How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident

After a car accident, one of the most important documents you’ll need is the police report (also known as a collision report). This report provides an official record of what happened, who was involved, and any contributing factors noted by law enforcement. Insurance companies, attorneys, and courts often rely on it to determine fault and damages.

So, how do you get a police report for a car accident? You can obtain a collision report in Washington by submitting a request online, by mail, or in person.

If you’ve been in a car accident, time is of the essence. A Tacoma car accident lawyer can help you get a police report and secure the compensation you deserve.

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident?

In Washington, car accident reports are typically filed by the responding law enforcement agency, such as the Washington State Patrol, a county sheriff’s office, or a local police department. To obtain a copy, you can:

• Request it online: You can request a collision report through the Washington State Patrol’s online records system. You’ll need information such as the case number, the date of the accident, or the names of the drivers involved.
• Request it by mail: You can complete a request form and mail it to the agency that handled your accident.
• Request it in person: The Washington State Patrol offers an in-office kiosk where you can order a collision report. In addition, some local police departments and sheriff’s offices allow in-person requests at their records divisions.

How Long Does It Take for a Collision Report to Be Available in Washington?

It can take 2 to 4 weeks for collision reports to become available in Washington. However, according to the Washington State Patrol, they’re usually completed much sooner. The exact time it takes for yours to become available will depend on the agency that filed it and the complexity of the accident.

If you need the report for an insurance claim, you can check its status after a few days and follow up with the agency if it isn’t available within a week.

Are There Any Fees for Requesting a Collision Report in WA?

Yes, most collision report requests in Washington carry a small fee. If you request the report online through the Washington State Patrol, the cost is typically $10.50 per report. Local agencies may set their own fees, but they are usually similar.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Car accident lawyers can make the process of obtaining a police report easier. Here’s how:

• Obtaining the report: A lawyer can quickly request the collision report and ensure it’s complete.
• Analyzing the details: Attorneys know how to interpret the authorities’ findings, including officer notes, diagrams, and contributing factors.
• Challenging inaccuracies: If the report contains errors, lawyers can help submit corrections or present evidence to dispute the findings.
• Strengthening your case: Since insurance companies give significant weight to police reports, having attorneys interpret and argue the report in your favor can improve your chances of a fair settlement.

What if a Police Report Wasn’t Filed?

Not every accident automatically results in a police report. In Washington, law enforcement may not respond if the crash is minor, involves no injuries, and vehicles are drivable. However, you may still be legally required to complete your own report.

This collision report must be submitted to the Washington State Patrol if the crash caused injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage. This report can be filed online or by mail and must be submitted within 4 days of the accident. Failing to file before this deadline can result in fines, license suspension, and insurance complications. 

What Information Is in a Collision Report?

A Washington collision report typically contains:

• Basic details: The report includes the date, time, and location of the accident, so there is a clear record of when and where it occurred.
• Driver information: The report lists the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information for each driver involved in the crash.
• Vehicle details: The report provides the make, model, color, and license plate number of all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Crash diagram: The report features a visual diagram that shows how the collision occurred according to the officer’s assessment.
• Witness statements: The report contains accounts from witnesses who saw the crash and any information they provided about what happened.
• Officer’s notes: The report includes the responding officer’s assessment of fault, contributing factors, and any citations that were issued.

Why Do I Need a Police Report for a Car Accident?

A police report can be one of the most powerful pieces of evidence after a car accident. Specifically, it can:

• Support your insurance claim: Insurers rely on collision reports to verify fault and damages.
• Establish credibility: Having an official, third-party account strengthens your position in disputes.
• Protect against false claims: If the other driver tries to shift blame, the report can protect you.
• Help in lawsuits: If your case goes to court, the collision report is often a key exhibit.

Without a police report, your case may rely solely on witness statements and personal accounts, which are easier to dispute.

Call Our Car Accident Lawyers Today

Getting a police report is one of the first and most important steps after a car accident in Washington. But the report alone won’t guarantee you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies may still attempt to downplay your injuries or twist the details of the crash in their favor.

The experienced car accident lawyers at NextLaw can gather evidence, use the collision report strategically, and fight for your best interests. Injured in a car accident? Call Dan Next to learn about how you can obtain a police report and pursue compensation.