Can I get a copy of my crash report or a more detailed accident report for my claim?
Short answer: Yes. In Michigan you can generally obtain the police crash report prepared after a motor-vehicle collision. You can request the basic crash report from the law-enforcement agency that responded (or from the Michigan State Police), and you may seek additional records or more detailed information through a public records (FOIA) request. Some information may be redacted or withheld under specific legal exceptions.
Detailed answer — what you need to know under Michigan law
Who creates the crash report?
When a police officer responds to a traffic crash, the officer usually prepares a traffic crash report (sometimes called a crash report or accident report). Local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, and the Michigan State Police (MSP) are the typical creators and custodians of these reports.
Who can get a copy?
Crash reports are generally public records in Michigan. That means members of the public, claimants, drivers, and attorneys can request copies. Some identity or investigatory details may be withheld or redacted under state law.
Where to request the report
- Contact the law-enforcement agency that handled the crash (city police, county sheriff, or Michigan State Police). Many agencies provide online request portals or instructions on their websites.
- If the responding agency is the MSP, see the MSP Traffic Crash Report resources for ordering information: https://www.michigan.gov/msp
- Some agencies participate in statewide crash-record systems or allow online vendor ordering of reports; check the issuing agency first.
What if I want more than the basic crash form?
A standard police crash form (the basic crash report) includes date/time, location, parties involved, basic narrative, contributing circumstances and diagram. If you want supplemental materials — officer narrative, witness statements, photos, scene measurements, dash-cam or body-cam video, or towing records — you may need to submit a formal public-records request under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the custodian agency.
FOIA requests — timing, process and fees
Michigan’s FOIA requires public bodies to respond to a records request within a set timeframe. Under the FOIA, a public body generally must respond within five business days and either provide the records, deny the request, or state an extension and the reason. For the text of the FOIA provisions, see Michigan Compiled Laws, MCL 15.231 et seq. (starting at MCL 15.231). A direct link to the FOIA statute text is available here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-15-231
Practical points about FOIA requests:
- Be specific about the records you want (e.g., “Traffic crash report Form TR-310, officer narrative, witness statements, and incident photos for the crash on [street] on [date]”).
- Include your contact info and preferred delivery method (email, mail, pickup).
- Expect a small copying or processing fee; agencies may charge for staff time to redact exempt material or to prepare records.
- If an agency denies a request or withholds material, the denial should cite the legal reason; you can appeal administratively or seek judicial review.
What kinds of information might be withheld or redacted?
Common redactions or withholdings include:
- Information that would reasonably be expected to endanger an individual’s safety;
- Certain investigatory materials or information that could prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation;
- Personal identifying information beyond what is routinely included on crash forms (depending on the record and statutory exemptions).
Video evidence (dash-cam, body-cam) and photos
Dash-cam or body-worn camera video and scene photos may exist. Those items are public records, but agencies sometimes cite privacy or investigatory exemptions to withhold or redact portions. If video exists and is critical to your claim, a FOIA request is the usual route. If the agency refuses to produce video, counsel can subpoena it during litigation.
If you have an insurance claim or need the report for court
- Insurance companies will often accept the standard crash report and any supplemental materials you can obtain. Provide the report early to the insurer.
- If you need materials that are withheld, an attorney can issue a subpoena duces tecum during litigation to obtain documents and videos that the agency refused to produce voluntarily.
- Keep copies of any request confirmations and correspondence with the agency — they document your efforts to obtain evidence for a claim or lawsuit.
Summary checklist: how to get the report
- Identify the responding agency (police department, sheriff, or MSP) — this is often on your insurance paperwork or your claim number.
- Call the agency or visit its website for crash-report request instructions. Ask whether the report is available online, by mail, or in person.
- If needed, submit a FOIA request to the agency for the crash report and related materials (narrative, photos, video, witness statements). Use clear descriptions and date/location.
- Pay required fees and track timelines. If the agency denies access, ask for the statutory basis for denial and consider appeal or legal help.
Helpful Hints
- Ask for the crash report number and officer name when you first contact police — that speeds up requests.
- Request both the standard crash report form and any officer narratives or supplemental reports.
- For video or large image files, ask about electronic delivery (email, CD, or secure file transfer) to avoid high copying fees.
- If you need records fast for an insurance deadline, state the deadline in your FOIA request and call the agency to follow up.
- Save the original report and any supplemental records you receive — make multiple copies for your insurance adjuster and attorney.
- If an agency claims an exemption, ask for a written denial citing the specific FOIA or other statute. You may challenge that denial.
- When in doubt about legal strategies to obtain evidence (subpoenas, motions to compel), speak with an attorney experienced in Michigan auto-accident law.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Laws and procedures change; for legal advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed Michigan attorney.
Useful starting points:
- Michigan State Police: https://www.michigan.gov/msp
- Michigan Freedom of Information Act (text of statute): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-15-231