How to Obtain an Accident Report in Gainesville, Florida

Florida car accident reports contain essential information that may be useful for filing car accident claims for compensation later. If you were in a car accident in Gainesville or anywhere else in Alachua County, Florida, the law enforcement officer who responded to the scene is required by law to complete a crash report. If the accident was minor, the police might not have responded to the scene, but Florida law may require you to file a crash report on your own. 

The experienced Gainesville car accident lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. know the value of these reports, which often provide a foundation for us to demand maximum compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered. Our trial-tested lawyers are equipped to litigate your case if a fair settlement cannot be reached on your behalf. 

We explain which crashes require a report, what is in a crash report, and how to get an accident report. If you have any questions about the legal process after a car accident, you can always reach out to our team for a free case review. 

When to Call the Police After an Accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident in Gainesville, Florida, determining when to involve law enforcement is critical. Florida Statute 316.065 mandates contacting the police in accidents that result in injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. This is not only a legal requirement but also important for ensuring that an official report is filed, aiding both legal and insurance proceedings.

Police should be notified as well when the accident causes hazards such as debris blocking the road or damaged vehicles that cannot be moved. A police presence is essential in these situations to manage traffic and prevent further incidents.

Disputes over fault between involved parties or specific details of the accident are another reason to involve the police. Officers can document the scene and help to mediate initial disputes with their report. Moreover, in cases of hit-and-run, where a driver leaves the scene without providing contact or insurance information, calling the police is crucial as this is a serious legal offense.

What is a Crash Report?

A crash report, often referred to as a police report or an accident report, is an official document filed by the responding officer in the event of a motor vehicle accident. In Gainesville, Florida, this report is typically filed by the local sheriff’s office or police department. Here’s what it entails:

• Details of the Incident: The report includes comprehensive details about the accident, such as the date, time, and location, conditions at the scene, diagrams of the accident, and a narrative summary from the responding officer.
• Involved Parties: It lists all parties involved in the accident including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. It includes their contact information, statements, and details about the vehicles involved.
• Injuries and Damages: The report details any injuries sustained by the individuals involved as well as an initial assessment of the damages to the vehicles and other property.
• Fault Assessment: While the crash report may include an initial assessment of fault based on the officer’s investigation, it does not definitively determine liability. This determination is often made later through insurance investigations or legal proceedings.
• Legal and Insurance Use: This report is crucial for insurance claims as it provides an unbiased account of the accident. It is also used in legal settings to establish facts and responsibilities.

Obtaining a crash report is essential for anyone involved in a vehicle accident. It not only serves as a vital record for insurance and legal processes but also helps in accurately documenting the event for future reference.

How to Get a Copy of Your Crash Report 

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident in Gainesville, Florida, obtaining a copy of your crash report is an important step for handling insurance claims and legal matters. Under Florida Statute 316.066, crash reports are considered confidential for 60 days following an incident. During this period, only those involved in the crash, their legal representatives, or their insurance companies are eligible to access the report.

To request a copy of a crash report, you will need to provide specific details such as the case number, the exact date and time of the crash, and the location where it occurred. Here are several ways you can submit your request:

• In Person: Visit the Records Customer Service Window at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office located at 2621 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, Florida. The office is open from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Email: You can send an email to RecordsRequests@alachuasheriff.org detailing your request.
• Online Form: An online form is available on the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office website, which can be used to request the crash report digitally.
• By Phone: Depending on the nature of your report, you can contact different departments:
  • Department of the Jail Records at (352) 491-4444
  • Offense Reports and In-Car Video Recordings at (352) 367-4006
  • Calls for Service (911) Reports and Audio at audioproduction@alachuasheriff.org
  • Personnel Records at (352) 367-4040
  • Internal Investigations at (352) 384-3050
• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): If your accident was handled by the Florida Highway Patrol, you can obtain a copy of your crash report by contacting the FHP in Gainesville at (352) 955-1960 or visiting their office at 6300 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32653. 

Additionally, you can obtain a copy of your accident report from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Reports can be purchased through the FLHSMV crash portal for a fee of $10 per report. Alternatively, reports can be obtained by mail or in person. You will want to send your request to: 

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Crash Records

2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Payment must be included with your request. Once received, processing time to receive your crash report is approximately 4-6 weeks. 

You can also obtain an accident report through the Gainesville Police Department if the accident occurred within city limits. To do this, contact their Records department via telephone at (352) 393-7565, email at dg_gpd_records@cityofgainesville.org, or fax at (352) 334-2464 to request a copy of your crash report.

For a more convenient option, you can purchase your crash report online through LexisNexis® BuyCrash®. This service allows consumers, insurance carriers, and law enforcement agencies to access, manage, or search for police reports. Visit BuyCrash to get started. 

When requesting your crash report, make sure you have all the necessary information ready to streamline the process and comply with the requirements outlined under the law. This will assist in obtaining your report as quickly as possible.

What to Do if the Accident Report Contains Errors?

Even though police officers strive for accuracy in documenting accident reports, mistakes can still happen. If you find errors in your report, such as incorrect details like the spelling of your name or the date of the accident, these can usually be corrected easily. To request corrections, you should contact the police station directly and speak with the officer who filed the report, as only law enforcement personnel are authorized to make changes to the accident report. You cannot make changes to the report yourself.

It’s important to have your attorney review the accident report as soon as possible after the accident. Your attorney can ensure the report accurately reflects the incident and can assist in identifying any discrepancies or errors that need to be addressed.

For some types of corrections, you might need to fill out a form and submit it to the police station depending on the nature of the error. For more significant changes, you might be required to visit your local Florida Highway Patrol office in person. It’s important to follow all provided instructions carefully and include any necessary supporting documentation to substantiate your request for amendments.

If your attempt to amend the report is denied, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can review your case in detail and guide you through your legal options, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating on your behalf for a fair resolution. This step is especially important if inaccuracies in the report could potentially affect legal outcomes or insurance claims related to the accident.

When to Contact an Attorney About a Crash Report?

After being involved in a car accident, obtaining and reviewing the crash report is an important first step. However, understanding when to seek legal advice can make a significant difference in the handling of your case. 

If you notice any discrepancies or errors in the crash report that could impact your claim, it may be time to get legal advice. The attorneys at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help ensure that the report accurately reflects the incident and can assist in correcting any inaccuracies. Additionally, sometimes determining fault in a car accident can be complicated, especially if the crash report does not attribute fault or if multiple parties are involved. Legal expertise is essential in these cases.

In situations where the accident resulted in serious injuries or significant property damage, having an attorney can be invaluable. Legal representation ensures that all your damages are thoroughly documented and that you receive adequate compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Moreover, if you find yourself disputing with an insurance company over their findings or compensation offers, it’s important to have an attorney who can negotiate on your behalf. 

Contacting Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. early on can help protect your rights and ensure that your claims and interests are robustly represented, turning the detailed facts of the crash report into a strong foundation for your case. Contact us today for your free consultation. 

Sources: 

316.065 Crashes; reports; penalties. | The Florida Legislature

316.066 Written reports of crashes. | The Florida Legislature