A crash report is a legal document that must be filled out after a car accident has occurred. The document is a summary of information about the collision and is filled out by law enforcement officers, often the investigating officer who responds to the 911 call to report traffic crashes to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Florida.
Vehicle accidents can completely change the lives of those involved. The laws and regulations in place that you must follow afterward can make this time even more trying. This is why you should contact a personal injury lawyer today at The Law Place, with offices all over Florida.
Call us on (941)444-4444 for a free consultation to ensure that you are guided and advised by an experienced attorney who prioritizes you.
What is an Accident Report?
An accident report, often interchangeably referred to as a crash report, is an official document prepared after a vehicular accident. This report is typically generated by a responding law enforcement officer and provides a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The contents of an accident report include a variety of critical details such as the date, time, and location of the crash, the identities and statements of the parties involved, and any witnesses’ accounts. It also covers the conditions at the time of the accident, such as weather, road conditions, and lighting. The report will detail the officer’s observations at the scene, including any apparent damages to the vehicles and property, injuries sustained by drivers or passengers, and potential violations of traffic laws.
Accident reports play a vital role in several aspects post-accident. They are crucial for insurance claims as insurers rely on these reports to determine fault and liability. They also serve as key evidence in legal proceedings if the accident leads to a lawsuit. Additionally, these reports help traffic safety experts to analyze accident trends and develop measures to improve road safety.
In most jurisdictions, involved parties can obtain a copy of the accident report from the local law enforcement agency or through online portals, which can then be used for insurance claims or personal records.
Incident Report VS Police Report
While the terms “incident report” and “police report” are often used interchangeably, they can refer to different types of documents, each with its specific purpose and context.
Incident Report
An incident report is a general term used for a document that records the details of any unusual event, not limited to vehicular accidents. These reports can be prepared in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or public spaces, and are not exclusive to law enforcement use. Incident reports document events like injuries, thefts, altercations, or any other incidents that require official documentation. They are used to record the facts of an event for future reference, to initiate an investigation, or to take corrective actions.
Police Report
A police report, on the other hand, is specifically prepared by law enforcement officers and relates to incidents that potentially involve criminal activity or public safety concerns, including traffic accidents. Police reports provide an authoritative account of an event from the law enforcement perspective and are used as official records in criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and insurance claims. In the context of vehicular accidents, a police report provides a detailed account of the crash, including the officer’s findings and conclusions about the incident.
Understanding the difference between an incident report and a police report is crucial, especially when dealing with legal or insurance matters following an event. While both serve as formal records of an event, their scope, authorship, and usage can differ significantly based on the context of the incident.
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What Is Included in a Crash Report?
Every accident report includes specific and important information about the crash. This information in the report can then be used at a later date, particularly if legal action is taken. The type of information often included in one of these reports is as follows:
- The place, date, and time of the accident.
- The name, address, phone number, date of birth, and more personal details of all drivers or pedestrians who were involved in the accident, as well as their statements.
- The contact information of any witnesses and their statements.
- The driver’s license information, as well as the plate number (State of the license, license number), the insurance company of all the drivers involved.
- An accident diagram form of the accident, including selecting vehicle movement, pedestrian action, vehicle defects, and other factors.
- Location, the weather, road, and lighting at the scene, and description of any damage sustained to the vehicles involved in the accident.
- Citations or violations of any laws.
- The police officer’s own opinions as to cause of the collision and who is at fault.
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Reporting a Crash
If you have been involved in a car accident, whether it was your fault or not, Florida Statute 316.066 states that you must stay at the accident scene and call 911 to immediately report it if:
- Death or injury followed as a result.
- The accident was a hit and run.
- The accident was caused by a driver who was under the influence.
- The property damage caused by the accident costs over $500.
- The crash involved a commercial motor vehicle.
- A wrecker is required to come and remove a vehicle.
You must also file a car crash report in Florida with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days of the accident.
If the crash you were involved in was a minor one, then you can report it yourself online or by mail instead.
Once the claim has been reported after a car accident, then each insurance company of the drivers involved will conduct their own investigation. The insurance company will first ask for the police report, as they all contain a large and important range of information that is crucial to their investigations. When aiming to claim damages after being in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, the other party’s insurance company may try to block the attempt. Contacting a law firm will be able to help you with this endeavor and give you the best chance of receiving the justice that you deserve.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Is a Crash Report the Same as a Police Report?
Crash reports and police reports are similar but not the same. A police report is required if a crime has been committed, and so, for example, would be used if the crash involved a death, a driver who was driving under the influence, etc.
Police reports, and other types of accident reports, are very important in a car accident. They give a legal, reliable, and trustworthy account of the auto accident that is often used and believed in a court if either party involved decided to take legal action. A police report may also be great to use by personal injury lawyers in settlement negotiations. They can also sometimes be used as evidence to show that the other person was at fault, although this isn’t always clear-cut.
How Do You Write an Accident Report?
As mentioned above, if you were involved in a minor car crash that did not require a law enforcement report, then you can report the accident yourself, instead of an officer.
You can do this:
- Online – You can use the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website to fill out the accident report online. Once you have completed all applicable fields in the form, including the signature and date, then it can be emailed to the email address found on the website.
