Can I get a copy of my crash report or a more detailed accident report for my claim?

Short answer: Yes. In Louisiana you can generally obtain a copy of the official crash report prepared by the responding law enforcement agency. What you can get and how quickly you can get extra investigatory material (photos, witness statements, officer notes) varies by agency and may be limited by public-records exemptions. If you need more detailed information for an insurance claim or lawsuit, there are additional steps—including public-records requests, formal discovery, or subpoenas—where an attorney can help.

Detailed answer

Every motor-vehicle collision which results in injury, death, or certain types of property damage is usually documented by a responding law-enforcement officer. That documentation is commonly called a crash report, traffic collision report, or police accident report. In Louisiana these reports are created and maintained by the agency that responded (Louisiana State Police, city police, or parish sheriff).

Where to get the official crash report

• Louisiana State Police crashes: You can request copies through the Louisiana State Police Crash Reports page. Many State Police crash reports are available online or by request: https://www.lsp.org/crash_reports.html.
• Local police or sheriff reports: Contact the police department or sheriff’s office that responded to the collision. Many agencies provide copies in person, by mail, or online.
• Insurance companies: If you reported the crash to your insurer, they often obtain the report directly from the agency and will usually provide you a copy as part of the claim file.

What the basic crash report contains

Typical crash reports include:

• Date, time, and location of the collision.
• Names and contact information for drivers and vehicle owners.
• Vehicle descriptions and registration details.
• Driver statements and witness names (sometimes summarized).
• Diagram of the crash scene and officer’s narrative summary.
• Contributing factors and violation citations, if any.

What you may not get automatically

Agencies sometimes withhold or redact parts of their investigative files under Louisiana’s public-records law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) for reasons such as protecting privacy, ongoing criminal investigations, or witness safety. Commonly withheld items include:

• Raw officer notes, work product, or internal investigative memoranda.
• Unpublished witness statements or sensitive personal information.
• Portions of the file that are part of an ongoing criminal case.

Louisiana’s public-records law governs access to these materials; you can read the statutes at the Louisiana Legislature website: https://www.legis.la.gov/ (see La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.).

How to get more detailed records for a claim

1. Request the crash report directly from the responding agency (State Police, city police, parish sheriff). Ask for certified copies if you need them for court or the insurance company.
2. Make a written public-records request for additional materials (photos, diagrams, video, CAD logs, officers’ narratives). Include the crash date, location, and report number (if known).
3. If the agency denies part of your request, ask for a written denial that cites the specific statutory exemption.
4. If you are an insurance claimant or party to a pending lawsuit, your attorney can use the discovery process (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, subpoenas) to obtain investigatory material that may be withheld from general public release.
5. When records are withheld, you can seek judicial review. A court will balance the public interest and any statutory exemptions before ordering disclosure.

Timing and fees

Fees and turnaround times vary by agency. State Police often charge a small fee for certified copies and may publish an online fee schedule. Local agencies may require in-person requests and charge copying or administrative fees. If you need documents quickly for an insurance claim, ask the responding officer or agency for an estimated release time and for any temporary summaries they can provide.

Practical tips for claim purposes

• Get the crash report early. Reports help preserve facts and officer observations before memory fades.
• Compare the report to photos, medical records, and witness statements you collected. If there are errors, notify the agency and your insurer promptly.
• If the report lacks detail you need (e.g., no diagram of damage, missing witness contact info), tell your attorney—some details can be obtained by subpoena or through independent investigation (accident reconstruction, expert review).

Helpful Hints

• Ask the responding officer for the report number at the scene. That speeds up later requests.
• Check the Louisiana State Police crash-report site first for State Police investigations: https://www.lsp.org/crash_reports.html.
• Keep a copy of any public-records request you submit (date, method sent, and agency contact).
• If you are denied records, request a written explanation citing the statute used to deny access.
• When filing an insurance claim, provide the insurer with the crash report and document any missing or incorrect facts in writing.
• Consider hiring an attorney if you need additional investigatory materials, anticipate litigation, or encounter denials—an attorney can compel evidence through discovery and subpoenas.

How an attorney can help

An attorney can:

• Request and obtain certified crash reports and supporting materials.
• Use formal discovery tools and subpoenas to access records that are not released to the public.
• Analyze the report and determine what additional evidence (photos, cell-site records, expert reconstruction) will strengthen your claim.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Louisiana procedures for obtaining crash reports and related records. It is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change and facts differ between cases. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for advice about your specific situation.