How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Orlando

Florida requires a crash report for car accidents involving personal injury, death, property damage up to $500, intoxicated driving, commercial vehicles, and vehicles in hit-and-run accidents. You can request a crash report in Orlando online, by mail, or in person. An accident report can provide crucial details to substantiate your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

A car accident attorney in Orlando can help you understand how to get a police report for a car accident and what you can use it for.

Filing a Police Report After an Orlando Car Accident

While Florida law requires police to file a report after certain accidents, you may benefit from submitting a traffic crash report if they do not. You can self-report minor accidents to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) by filling out a driver self report and submitting it to [email protected]. 

You can also submit the signed form by mail to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Crash Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Maintain a copy of the report for your records. You can submit this report as part of the documentation to support your insurance claim. 

Requesting a Copy of Your Orlando Accident Report

You can request your Orlando crash report online, by mail, or in person. 

Online Accident Report Request

After an accident in Orlando, you can request the crash report through the City of Orlando’s online portal. For accidents in the surrounding areas, you can request a copy of the report through the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. 

The FLHSMV also maintains copies of all crash reports in Florida. You can submit your request through their online crash portal. 

Each online record service will require you to provide details about the accident and verify your identity. You also must pay a $10 fee for the report and a convenience fee for use of the online portal. Upon submitting this information, you will receive a link to the report by email. You must download the report within 48 hours of receipt.

In-Person Accident Report Request

You can request a copy of your Orlando crash report in person at the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) station closest to the accident scene. If you make your request within 60 days of the collision, you must provide a signed sworn statement verifying your identity. The law enforcement agency may ask for a copy of your driver’s license. You will also need to pay $10 for the report.

Accident Report Request by Mail

You also have the option to submit your accident report request by mail to:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Crash Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28 

Tallahassee, FL 32399

You should send a letter describing the crash information, including the accident case number. Include your signed sworn statement if your request is within 60 days after the accident and a check or money order for $10 made out to the FLHSMV.

It takes about four to six weeks for you to receive the report after a mailed request. 

Parties That Can Request an Orlando Car Accident Report

Florida laws limit the number of people who can obtain crash reports for 60 days following an accident. To submit a request online, in person, or by mail, you must be one of the following:

• A person involved in the accident
• A person named in the accident report
• A legal representative of someone involved in the accident
• A licensed insurance agent handling the accident claim
• An underwriter for the insurance claim
• A victim services program
• A representative of a federal, state, or local governmental agency

Radio and television stations with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and certain newspapers can also request redacted copies of the report for legal reporting purposes. These reports do not include personal information about the involved parties, such as phone numbers, addresses, and employment details. 

Why a Crash Report Is Important for an Orlando Car Accident Claim

A police report for a car accident in Orlando includes critical details about the crash, including: 

• Location, date, and time of the auto accident
• Names and contact details of drivers, passengers, and other involved parties
• Insurance details for those involved
• Factors that led to the accident
• A timeline of the accident
• Diagram or illustration of the accident
• Name, badge number, and agency of reporting officer

Filing a Car Accident Claim After an Orlando Car Crash

Florida’s no-fault insurance law (Florida Statutes § 627.733) requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) to cover medical costs and lost income due to the accident. A crash report can help you document your injuries so you can secure compensation from your PIP provider. 

If you suffered a catastrophic injury that resulted in permanent impairment, you could also pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. The police report can help you establish that the other driver was at fault by detailing the circumstances that led to your crash. 

How an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With a Claim or Lawsuit

Even if you know how to get a police report for a car accident in Orlando, the process can be time-consuming and confusing. Instead of trying to navigate the legalities on your own, hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in Orlando car accident claims. 

While you focus on recovering your health, an Orlando car accident attorney can:

• Request copies of the crash report
• Take statements from witnesses and investigators
• Compile bills, estimates, and other documents to support your claim
• Negotiate with the insurance company for your compensation award
• File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary

Instead of stressing over paperwork, let a skilled car accident attorney familiar with the process guide you.

Contact Us for Help From an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Today

For assistance in obtaining a police report and filing your Orlando car accident claim, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today. Our attorneys can explain how to get a police report after a car accident in Orlando and offer further counsel. 

During your free consultation, we can review your case details and advise how you can best pursue compensation for your losses. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start working for you.