Short answer
Yes. In Maryland, you can generally obtain a copy of the police crash report prepared by the law enforcement agency that investigated the collision. You can also request additional related records (for example, supplemental reports, CAD/911 logs, officer notes, or body-worn camera footage), but access to some of those materials can be limited or require a formal Public Information Act request or a subpoena.
How access to crash reports works in Maryland
Crash reports prepared by a police department, sheriff’s office, or the Maryland State Police are government records. Access to government records in Maryland is governed by the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), which covers inspection, copying, and certain exemptions. See Md. Code, General Provisions §4-101 et seq.: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=genp§ion=4-101.
Where to request the report
Start with the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash:
- City or county police department if the crash occurred within their jurisdiction.
- County sheriff’s office for incidents they handled.
- Maryland State Police if they investigated the crash (state police collision reports are managed by MSP): https://mdsp.maryland.gov/.
Most agencies maintain a public records or crash-report records unit and explain procedures on their websites. If you do not know which agency investigated the crash, call the non-emergency number for the police department that serves the crash location.
What you will receive
Typically you will get a copy of the basic crash report form used by the investigating agency. A standard crash report usually includes:
- Date, time, and location of the crash;
- Names of drivers and reported vehicle information;
- Narrative summary of the officer’s observations and statements;
- Diagram, citations issued, and injury/property-damage notations.
Some items may be redacted under PIA exemptions (for example, sensitive medical information, juvenile identifying information, or details that could interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation).
How to request more detailed materials for an insurance claim or lawsuit
- Request the crash report from the investigating agency. Ask whether there are related records (supplemental reports, witness statements, officer notes, photos, 911/CAD logs, or video).
- If an item is not provided, submit a written Public Information Act request to the agency’s records custodian asking for the specific records. Agencies must respond within the statutory timeframes described in the PIA.
- If the agency refuses or heavily redacts records, you may appeal that decision under the PIA. The PIA provides a process for administrative appeals and, if necessary, judicial review. See Md. Code, General Provisions §4-1xx et seq.: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=genp§ion=4-101.
- If you need materials that are not subject to public disclosure (for example, certain body-cam footage or witness statements that the agency refuses to release), your attorney can seek a subpoena or file discovery in a pending lawsuit to obtain the evidence.
Fees and timing
Agencies may charge reasonable copying and search fees under the PIA. The time to receive a report varies: some agencies provide crash reports the same day or within a few business days; others take longer. If the crash involves a criminal investigation, availability may be delayed.
What to include in your request (practical checklist)
- Full name of the involved driver or claimant.
- Date, approximate time, and exact location of the crash.
- Law enforcement agency name and incident number (if you have it).
- Describe the exact records you want (e.g., “Traffic collision report, officer’s narrative, photographs, and CAD/911 audio recording”).
- Provide your contact information and preferred delivery method (email, mail, or pickup).
If information is missing or incorrect
If the report has errors or missing facts that affect your claim, contact the investigating agency to ask about correcting or adding a supplemental report. For persistent issues or disputes about evidence, an attorney can obtain records through discovery and protect your claim interests.
When to involve an attorney
If you encounter: (1) refusal to release relevant records; (2) redactions that block key evidence; or (3) a need for materials not released under PIA (like raw officer bodycam footage or witness statements), an attorney can help by making formal PIA appeals, issuing subpoenas, or pursuing discovery in litigation. An attorney can also advise whether additional investigation (accident reconstruction, expert review) is warranted for your claim.
Helpful hints
- Start with the investigating agency — they usually have the fastest route to the report.
- Ask for both the initial report and any supplemental reports the officer may have filed later.
- Keep copies of all requests and responses. Note dates and names of agency staff you contact.
- If you need video or audio, specifically request recordings and the retention policy; some agencies retain footage only for a limited time.
- Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copies and searches — ask for an estimate up front.
- If you plan to use the report in a lawsuit, preserve evidence and consider talking to an attorney early to protect your rights and deadlines.
- Remember that some personal or sensitive data can be redacted under the Public Information Act; redaction does not always mean the record does not exist.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Maryland procedures for accessing crash and related records. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult an attorney licensed in Maryland.