How to Get a Car Crash Report in Seattle, WA

You can get a car crash report in Seattle by requesting one from the Washington State Patrol or the Seattle Police Department. You can request a copy online or in person. Car accident reports play an extremely important role in personal injury claims, so you should always procure one after a collision. A Seattle car accident lawyer can help you request records and ensure you have the appropriate documentation to file an insurance claim. 

Getting a Report From the Washington State Patrol

The simplest and most straightforward method of obtaining a police report is requesting one from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) online. The WSP keeps a database of collision reports from across the state that it regularly updates with information from local law enforcement. 

To request a record online, you need to visit the website and provide the name(s) involved in the collision and the collision date. Once you have found your collision report, you can request a copy for a $10.50 fee. 

Note that it can take up to four weeks for a collision report to be available for request on the WSP’s database. You can also request a report by mail by completing a Request for Copy of Collision Report Form and mailing it to the WSPs Collision Records Services at PO Box 42628 in Olympia, WA. If you request a copy by mail, you must include a check or money order for the $10.50 fee. 

Obtaining a Report from the Seattle Police

If the WSP doesn’t have your crash report or you are otherwise unable to request it from them, you may also request a report from the Seattle Police Department (SPD). To request a report from the Seattle PD, you will have to make a request through the City of Seattle Public Records Request Center. 

Once at the website, you can navigate the Police Records Request section and log in to your account. Once logged in, you can submit a request by giving your name, the time/date of the accident, and as much detail/information as you can. After processing your request, the city will notify you when the report is available. 

What Information Does a Crash Report Contain?

Crash reports contain a detailed write-up about the accident circumstances and are meant to serve as an objective record of the crash scene. Crash reports are not the sole factor in establishing liability and fault, but are an important piece of the evidence record. More specifically, a car accident report contains:

• The date/location of the accident
• The name(s) of the involved parties
• Vehicle license plate numbers and the make/model
• Insurance information of the involved drivers
• Injuries and damage present at the scene
• Environmental factors (e.g., lighting, weather, etc.)
• Narrative description of the crash events
• Legal citations issued at the scene

Lawyers, insurance companies, and adjusters use police reports to piece together the details of a crash, and they can have a significant impact on how a case proceeds. 

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What If the Police Didn’t Respond to My Accident?

Generally, accident reports are filled out by the police, who then submit them to the WSP and Seattle PD. However, if the police did not respond to your accident and it involved more than $1,000 in property damage, Washington Law requires you to file an accident report with the WSP within four days. These self-submitted reports won’t have the same level of detail as a police generated report, but they still serve as an objective record of the crash and immediate aftermath. 

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Do I Need a Crash Report After an Accident in Seattle?

You are not legally required to submit a crash report when you file a personal injury claim after a car accident. But, in general, the more evidence you have, the better. Crash reports, in addition to medical documentation, photos/video recordings, and eyewitness testimony, can form a strong case that emphasizes your lack of fault and the other driver’s culpability. 

A crash report can corroborate your account of events or contradict the at-fault party’s testimony if they attempt to shift blame and deny culpability for the crash. For instance, a police report can show that the at-fault party violated traffic laws before the crash occurred. 

A Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Find Your Crash Report

If you would like to know more about how to get a car crash report in Seattle, contact us online or call us by phone today. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions or schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. 

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000