Always request a copy of your accident report ASAP

Accident reports are essential documents to obtain after being involved in a car wreck. It’s important to get a copy as soon as it becomes available, as multiple parties will likely request it, from your insurance company, attorney, to your accident doctor.

Understanding what is included in your accident report can feel complicated, but having a clear grasp of the information it contains is crucial for filing claims, receiving proper medical care, and protecting your legal rights. You can find a detailed breakdown of accident reports below.

🚓 What Is a Police Report?

A police report, often called an accident report, is an official document prepared by law enforcement after a crash or incident. It provides an objective record of what occurred, who was involved, and any contributing factors. Depending on where the accident took place, the report may be completed by city, county, or state police officers.

When an incident happens on private property, such as in a parking lot, it may be documented as an incident rather than a police report. These typically do not assign fault. However, when an accident occurs on public roads or highways, a accident report is usually filed, which may include details about who was at fault, witness statements, and citations issued.

📄 What’s Included in an Accident Report?

It contains essential details about a collision and the individuals involved. It serves as an official piece of evidence for insurance claims, attorneys, and determining fault. While the layout can vary depending on the agency, most reports include the following information:

👤 Driver Information

Each driver’s name, driver’s license number, address, and phone number are listed, usually at the top of the first page. The placement may differ depending on which driver was deemed at fault and which law enforcement agency completed it.

🚗 Vehicle Owner Information

If the vehicle owner is different from the driver, their name, address, and contact information will appear on the lower portion. When the driver and owner are the same person, this section may be left blank or contain duplicate information.

🛡️ Insurance Information

It includes each driver’s insurance company and policy number, typically found just below the driver information section. This helps verify coverage quickly.

🧍‍♀️ Passenger Information

Passengers involved in the crash are listed on the second or third page of the report. Their names, addresses, ages, and phone numbers are listed. The format and level of detail may vary depending on the law enforcement agency.

👁️ Witness Information

Any witnesses to the accident will also be listed, along with their contact information.

🗺️ Accident Diagram

It will include a simple diagram or sketch showing how the collision occurred. This visual helps clarify the positions of the vehicles, traffic flow, and point of impact.

📝 Narrative Description

The officer writes a short narrative explaining how the accident happened, based on statements, observations, and evidence from the scene.

📋 Police and Supervisor Details

The names of both the officer and the supervising officer are included. This is important in case any corrections or clarifications are needed later.

🔢 Code Sheet

Reports use codes to indicate vehicle types, contributing factors, or weather conditions. You can request a code sheet from the police department to better understand these entries.

📑 How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After a Car Accident

Obtaining a copy of your police report is an important step after a collision. This document helps you file insurance claims, verify details, and provide evidence if you pursue a personal injury case. The process for getting a copy varies slightly depending on where the crash occurred and which law enforcement agency responded.

🏛️ 1. Contact the Responding Law Enforcement Agency

Start by identifying which agency created the report. This could be city police, county sheriff, or state highway patrol. Their name will be listed on a business card or provided at the scene. You can usually request it through their records division in person, by mail, or online.

💻 2. Request the Report Online

Many departments now allow you to request and download it directly from their website. You’ll typically need to provide:

• The case number (found on the exchange slip or business card given at the scene)
• The date and location of the accident
• The names of the drivers involved

Some online systems charge a small administrative fee, which can often be paid by credit or debit card.

📬 3. Request by Mail or In Person

If online access isn’t available, you can mail a written request or visit the records office in person. Bring valid identification and as many accident details as possible to help locate the report quickly. Fees for printed copies may vary depending on the agency.

⏱️ 4. Wait for Processing

It can take a few days to several weeks for the police report to become available, depending on how busy the department is and whether the investigation is still open.

🧾 5. Attorney or Insurance Company Requests

If you’re working with a personal injury attorney or filing a claim, your lawyer or insurance company can often request it on your behalf. This is especially helpful if you’re recovering from injuries or cannot visit the station yourself.

🧐 Understanding Your Accident Report

If you’ve never seen a accident report before, it can look confusing. You may wonder what all those boxes, numbers, and terms mean. Don’t worry, once you understand the layout, it becomes much easier to read and interpret.

It typically includes details about the parties involved, vehicle information, contributing factors, and a diagram showing how the crash occurred. The first page often lists the drivers, while the second page includes a diagram of the collision and the names of all passengers in both vehicles.

Below is a breakdown of some of the most important sections you’ll see and what they mean, especially the parts that attorneys often review to determine fault or liability in a personal injury case.

