Tyler Gross | June 11, 2026 | Car Accidents
If you have been involved in a car accident, the accident report can be a crucial piece of evidence used to prove your claim. However, many people are unsure of exactly what the accident report is and how it can be used. Keep reading below to get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car accident reports in Florida.
What Information Is Contained in a Car Accident Report?
When the police respond to a car accident, they gather a lot of information. This includes information about the drivers, their insurance, and the accident itself. All of this information goes into the accident report.
Some common items you will typically find in the report include:
- Names of all the drivers involved
- Address and phone number of the drivers
- Names and addresses of any passengers
- Each driver’s insurance information
- Vehicle information, such as license plate, year, make, model, and color
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A diagram, along with the officer’s narrative of what happened
- Driver and witness statements
Crash reports that contain personal information are protected under Florida law for 60 days from the report filing date. Only interested parties, such as the drivers or their insurance company, may obtain an unredacted copy of the report during this timeframe.
How Do I Get a Copy of a Car Accident Report?
After an accident, you will likely need the accident report to start your insurance claim. Crash reports can be requested online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Portal. It can take up to 10 days for a crash report to become available in the portal.
You can also obtain copies of a crash report in person or by mail. Simply visit the Florida Highway Patrol station that is nearest to where the crash occurred. While most Florida crash reports are available online, some local police department reports may be unavailable in the portal under certain circumstances. In that case, you would need to visit your local police department to get a copy of the report.
How Much Does a Florida Car Accident Report Cost?
Getting a copy of your accident report is not free. There is a small charge associated with these requests, intended to cover copying and administrative expenses. Currently, each report costs $10. If you request the report through the Crash Portal, there is also a $2 processing fee that will apply.
Fees may change over time, so always check with the provider for the current cost.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Accident Report?
Once the report is available in the Crash Portal, you can download it immediately upon purchase. Reports are typically available in the portal within 3 to 10 days after the accident. If you request a report by mail, the process can be much longer. It could take 4 to 6 weeks for you to receive a copy of the report in that situation.
Can I File a Claim Without a Car Accident Report?
Yes, you can still file a car accident claim with your insurance even if you don’t have an accident report. However, getting the compensation you are owed could be more challenging without the accident report. While your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage applies to your medical bills and lost wages, you may be entitled to sue the at-fault driver if you suffered serious injuries.
The accident report can be a strong piece of evidence used as a negotiating tool with the insurance company. While the admissibility of the accident report is somewhat limited at trial, it is still an important document that can be used to support your case.
Contact the Pensacola Car Accident Attorneys at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A crash report can be an important tool during settlement negotiations, even though its admissibility at trial may be limited. It can help document basic facts about the accident, identify involved parties, and support your version of events.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced Pensacola car accident lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170