How To Secure a Police Report for a Car Accident: A Complete Guide

Sep 13, 2024 | Blog, Auto Accidents

The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is call 911. A 911 operator can send police out to the accident scene to investigate your crash and create a police report. From there, it’s up to you to figure out how to secure a police report for a car accident case.

The good news is that tracking down a Virginia police report shouldn’t present any problems. However, you will need to follow the proper police report procedure to procure it. You’ll also need to act fast to find a car accident report before you begin taking legal action against the at-fault party in your car crash case.

Check out our guide on how to secure a police report for a car accident that took place in Virginia below.

Locating a Police Report Through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

The easiest way to secure a police report in Virginia is by requesting it directly through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The Virginia police department that responded to your car accident must submit a copy of the police report they put together to the Virginia DMV within 24 hours of finishing it.

If you wish to acquire a police report in this way, you’ll need to fill out a police report request form. It’ll ask for information like:

  • Your full name and driver’s license number
  • The part you played in a car accident (a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, etc.)
  • The date and time of a car accident along with its location

You can bring this completed form to any Virginia DMV location. You can also fax it to (804) 367-0390 or mail it to this address:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Custom Records Work Center, Room 514
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269

You will need to pay $8 for a copy of a police report through the Virginia DMV.

Securing a Police Report Through a Local Police Department in Virginia

Learning how to secure a police report for a car accident in Virginia is simple when you do it through the DMV. But this isn’t the only option you’ll have when you wish to secure a copy of a police report stemming from a Virginia car crash. You can also request a copy through the local police department in Virginia that responded to your accident.

For instance, if your car accident occurred in Richmond, VA, the Richmond Police Department has a straightforward process for retrieving copies of their police reports. Visit the City of Richmond website and head to the Records Section. It’ll lead you to the LexisNexis BuyCrash online software you can use to request copies from this police department and others like it.

What Makes a Police Report Important in a Car Accident Case?

A police report is important in a car accident case in Virginia for many reasons. It’s often used to help determine who is liable for a car crash occurring.

A police report from a car accident can also shed light on how much property damage was done and how many people were injured during a crash. It’s one of the many pieces of evidence that a car accident lawyer can use to create a compelling case on your behalf.

Let Us Show You How To Secure a Police Report for a Car Accident in Virginia

Still confused when it comes to how to secure a police report for a car accident in Virginia? Geoff McDonald & Associates can lend a hand and make requesting a police report easier and guide you through the claims process. Call us at 804-888-8888 or contact us online to speak with a car accident attorney.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Failed Motorcycle Inspections Can Impact Your Accident Case

    According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Virginia is home to nearly 200,000 registered motorcycles. If you own one, you’ll need to arrange to have an annual motorcycle inspection performed to help avoid liability in case of a potential motorcycle...

    How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?

    In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you might feel fine and not think you sustained any significant injuries. You might even refuse medical treatment on the scene of a car crash because you don’t sense anything is wrong. But you might be surprised to...

    How Virginia Dashcam Laws Affect Your Rights as a Motorist

    Nowadays, more and more people are using dashcams while driving. They rely on these as a form of objective proof in case of an auto accident. However, whether this works or not all depends on Virginia dashcam laws.  So, how do these laws impact dashcam usage? Are...

    5 Reasons To Hire a Richmond, VA Car Accident Attorney After a Crash

    After a car crash, you are in a delicate position. At this time, every action is critical. One of the options many professionals recommend is to hire a Richmond, VA, car accident attorney.  The advantages of doing so are numerous and may be a huge asset to you going...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald