What's In A Florida Police Accident Report, And How Do You Get One?
At some point in your Florida driving career, there is a chance that you could get involved in an auto accident. In one instance, the matter might be nothing more than a mere fender-bender, causing very little damage and no injuries. Meanwhile, on other occasions, the events can be much worse. These are the incidents where the police come out to the scene and make reports.
In Florida, officers must file reports for:
- • Crashes With Injuries
- • Fatality Crashes
- • Hit And Run Incidents
- • DUI Accidents
- • Crashes Requiring Wreckers To Move Vehicles
- • Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
- • Incidents Where The Apparent Damage Is More Than $500
It is also sometimes possible for people to self-report online or by mail. We'll save those topics for another day, though. Today's focus will remain on a Florida police crash reports and how to obtain one in Florida.
What Info Is Included In An Accident Report?
Before we dive into the world of recovering a police accident report, let us first look at the information the documents contain. The data included could vary slightly, depending on factors like where the crash occurs or if an officer forgets to jot something down. However, every police accident report should contain the date and time of the crash, the name of the city or town where the incident happened, the time law enforcement was notified of the accident and arrived on the scene, and the type of road.
The next section is typically dedicated to details about drivers and vehicles. Thus, it will include things such as insurance company names and policy numbers, VIN or vehicle identification numbers, and license numbers. This is also an area where officers document the speed limit, pedestrian/occupant injuries, alcohol or drug test results, and vehicle damage estimates.
Finally, the last section of the police report will reveal the contributing causes for the accident. This might be something like drunk driving or a person disregarding a stop sign. Other items that tend to get documented here include but are not limited to car defects, road conditions, and accident locations.
How To Obtain A Florida Police Crash Report
The FLHSMV is in charge of traffic accident reports in The Sunshine State, and it gives you several different ways to obtain a document. One of the easiest methods is online via the portal on the FLHSMV website that went into effect in 2019. Customers can get ten reports per transaction at $10 a piece. However, it is also notable to mention that a $2.00 convenience fee is added on to each transaction through the portal.
Florida residents can visit the FHP Troop Station nearest the crash to obtain a police accident report in person. This is providing that they are requesting ten or fewer documents. When more than ten reports are required, the requester must get them through the mail.
As such, they'll need to send a letter with a signed statement, payment, and other criteria to:
- • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- • Crash Records
- • 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28
- • Tallahassee, FL 32399
It doesn't matter if you go in person or request reports by mail, you must fill out a Sworn Statement to Obtain Crash Report. Check and money order are the acceptable payment forms, and they need to be made out to FLHSMV. Hopefully, you aren't in a huge hurry. The processing time for these documents is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
Have You Been Injured In An Auto Accident?
If you get injured in a Florida auto accident with a negligent driver, you may have the grounds to seek compensation for your damages. These could include medical bills, current/future lost wages, property damage, and more. Contact Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to schedule a free case evaluation and learn where your claim stands today.
