How Do I Request a Police Report After an Accident in Virginia?
Following an accident in which you have been involved, such as a motor vehicle accident, you may wish to request a copy of the police report for your personal records or in furtherance of a personal injury action. How you acquire the documentation will depend on where the accident took place and which law enforcement agency responded to the incident.
Regardless of where in Virginia the accident occurred, Virginia Code §46.2-379, which dictates the use of accident reports produced by investigating officers, any member of the public has a right to receive a report that contains the accident date, accident time, and accident location, as well as names and addresses for the drivers, vehicle owners, injured individuals, witnesses, and at least one investigating officer involved in the incident.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Reports
Following any police-investigated motor vehicle accident in Virginia that occurs on public property and involves death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,500, the law enforcement agency that responded to the incident has to send a copy of the written report to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Public property includes roads, streets, highways, and public parking lots maintained with public funds. Contacting the DMV is the only way to obtain an accident report prepared by a Virginia State Police trooper.
The DMV retains copies of crash reports for at least three years after the accident date, and it will release the information required by Virginia Code §46.2-379 upon request. Under Virginia Code §46.2-380, it will release complete accident reports to anyone who was involved in the accident or their authorized representatives, including:
- Drivers
- Passengers
- Individuals who were injured in the accident
- Conservators, executors, or next of kin of individuals who were injured or killed
- Lawyers representing anyone involved in the accident
- Authorized insurance company representatives
- Parents or legal guardians of minors injured or killed in the accident
A request for an accident report may be submitted by mail, by fax, or in person by completing an Information Request Form (CRD 93) and paying $8. If found within the DMV database, the agency will send it via U.S. Postal Service first-class mail to the requestor.
Local Ways to Expedite Police Report Requests
After an accident in Virginia, it may be easier to obtain a police report by contacting local authorities. While some jurisdictions require requestors to go through the DMV, others will provide the accident reports themselves.
The City of Virginia Beach, for example, utilizes a system called ePro, which stands for Electronic Police Reports Online. This is an interactive, public-access web application that allows anyone to access police reports about alleged crimes, active warrants, and accident reports. The Virginia Beach Police Department will upload the report into the records management system within 14 days of the incident.
Another example is Chesterfield County, which makes copies of motor vehicle accident reports available within five business days of the accident date for $8. Individuals may request the report by mail or in person, but the quickest way to access the report is by making the request to the county’s Records Section via email.
Similarly, Roanoke County allows citizens involved in traffic accidents investigated by Roanoke County Police to contact the Roanoke County Police Records Division for a copy of the accident report at no charge. In Loudoun County, individuals who are listed on the report and their insurance companies can make requests by mail or in person, with a $10 fee for out-of-county residents and businesses.
Reach Out For Help From a Personal Injury Attorney Today
The time after an accident can be complicated and draining. It is best to seek help from an experienced legal professional who can help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation to learn more about requesting a police report after an accident in Virginia.
