If you need to know how to get a police report for a car accident in Davie, FL, there are a few simple steps you can follow. Most reports can be requested online, in person, or by mail depending on how the crash was handled. For car accidents involving injuries or property damage, that report can be one of the most important pieces of documentation you have. Call our Davie car accident lawyers for a free consultation today.
Confirm Whether a Police Report Exists for the Crash
Not every car accident leads to a police report, especially if there were no injuries and both drivers were able to drive their vehicles away from the scene. Florida officers are only required to file a report under certain conditions, so it helps to know what those are. If you are not sure whether one was created, there are a few ways to check before requesting anything.
How Florida Law Determines When Police Must File a Report
Police are required to file a report when a crash causes a personal injury, death, or damage that makes a vehicle unsafe to drive, as described in Florida Statutes § 316.066. Reports are also required when one or more vehicles are towed or when the crash involves a commercial vehicle. If none of those apply, the officers may still give you a short-form exchange of information, but it will not be a full report.
How to Know Which Agency Took the Report in Davie
If your crash happened within Davie town limits, the Davie Police Department likely handled the scene. If the accident occurred on a major highway or near an unincorporated area, the Broward Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol may have responded instead. You can usually determine this by checking who showed up or by looking at the business card or case number the officer gave you.
Gather the Information You Need to Request a Copy
Once you are ready to request a copy of the police report, having the right details in front of you will help move things along faster. This is especially helpful if you were hurt, involved in a Lyft accident, or need the report for insurance. Florida’s public records law, including Florida Statutes § 119.01, explains how crash reports are handled and when they become available to the public. Here are some of the details that can make your request easier:
- Date of the crash
- Name of the driver
- Exact location where the crash happened
- Name of the agency that responded
- Report or case number, if you have it
- License plate number of any vehicle involved
- Type of vehicle or service, such as Lyft
- Make and model of the vehicle
Choose the Right Method for Getting Your Report in Davie
You can usually get a police report by going online, mailing in a request, or stopping by the right agency in person. The method you choose depends on where the crash happened and which department responded. It helps to start with the agency listed on the case card or the report number you were given at the scene.
How to Access a Report Online, by Mail, or in Person
If your crash was handled by Davie Police, you can request a report directly through their records division. For highway crashes or incidents near unincorporated areas, your report may come from the Broward Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida crash portal. Most reports are available online, but you can also request a copy in person or through the mail if that is easier.
Who Can Access It and How Long It Takes
Crash reports are protected for the first 60 days, so only certain people can access them during that time. If you were involved in the crash, named in the report, or represent someone who was, you are allowed to request it early. According to Florida Statutes § 324.242, these rules help protect sensitive information and make sure reports are released only to eligible parties. Most reports are ready within a few business days, depending on how quickly the agency processes them.