🔢 What Do All Those Numbered Boxes Mean?

The small boxes filled with numbers on your report correspond to codes that describe conditions, causes, and other details of the accident. These codes are explained in a code sheet, which usually comes attached to your report. If you don’t receive one, be sure to request it from the law enforcement agency when you pick up your report. Understanding these codes is key to interpreting the document correctly.

🚘 Who Is Listed First on an Accident Report (Driver 1)?

In most states, Driver 1 is typically the person considered at fault, even if no citation was issued at the scene. Driver 2 is usually the non-fault driver.

One of the most important fields to pay attention to is “Contributing Factors.” This section helps identify which driver’s actions may have caused or contributed to the accident.

⚠️ What Are “Contributing Factors”?

Contributing factors describe the reasons or behaviors that led to the crash. These can appear as either written explanations or numerical codes.

• A “1” or “None” in this box means no contributing factors, indicating the driver did not cause the accident.
• Any number other than 1 suggests that the driver may have contributed to the crash in some way.

Even if no citations were issued, attorneys often look at this section to help determine liability.

😬 The Dreaded Number 26

If you see the number 26 (“Other”) in the contributing factors box, it usually means the officer couldn’t determine who was at fault. Sometimes both drivers receive a 26, which may complicate things. In some cases, the officer will explain this in the narrative section of the report.

📋 Common Contributing Factor Codes

Here are some of the most frequently used contributing factor codes and their meanings:

Code	Description
1	No Contributing Factors
2	Under the Influence (U.I.)
3	Following Too Close
4	Failed to Yield
5	Exceeding Speed Limit
6	Disregard Stop Sign/Signal
7	Wrong Side of Road
9	Improper Passing
10	Driver Lost Control
11	Changed Lanes Improperly
12	Reaction to Object or Animal
13	Improper Turn
14	Parked Improperly
17	Misjudged Clearance
18	Improper Backing
19	No Signal/Improper Signal
20	Driver Condition
22	Too Fast for Conditions
23	Improper Passing of School Bus
24	Disregard Police
26	Other
28	Inattentive or Distracted
29	Texting (Distracted)
30	Talking on Hands-Free Device (Distracted)
31	Talking on Hand-Held Device (Distracted)
32	Other Mobile Device Distraction
33	Occupant Distraction
34	Other Interior Distraction
35	Other Exterior Distraction
36	Disregard Other Traffic Control
37	Reckless Driving
38	Aggressive Driving
39	Racing
40	Disregard Police
41	Not Visible (Object, Person, or Vehicle)
42	Vision Obscured

📁 Why It’s So Important to Get a Copy of the Accident Report

Obtaining a copy of your accident report as soon as it becomes available is extremely important, both for your protection and for any property damage claim or injury claim.

Police officers are human, and sometimes errors or omissions appear. While a mistake might seem minor at first glance, it can have serious consequences later, especially if you’re injured.

⚖️ Mistakes Can Affect Your Claim

Even small errors, such as incorrect contact information, vehicle positions, or fault determinations, can make a big difference in how your case is handled. If you’re filing a claim or working with an attorney, inaccurate details could delay your settlement or even reduce your potential compensation.

If you decide to hire an attorney, the accident report will be one of the first documents they review. It often plays a major role in whether they take your case and how strong your claim will be.

🚗 Why You Should Always File a Report

Filing and obtaining one after a car accident is extremely important, even when the crash seems minor. Many drivers involved in small fender benders choose to simply exchange insurance information and move on. Unfortunately, that can lead to serious problems later.

🧾 A Real-World Example

Years ago, I was rear-ended by another driver who suggested we just exchange insurance details and skip calling the police. Having worked as an investigator for a law firm, I knew better. so I called the police and filed a report.

That decision turned out to be the right one. The other driver never contacted their insurance company as promised. Because I had a police report, I had documented proof of the accident.

🛡️ Protect Yourself with Proper Documentation

Without one, there’s no verified record of what actually happened. That documentation protects you if the other party changes their story, denies fault, or refuses to cooperate with their auto insurance company.

In short, always file a police report and get your own copy. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your rights after a collision.

🚨 Common Mistakes Found on Police Reports

Even though police officers strive for accuracy, mistakes are more common than you might think. These errors can have serious consequences for insurance claims or legal cases if they’re not corrected quickly.

⚠️ Typical Errors You Might See

Common mistakes may include:

• Driver 1 and Driver 2 listed in reverse order
• Missing passenger information
• Vehicles listed under the wrong driver
• Incorrect vehicle details (year, make, model, or color)
• Inaccurate or unclear accident diagram
• Vehicle labels switched or misidentified
• Narrative section using the wrong vehicle numbers

These may seem like small issues, but they can significantly affect how fault is determined and how insurance companies handle your claim.

🧍 Make Sure Everyone Involved Is Listed

You need to confirm that every person involved in the accident, especially your passengers, is correctly listed on the report. If a passenger who was injured is not included, the insurance company may deny or delay their claim because they have no record of that person being present in the car wreck.

The driver’s information usually appears on the first page, while passenger details are often found on the second page near the bottom. Always double-check that all names, addresses, and phone numbers are accurate.

⏱️ When to Check Your Report

They are typically available 3 to 7 days after the crash. As soon as it becomes available, obtain a copy and review every detail carefully. Verifying accuracy early can prevent major headaches later when dealing with adjusters and attorneys.

📞 If Your Name or a Passenger’s Name Is Missing

If you or a passenger are not listed, contact the police precinct immediately and ask to speak with a supervisor. The original officer may not be able to change the existing report, but they can often add an amendment or supplemental page explaining the discrepancy.

This step is important, especially if you plan to file a claim. Attorneys are often reluctant to take a injury case if that person is not listed on the police report.

🧾 How to Request a Correction or Amendment to a Police Report

If you discover an error or missing information in your police report, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. While some mistakes are simple to correct, others may require a formal request or additional documentation.

📞 Step 1: Contact the Police Department That Filed the Report

Begin by calling the records division or traffic unit of the police department that created your report. Explain the issue clearly and ask about their procedure for submitting a correction or amendment. Each department may have slightly different policies, but most will allow you to submit a written request.

📝 Step 2: Prepare a Written Statement

If the department requires it, prepare a short written statement that includes:

• Your full name and contact information
• The accident report number
• The date and location of the crash
• A clear explanation of what information is incorrect or missing
• Any supporting documents (such as photos, medical reports, or witness statements)

Submitting this information in writing ensures there’s a record of your request.

🧍 Step 3: Speak With the Reporting Officer (If Possible)

If you can, contact the officer directly. In some cases, they can add a supplemental page explaining or clarifying the error. While they generally cannot alter the original report, they can append information to ensure the record is accurate.

⚖️ Step 4: Request a Supervisor Review

If the error cannot be resolved by the officer, ask to speak with a supervisor or sergeant. They can authorize an amendment or help you submit a correction request.

📂 Step 5: Get a Revised or Supplemental Copy

Once the correction has been made, request a revised copy or supplemental report for your records. You’ll need this version for insurance claims, medical billing, or your attorney.

🚨 Why Accuracy Matters

Insurance companies and attorneys rely heavily on police reports to determine liability and claim eligibility. Even a small error, such as a missing passenger, incorrect vehicle details, or a reversed driver order, can delay your settlement or complicate your case.

📘 Key Takeaways: Reviewing and Correcting Your Accident Report

Police reports are important documents after a car crash, but they are not infallible. Reviewing it carefully and addressing any errors early can protect your rights and ensure a smooth claims process.

✅ 1. Obtain Your Report Promptly

Get a copy as soon as it becomes available, usually within 3 to 7 days. Early review helps you catch mistakes and you will be able to try and get them corrected while its fresh in the mind of the officer.

✅ 2. Verify All Parties and Information

• Ensure all drivers and passengers are listed correctly
• Confirm vehicle details (year, make, model, and color)
• Check that diagrams and narratives accurately reflect the accident

✅ 3. Understand Contributing Factors

Pay close attention to the contributing factors section. A “1” or “None” indicates no fault, while other codes may show partial or full responsibility. Ask for the code sheet if you don’t understand the numbers.

✅ 4. Identify and Correct Errors

Common mistakes include:

• Reversed driver order
• Incorrect vehicle assignments
• Missing passengers
• Narrative or diagram inaccuracies

If you notice errors, contact the police department and request a correction, amendment, or supplemental report.

✅ 5. Keep a Complete Record

Always retain your original and corrected reports. These documents are for:

• Filing insurance claims
• Supporting personal injury cases
• Protecting your rights if disputes arise

⚖️ Bottom Line

A careful review of your police report can save time, prevent disputes and future problems. Accurate information not only helps insurance claims but also gives attorneys the information they need to support your personal injury case effectively.