident Details in Florida

Your crash report is the official record of your accident. It documents the date, time, location, who was involved, and what the officer observed. This report forms the foundation of any personal injury claim or legal case. If you were in an accident, getting your crash report is your first step to understanding what happened and protecting your rights.

Why Your Crash Report Matters

Crash reports are far more than paperwork. Insurance companies use them to evaluate claims. Medical providers reference them when documenting your injuries. Attorneys rely on them to establish who was at fault.

The details in your crash report directly affect your compensation. The officer’s account of road conditions, traffic signals, and what caused the accident shapes how much you may recover. Getting a copy early helps you understand exactly what happened.

In Florida, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal-injury lawsuit. Getting your report promptly protects your legal rights.

How to Request Your Crash Report in Florida

If you were in the accident, you can request your crash report directly from the law enforcement agency that responded. In Florida, that’s typically:

• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) — for accidents on state highways or interstates
• Local police department — for accidents on city streets or private property

You’ll need basic information to request your report:

• Date and approximate time of the accident
• Location (city, street, or highway)
• Names of the other parties involved
• Your case or report number (if you have it)

If you don’t have all these details, don’t worry. The agency can often search by your driver’s license number or vehicle information.

Are Car Accidents Public Record in Florida?

Yes. Most car accidents involving law enforcement in Florida are public record. You, insurance companies, their representatives, and attorneys can all access them.

However, crash reports that reveal the identities of the parties involved are confidential for 60 days after the date the report is filed (Fla. Stat. 316.066).

Since the crash report is public, the other party’s insurance company will obtain it. Having it yourself early gives you the same information they have—and lets you spot inaccuracies before they affect your insurance claim.

How to View Your Crash Report in Florida

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)

The FHP maintains crash reports for accidents on state highways and interstates. You can order reports online through the FLHSMV Crash Portal. You can also contact your local FHP post directly, order by mail, or obtain a copy in person.

Local Police Departments

If your accident happened on a city street, contact the police department in that city. Many Florida police departments offer online ordering systems. You can also visit the station in person with your identification and accident details.

In-Person Request

Visit the police station or highway patrol office where the report was filed. Bring your driver’s license and as much information about the accident as you have. In-person requests are often processed faster than mail requests.

Third-Party Crash Report Services

Private companies can retrieve crash reports on your behalf for a fee. If you’re working with an attorney, they often obtain reports as part of your case at no upfront cost to you.

What Does a Crash Report Cost?

Official crash reports in Florida typically cost between $10 and $25, depending on the agency and number of pages. Florida Highway Patrol charges $10.00 per report under section 321.23, Florida Statutes.

Some police departments allow free viewing of reports at their office. You’ll pay for a certified copy if you need one.

Vehicle history services like CARFAX and AutoCheck compile accident data from insurance claims and police reports. These services are sometimes free or low-cost, but they don’t capture every accident—only those reported to insurance companies or in their databases.

If you were injured and are considering a claim, an attorney can often obtain your crash report as part of their representation, eliminating the upfront cost to you.

What Information Is in a Florida Crash Report?

A standard Florida crash report includes:

• Names and contact information of all parties involved
• Insurance details for each vehicle
• Date, time, and exact location of the accident
• Vehicle descriptions and damage assessment
• Officer’s observations about road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and contributing factors
• Citations issued (if any)
• Witness names and statements
• Diagram of the accident scene

The officer’s observations about contributing factors—such as speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving—are especially important. Under Florida’s comparative fault rule, the degree of fault assigned to each party affects compensation. The crash report is often the first official document that addresses fault.

How to Request a Crash Report by Mail or In Person

By Mail:

1. Contact the agency that responded (FHP or local police department).
2. Provide your name, the accident date and location, and any case or report number.
3. Include payment (check, money order, or credit card if the agency accepts it online).
4. Mail your request to the address provided by the agency.
5. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

In Person:

1. Visit the police station or highway patrol office with your identification.
2. Provide the accident details (date, location, case number if available).
3. Pay the fee on the spot.
4. Many agencies can provide a copy the same day or within a few days.

Using Your Crash Report in a Claim or Legal Case

If you were injured, the report documents the accident and can be linked to your medical records and treatment. It establishes the date and nature of the injury-causing event—essential information for any claim.

An attorney can use the crash report to identify liable parties, locate witnesses for further investigation, understand the other party’s position, and build your case. The report also shows whether the other party was cited for a traffic violation, but under Florida law such citations are generally not admissible as evidence in any trial, with limited exceptions (Fla. Stat. 316.650).

Frequently Asked Questions

If you were injured in a car accident and are trying to understand what happened and what your options are, getting your crash report is an important first step. Many people in your situation reach out to discuss whether they may have a claim and what comes next. Contact us for a free case evaluation — we can help you review your accident details and explore your path forward.