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Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in Florida?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in Florida?

June 2, 2021 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in Florida?

When a matter is public record, documents filed with the court or a government entity are accessible by members of the public. For example, most lawsuits are matters of public record—you can review the documents filed in the lawsuit. Reports filed with a Florida government office are generally matters of public record, including car accident reports.

When is a Car Accident Report Filed?

According to Florida traffic laws, drivers must stop if they are involved in a traffic accident. They must exchange information with the other driver. If the accident involves a traffic fatality, personal injury, or property damage of $500 or more, the drivers must report the accident to the state. 

The quickest way to report a car accident is to call 911. The operator will dispatch the appropriate law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services. When police officers arrive at the accident scene, they investigate the crash and prepare a written crash report.

The crash report is available to certain parties for the first 60 days following a crash. After 60 days, the car accident report becomes a matter of public record pursuant to Florida Statute §316.066.

Who Can Obtain a Copy of an Accident Report Within the First 60 Days?

For the first 60 days after a traffic accident, the parties who can access the record include:

  • The drivers and passengers involved in the car crash
  • The legal representatives of anyone involved in the car accident
  • Car insurance companies who provide insurance for the vehicles or the people involved in the car wreck
  • County traffic operations and law enforcement officials
  • The Department of Transportation
  • Newspapers that publish legal notices 
  • Television stations and radio stations that are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission
  • A prosecutor’s office
  • Service programs for victims
  • An insurance company that received an application for insurance from one of the accident victims
  • People who are under contract with an insurance company to provide claims information 

Limiting the information in the crash report to specific parties for the first 60 days allows accident victims the time they need to seek medical treatment and legal advice about car accident claims. Keeping the information from the public prevents others from taking advantage of accident victims.

What Information Does a Florida Car Accident Report Contain?

Crash reports contain a great deal of information that could be useful for an accident victim, including:

  • The location, time, and date of the traffic accident
  • The weather and road conditions at the time of the collision
  • The names and contact information for each driver and passenger involved in the car wreck
  • A description of the damage to each vehicle
  • Statements made to the police officer by the parties and eyewitnesses
  • A sketch of the accident scene by the police officer
  • Whether the police officer issued traffic tickets to either driver
  • The police officer’s determination of who caused the car accident

Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, accident victims could be entitled to compensation for serious injuries. They may be able to sue the at-fault driver for damages that their PIP insurance won’t cover, including economic damages and non-economic damages. 

The insurance company could accept the conclusions of the police officer. However, if the insurance company for the other driver disputes fault or tries to blame you for the crash, it is best to seek legal advice immediately. An attorney can conduct an independent accident investigation to gather evidence proving the other driver caused the crash.

How Do I Get a Copy of My Florida Car Accident Report?

The FLHSMV keeps copies of car accident reports in Florida. The quickest and easiest way to get a copy of your car accident report is to access the report online. There is a $10 fee for each crash report, plus a $2 convenience fee.

You may also request a copy of your crash report by mail. Mail the required forms and fee to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, ATTN: Crash Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS28, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

The FHP Troop Station closest to the site of your crash can also provide copies of crash reports. Check with the FHP Troop Station before appearing in person for requirements for obtaining a crash report.

If you hire a car accident lawyer, your lawyer will obtain a copy of the crash report for you. Once you review the report, notify your car accident attorney immediately if you notice mistakes. Factual errors may be corrected, but the police officer probably will not change opinions of fault or traffic violations.

Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a Car Accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500

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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest...
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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest payout possible, team was easy to keep in touch with, and Miles was clear in his explanations and helpful with his advice. I still use some of the doctors I connected with through their firm. Would recommend Roman Austin and would use them again.

J.P.

I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back...
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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

C.M.

After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about...
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After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about what I was going through. I always felt heard and supported. I'm so thankful I found them and would absolutely recommend them to anyone who needs help.

S.S.

Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community...
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Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community care to make sure I had to physical and emotional support I needed and they checked on me with updates every week. They got me the full compensation I deserved for my injuries and are the best at what they do.

J.K.

From the first moment I spoke with the people at Roman Austin, I knew that I was in good hands! My injury was severe and it was scary, but every step of this journey has...
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From the first moment I spoke with the people at Roman Austin, I knew that I was in good hands! My injury was severe and it was scary, but every step of this journey has been easier because of the guidance I have received from them. They have managed my case with professionalism and thoroughly explained any and all questions that have come up for me. Because of their hard work and dedication to my case, we were able to reach a settlement in my case! I highly recommend them to anyone in need of an injury attorney!

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“They held our hand the entire time.” “Rebuilt our lives.“Helped with doctors and wage loss.” “Felt like family.” “Prompt resolutions.”
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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

1811 N. Belcher Road Suite I-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2360 Congress Ave STE 100,
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 725-7661

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2515 Seven Springs Blvd,
New Port Richey , FL 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

401 E Jackson St Suite 3319,
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 422-7772

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

840 Beach Drive N.E. Suite 202,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 335-1373

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

202 9th Avenue South, Suite A-2,
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 214-5001