Alejandro Figueroa | March 19, 2022 | Car Accidents
Car accident reports are a matter of public record. This means that accident reports are accessible and fairly easy to obtain. There are a number of reasons why someone might want a copy of an accident report, but the need for one is usually related to insurance or legal action after an accident.
Getting an accident report may involve a waiting period; how you go about the process will likely depend on how quickly you need a copy. Here are the different ways to obtain a car accident report after a car accident in Tampa.
Reasons for Needing a Car Accident Report
You may need a copy of your accident report for insurance purposes.
Regardless of which party was responsible for the accident, you may need a copy of the official police accident report for insurance coverage to fix or replace a damaged vehicle or to cover the costs of medical treatment for accident-related injuries.
If you need to involve a car accident lawyer to seek compensation for damages and injuries, they will need a copy of the report to build a case against the other party.
Whatever your reason for needing an accident report, there are a few different ways to obtain one in Tampa.
Types of Tampa Car Accident Reports
There are two different types of car accident reports available in Tampa: a short-form and a long-form report.
Short-form reports are usually available within five business days of the accident. A short-form report is used for reporting less serious accidents.
A long-form report takes more time to process. These are usually available within ten business days of the accident. Long-form reports are used to document accidents with more serious implications.
Reasons a long-form report might be used include:
- DUI
- Injury
- Death
- Significant property damage
- Accident involving a commercial vehicle
If you’re not sure which type of form is being used for your accident, you can ask the Tampa police department.
Visit the Police Station in Tampa, FL
If you were one of the drivers involved in the accident, you can visit a Tampa police station and request a copy of the report. The police should be able to print a copy right away, and you can walk out with it.
To obtain a car accident report at a Tampa police station, you’ll need to sign an affidavit and provide photo identification. If you’re in a hurry, you can print the form, complete it beforehand, and take it with you to speed up the process.
It also helps if you can provide the report number. This should have been given to you by the officer who completed the report at the scene of the accident.
Obtain a Report Online From the Tampa City Website
When your request is less time-sensitive, you can request a report online through the City of Tampa website. There’s a $2.00 charge, and the report will be emailed to you. Online forms are only available 60 days or more after the accident.
If you need a copy of the report quickly, visiting the police station is the best option. If you filed an accident report yourself through the DMV instead of calling the police, the Tampa city website provides a phone number to call for obtaining a report through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Speak with Your Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Even when you’re not sure a car accident lawyer is necessary, the smart move after any car accident is to at least consult with a local car accident attorney so you don’t miss your chance to maximize insurance coverage and other forms of compensation.
Working with a Tampa car accident attorney takes much of the stress off your shoulders. Your lawyer can obtain a copy of the accident report on your behalf, leaving you free to attend to any damages or injuries you may have sustained after an accident.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact our Tampa car accident lawyers at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
