How Do I Look Up an Accident Report in Florida?

JAMES D. PAYER | November 9, 2024 | Orlando Personal Injury Blog

If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, obtaining the accident report can be an essential step in proving liability and securing compensation for damages. Accident reports are useful when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal claims, as they contain important details about the incident. 

In some states, you must contact the specific law enforcement agency that responded to your accident, such as a city police department or state highway patrol. Fortunately, Florida makes the process easier. All crash reports are accessible through the Florida Crash Portal. This portal is overseen by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). 

Our personal injury lawyers will walk you through the process of looking up an accident report in Florida and explain how it can help your case.

Why Do You Need An Accident Report?

An accident report, also known as a crash report, provides critical information about the accident, such as:

• Time, date, and location of the crash
• The parties involved, including contact information
• Descriptions of injuries and property damage
• Statements from witnesses and officers’ observations
• Any citations or violations

In Florida, these reports are crucial because they serve as official documentation of the incident, which can play a key role in establishing fault and supporting your insurance claim. If the crash resulted in injury, death, or significant property damage, Florida law mandates that the involved parties file a report with the police.

If you need the other driver’s insurance information, you will need to get a copy of the crash report or a copy of your Self-Report of Traffic Crash. Mail or fax the copy and the Insurance Request Form to the address included on the form and allow 10 business days for processing. 

How To Obtain An Accident Report In Florida

Florida law allows you to request your accident report through several methods. You’ll typically need the report if you are:

• Filing an insurance claim
• Pursuing legal action
• Seeking compensation for medical bills or car repairs

Here’s how you can obtain your report.

Request The Report Online

The most convenient way to access your crash report is through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) online portal. This portal provides access to accident reports filed by law enforcement agencies across the state. Reports are generally available within 10 days of the incident and remain accessible for up to 60 days.

Steps to access a Florida crash report online:

• Visit the FLHSMV website.
• Navigate to the “Buy a Crash Report” section.
• Search for your crash report by providing the required information. This includes the date of the accident, the driver’s name, or report number.
• Pay the $10 fee (plus a $2 convenience fee) to download the report.
• Download your crash report. You will be emailed a download link. You must download the report within 48 hours of making your request. 

Note: Only parties involved in the accident and authorized parties can access the report within the first 60 days. After this period, the report becomes publicly accessible. You will need to provide a copy of your driver’s license to prove your eligibility to buy the report. 

Obtain The Report In Person

If you prefer, you can also pick up a copy of the accident report from the local law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. This could be the city police department, sheriff’s office, or Florida Highway Patrol. You will need to provide valid identification and details about the crash, such as the date, location, report number, or driver’s name.

Depending on the agency, a fee may apply. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability and any other requirements. 

If your accident occurred within the Orlando city limits, you can request a copy of your accident report from the Orlando Police Department. 

If your accident occurred in unincorporated Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is responsible for investigating both crashes in these areas and accidents on highways throughout the county. 

Request By Mail

You can also request a crash report by mail. Send your request to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the FLHSMV, including the necessary details and a check or money order for the fee. Make sure to include your contact information so they can mail the report to you once it’s ready.

How Long Do You Have To Wait For A Report?

Law enforcement agencies have 10 days to submit accident reports to the Crash Portal. Your report will typically be available within 10 days of your accident. If you try to request the report within the first 10 days, it may not be available yet. 

Requesting your crash report is just one step in pursuing compensation through an insurance claim. You have a limited time to file an insurance claim after your accident. If you are working with a personal injury attorney, you will not need to request the report yourself. Your attorney can get a copy of your accident report and help you with filing your injury claim and understanding all your legal options. 

Do you need help with a claim after a crash in the Orlando area? Call Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney. We can help you with the claims process and pursue the at-fault driver for compensation if you are eligible to step outside the no-fault system. 

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Orange County and its surrounding areas: