After a crash in Florida, one of the most important steps you can take is obtaining your official accident report. This document is often the foundation of your insurance claim or injury case because it details when and where the crash occurred, who was involved, and the investigating officer’s observations. Without it, proving fault or recovering compensation can be far more complicated.
However, injured drivers and passengers may find the process confusing, especially when trying to access records online or from multiple jurisdictions across the state of Florida. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we guide accident victims through every step of this process. We’ve handled thousands of motor vehicle accident cases across Florida and understand what is required to safeguard your rights and seek adequate compensation.
Whether you need help locating your crash report, understanding its details, or using it as evidence in your personal injury claim, our personal injury lawyers stand ready to help. Call our office today for a free consultation.
Key Takeaways on How to Obtain a Copy of Your Florida Accident Report Online
- A Florida crash report provides essential details about the date, time, location, involved parties, and the officer’s findings.
- Without this document, it becomes harder to prove your case when filing a personal injury claim.
- You can get your accident report online through the Florida Crash Portal by paying a small fee and verifying your eligibility.
- The Florida Highway Patrol handles highway and interstate collisions, while local police departments or sheriff’s offices manage incidents on city and county roads.
- The 60-day confidentiality rule protects accident victims’ privacy, where only authorized parties can access the accident report online.
- Call our Florida personal injury lawyers to assist in obtaining your report, reviewing it for errors, and using it to build a strong claim for compensation.
Why Choose Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers
When you’ve been involved in an accident in Florida, the firm you choose to represent you can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers boasts over 65 years of combined trial experience, representing injured victims throughout Florida, handling thousands of claims involving car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, and other serious incidents. Our commitment to personalized service and diligent legal representation has led to significant results for our clients across the state.
We take pride in being accessible and results-driven. Every case we handle is carefully investigated by a team of attorneys who understand what’s at stake for you and your family. From putting together police reports and medical records to negotiating with insurers, we ensure that no detail is overlooked. Our firm’s long-standing reputation is built on consistent success, having recovered over $200 million in compensation for injury victims.
Convenience also matters when you’re dealing with an injury, which is why we have multiple offices across Florida. You can find us in Boynton Beach next to the Woolbright Professional Building and near the intersection of Woolbright Drive and SW 22nd Street. We also have offices in Palm Bay, Pompano Beach, and Port St. Lucie, just to make it easy to meet with our team in person to get help with obtaining your Florida accident report online.
Car Accident Compensation in Florida
After a crash, one of the key questions you may have is how much compensation you can receive for your injuries and losses. This is because the outcome determines whether you can afford medical treatment, replace lost income, and address property repairs without facing financial ruin.
The answer depends on several factors surrounding the case, including the availability of evidence such as an accident report. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers will assess every detail of your situation to determine the full scope of the harm you may be entitled to recover. Mostly, your compensation in a Florida car accident should consider the following:
- Medical expenses: This covers emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and any ongoing treatment you require.
- Lost income: If the resulting harm prevents you from working, you may recover the income you’ve already lost and the earnings you would have made in the future.
- Pain and suffering: These damages account for the emotional and physical distress, as well as reduced quality of life, caused by the accident.
- Personal property damage: You may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the collision.
Our firm takes the time to document your losses and consult with medical and financial experts to ensure nothing is overlooked. We also recognize how insurers attempt to undervalue claims, especially when victims handle their cases without legal support. With our injury accident attorneys managing your claim, you can feel confident that every effort is being made to secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
Where Do Accidents Occur in Florida?
Florida’s highways and local roads are among the busiest in the country, which unfortunately means crashes happen every day across the state. According to the FLHSMV, more than 200,000 traffic accidents occur in Florida each year, leading to tens of thousands of injuries and fatalities. Urban areas such as Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, and Orange Counties consistently report the highest numbers of collisions.
Many of these crashes occur on major routes such as Interstate 95, Florida’s Turnpike, I-75, and US-1, where heavy commuter and tourist traffic increases the risk of high-speed impacts. In cities like Fort Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach, as well as local intersections such as Congress Avenue, Okeechobee Boulevard, and Atlantic Avenue, are frequent sites of rear-end and side-impact collisions. Even neighborhood roads and parking lots see a fair share of fender benders and pedestrian accidents.
These statistics highlight how unpredictable road conditions can be across the state. Whether your crash happened on a busy interstate or near your home, obtaining your Florida accident report is a crucial first step in understanding what happened and preserving your right to compensation.
The Process of Getting an Accident Report in Florida in 2025
After a crash, one of the most important steps you can take is securing a copy of your official Florida accident report. This document serves as key evidence that helps establish what happened, who may be at fault, and the severity of the impact. The details contained in this record can make a meaningful difference in your case.
A Florida traffic crash report is an official summary created by the responding law enforcement officer. It provides an account of the incident, including the conditions surrounding the crash. In most cases, your report will include:
- Date, time, and precise location of the collision, including the street name or intersection.
- Names, contact details, and insurance details for all drivers and passengers involved.
- Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses gathered at the scene.
- Descriptions of vehicle damage and visible injuries, along with the officer’s assessment of contributing factors such as speed, weather, or traffic violations.
Florida law allows you to request your crash report online, by mail, or in person, depending on which agency investigated the crash. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify the correct agency: If the crash occurred on a highway or interstate, it was likely investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Local police departments or sheriff’s offices handle incidents on city or county roads. Knowing which agency responded will determine where you make your request.
- Access the Florida Crash Portal: Most reports are available through the official Florida Crash Portal, where you can search, pay a small fee of around $10–$15, and download your report instantly.
- Understand the 60-day confidentiality rule: Florida law restricts public access to crash reports for the first 60 days following the incident. During this period, only individuals directly involved in the crash, their lawyers, or insurance representatives can obtain a copy. You may need to complete an affidavit verifying your eligibility.
If your report is not yet available, hold on to any paperwork you received at the scene, especially the report number or officer’s card. You can use that number to check for updates online or at the police department. Keep records of every inquiry you make, as well as copies of all receipts and confirmation emails. This documentation will assist your Florida personal injury attorney when filing or supporting your claim.
Why a Crash Report Is Important for Insurance Claims
After an accident, your insurance company will rely heavily on the official Florida crash report to evaluate what happened and determine how much compensation you may receive. This report is an authoritative record that can directly affect the outcome of your claim. Here’s why obtaining a Florida accident report matters:
Establishing Fault
The crash report provides a detailed, third-party account of the collision from the investigating officer. It includes diagrams, driver statements, and notes on traffic violations or contributing factors such as speeding, distraction, or failure to yield. Because this report carries weight in determining liability, insurance companies frequently refer to it when deciding which party was at fault. Having a clear, well-documented report helps your vehicle accident attorney counter any false claims and protect your right to full compensation.
Supporting Your Claim
Your report contains critical facts that strengthen your injury or property damage claim. Insurance adjusters use the report to verify the sequence of events, the location of impact, and the presence of witnesses. These details help confirm that your version of events aligns with the officer’s findings. If you sustained serious harm, your lawyer can use the crash report to support your case and demand a reasonable settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.
Claim Efficiency
Without a crash report, your claim can face unnecessary delays. Most insurers require a copy before they begin processing your case. Having it ready allows your attorney to move forward faster with settlement discussions or legal filings. It also prevents disputes about what occurred, reducing the time spent negotiating over basic facts.
Obtain a Florida Car Accident Attorney’s Assistance
Obtaining your Florida accident report is a vital step toward securing the compensation you deserve. This document holds the facts that can greatly support your personal injury claim. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping injured individuals across Florida access vital information and pursue justice. Our firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you get answers and protect your rights. Contact us today at (561) 800-8000 to discuss your case and take the next step toward justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obtaining Florida Accident Reports
Who can access a Florida accident report during the 60-day confidentiality period?
Under Florida Statute § 316.066, crash reports remain confidential for the first 60 days after an accident. During this restricted period, only a few individuals and entities can access the report, including:
- Those directly involved in the accident
- Their legal representatives or insurers
- Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors
- Media representatives with sworn requests
Anyone requesting a report within this time frame must complete a sworn statement confirming their eligibility.
Can I still obtain my accident report if I lost the crash number or police case number?
Even without the crash or case number, you can still obtain a copy by providing identifying information such as the date and location of the accident, the names of those involved, or the vehicle license plate number. When requesting through the FLHSMV Crash Portal, this information allows the system to locate your report efficiently. If the report isn’t found online, your attorney can contact the investigating agency directly to retrieve it.
What happens if the officer’s findings in the crash report conflict with my recollection of the accident?
An officer’s interpretation isn’t final. If you believe the report misrepresents how the accident occurred, you have the right to submit a written statement or correction request to the investigating agency. Your attorney can gather supporting evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness affidavits, or vehicle damage analyses to challenge inaccuracies. In personal injury claims, the report is considered persuasive but not conclusive evidence. Your legal team can still prove fault through independent investigation and expert testimony.
How long should I keep my crash report after the accident?
It’s wise to retain both digital and physical copies of your crash report for at least the same length of time insurers and attorneys may need access for legal or claims purposes. This record may become critical later if your injuries worsen, new medical issues arise, or litigation becomes necessary. Your Florida personal injury attorney can securely store a certified copy for long-term reference.
