How To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Jacksonville

A traffic accident can be traumatic and disorienting. You may suffer physical injuries, emotional distress, and property damage that can create significant financial challenges. If your accident was due to someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, you could seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. A police report can provide crucial evidence to support your case. 

A Jacksonville car accident lawyer can advise you on how to get a police report for a car accident in Jacksonville and explain how a crash report can support your claim. 

Ways to Request a Police Report for a Jacksonville Car Accident

Police reports for car accidents are officially held by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). However, you can also obtain copies of the crash report from a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) or the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) station closest to the accident scene. 

It is important to note that the JSO does not handle crash reports for accidents under the jurisdiction of the FHP or areas around Jacksonville. For accidents that occurred within the jurisdiction of the JSO, you can submit your request using any of the following methods:

Online Request

Request a crash report online through the FLHSMV portal or submit a request through the JSO Public Records Center. You will be asked to provide identifying information and pay a fee to obtain the record.

In-Person Request

To request your crash report after a Jacksonville motor vehicle accident, you can go to the Police Memorial Building, JSO District Substation, or FHP troop station that has jurisdiction over your accident. When you go to the appropriate location, they will ask you to provide identification, a sworn statement, and payment for the requested report.

Request by Mail

Finally, you can send a signed sworn statement and payment by mail to:

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Attn: Public Records Unit

501 E. Bay St.

Jacksonville, FL 32202

OR

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Crash Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Be sure to include payment made out to the Jacksonville Sherriff’s office or FLHSMV, depending on where you send your request. Save time with the guidance of a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer who handles car accident claims.

Time Considerations When Requesting a Jacksonville Police Report for a Car Accident

Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires police officers to file the crash report within ten days of the accident. When you order a car accident report online, you typically receive access to the report immediately. The link from the FLHSMV expires within 48 hours, so you should download, save, or print the report as soon as possible. 

When you submit a request by mail, you can expect the processing time to be several weeks. If you need your accident report sooner, it may be wise to submit a request online or in person. You can also enlist your car accident lawyer’s assistance, as they will have experience requesting reports on behalf of their clients.

Police reports for traffic accidents remain confidential for 60 days. Following the initial 60 days, the report may become available to the public. You must meet eligibility requirements to request a crash report.

Parties Eligible to Request a Police Report for a Jacksonville Car Accident

Whether you request your crash report online, by mail, or in person, you must meet certain eligibility requirements established by Florida law. Customers requesting an accident report must be:

• A party involved in the accident
• A legal representative for a party involved in the accident
• Licensed insurance representative or underwriter for claimant involved in the accident
• State, federal, or local government or law enforcement agency
• Victim services programs

If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, contact a car accident lawyer in Jacksonville to better understand your legal rights and options.

How a Police Report Can Help With a Jacksonville Car Accident Claim

After a Jacksonville car accident, you may face significant financial difficulties due to vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income while you recover. An insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit can help you secure financial compensation to cover these losses. 

Police reports include critical information that can help you prove who was at fault for your injuries. The report can provide important contact information for other involved parties, insurance carriers, and witnesses who can support your case. It can also establish the severity of your injuries and losses.

Details Included in a Police Report for a Car Accident in Jacksonville

The exact details of a police report may differ depending on the circumstances of your accident. Most crash reports will include the following information:

• Names and addresses of individuals involved
• Insurance details for the involved parties
• Crash date, time, and location
• Witness names and addresses
• Description of the vehicles involved
• Responding officer’s badge number, agency, and name
• Description of the accident
• Diagram or drawing of the accident
• Responding officer’s assessment of fault

Sometimes, part or all of a police report is not admissible as evidence in a personal injury trial. To ensure you have the documentation and testimony you need, work with a knowledgeable Jacksonville car accident attorney.

Benefits of Partnering With a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer in Jacksonville can compile evidence, obtain witness statements, and file a claim with the insurance company on your behalf. While you recover from your injuries, your attorney can take phone calls, answer emails, and negotiate a fair settlement. Should negotiations fail, a car accident attorney is prepared to take your case to trial to secure justice and fair compensation.

Reach Out to Us for Help From a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today

Speak with the dedicated car accident attorneys at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to learn more about how to get a police report for a car accident in Jacksonville. We can explain the legal process, provide clear guidance, and represent your interests during negotiations and in the courtroom. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We can explain how a Jacksonville car accident lawyer from our firm can help.