- By mail – If you are filling out an accident report, you can use the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to download the driver report of a traffic crash. Once you’ve filled this out, you should mail the copy to the address also found on the website. It is a good idea to keep a copy of the submitted report for your records and insurance purposes.
Are Car Accident Reports Public Record?
Car accident and police reports can be accessed by the public, although one way will cost money. However, police reports are not a part of the public record until 60 days after the crash. If you do need a copy of the report within the 60 days, then you will need to complete an official affidavit, which will specify that you were in the crash. This affidavit is usually available at any police department, sheriff’s office, or other similar location where you need to pick up your report. You also have the option to complete the form online from the Florida Highway Patrol website.
In order to obtain a paid copy of the desired police report, you will first need to know which agency responded to your accident of which department you called to file the report as you need to request a copy from the law enforcement office, which wrote the report. Before leaving the accident scene, the police officer investigating will likely hand you a receipt with the identification number of the police report. If you have this identification number, then you’ll be able to call the traffic division of the local law enforcement agency, pay the administrative fee (often around $15), and obtain a copy. Even if you don’t have the identification number for the report, then you should be able to still obtain it if you can provide the agency with some of the following:
- The date and time of the accident.
- The location of the accident.
- Your name and/or the name of one or more of the drivers involved.
Having this information will speed up the process of locating and accessing a copy of the report. You might still need to share this information with the agency even if you do have the case number, as the process to get a police report may differ for each agency. Some offer instant online downloads, whereas others may require you to appear in person or send a request by mail.
However, you could obtain a copy of the police report for free by asking the claims representative of your insurance company to see if they requested the report. If they did, you can ask the representative for a copy. The insurance company may not have the police report, but it is a good idea to check as it could save you some money.
If the attorneys at The Law Place handle your claim for you, then we will be able to advise and assist you in acquiring the relevant car accident report.
What is a Crash Report? FAQ
What is a Crash Report?
A crash report is an official document created by law enforcement agencies that details the circumstances and facts about a motor vehicle crash. It includes information about the accident, the respective parties involved, and any observed violations of traffic laws.
Who prepares a Crash Report?
A crash report is typically prepared by the responding officer from the law enforcement officer’s agency that arrives at the scene of the accident. This report provides an unbiased account of the accident occurred.
What information is included in a Florida Traffic Crash Report?
A Florida Traffic Crash Report includes details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, information about the drivers and vehicles involved, witness statements, and a diagram of the accident scene. It may also include the officer’s assessment of the cause of the accident and any citations issued.
Why is a Crash Report important for an insurance claim?
A crash report is crucial for an insurance claim because it provides verified details about the accident. Insurance companies, including licensed insurance agents, use this report to determine fault, process claims, and assess damages.
What is the difference between a Short Form Crash Report and a Long Form Crash Report?
A Short Form Crash Report is used for minor accidents involving no injuries and minimal property damage. In contrast, a Long Form Crash Report is required for more serious accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
How can a Car Accident Lawyer use a Crash Report?
A car accident lawyer can use the crash report to build a case by analyzing the facts, gathering evidence, and establishing fault. This report is a key piece of documentation when pursuing a car accident claim or negotiating with insurance companies.
Can a person involved in a crash obtain a copy of the Crash Report?
Yes, any person involved in the crash can request a copy of the crash report from the law enforcement agency that prepared it. This report is essential for legal and insurance purposes.
How does a Crash Report benefit legal representatives?
Legal representatives use the crash report to understand the specifics of the accident, identify witnesses, and develop a legal strategy. It is an important document for preparing for negotiations or court proceedings.
Are Crash Reports available to the public?
Crash reports become public record after a certain period, typically 60 days. However, immediate access is restricted to involved parties, their legal representatives, and their licensed insurance agents to protect the privacy of those involved.
How does the Crash Report impact victim services programs?
Victim services programs use crash reports to identify and assist victims of motor vehicle accidents. These programs may offer support, counseling, and resources to help victims recover from the incident.
What steps should be taken if a Crash Report contains errors?
If a crash report contains errors, it is important to contact the law enforcement officer’s agency that prepared the report to request a correction. Accurate information is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Where can I find more information about crash reports and car accidents in Florida?
For more information, you can refer to car accidents blog posts, legal resources, or consult a car accident lawyer. These sources can provide detailed insights into handling a car accident in Florida and the importance of crash reports.
What if a Crash Report is not filed for a minor accident?
If a crash report is not filed for a minor accident, the involved parties should still exchange information and document the scene. A self-report can be filed with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles if a crash report is required for an insurance claim.
How is crash data used by law enforcement and safety agencies?
Law enforcement and safety agencies use crash data to analyze trends, improve road safety, and implement measures to prevent future accidents. This data helps in understanding the causes and consequences of motor vehicle crashes.
How does a Crash Report affect the filing of an insurance claim?
A crash report affects the filing of an insurance claim by providing a detailed account of the accident, which helps in determining liability and the extent of damages. It is a critical document for substantiating claims and ensuring fair compensation.
Contact The Law Place For a Free Consultation
If you have been involved in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, then you may deserve compensation. Here at The Law Place, our lawyers have over 75 years of combined experience with Florida law and so working with us will give you the best possible chance at receiving the justice that you deserve.
Don’t suffer in silence; call us today at (941)444-4444 to schedule a free consultation.
