Detailed answer — what you can get and who controls the records

If law enforcement took a report at the scene, you can usually get a copy of that crash report (sometimes called a collision or accident report). The investigating agency — city police, county sheriff, or the North Dakota Highway Patrol — maintains the original report and typically provides copies to involved parties, their insurance companies, or the public subject to the state public records law.

North Dakota’s public information (open records) rules govern access to law enforcement records. See North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 44-04 (Public Information) for the statutory framework: https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t44c04. For practical requests and crash report forms, the North Dakota Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol publish guidance and contact information: https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/safety/CrashReports.htm and https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/.

What you can expect:

• Standard crash report: a one- to multi-page form with date, location, parties, vehicle descriptions, witness info, basic diagram, apparent injuries, and officer’s narrative. You (an involved party) and your insurer can normally obtain this.
• Supplemental or detailed investigative file: more detailed materials (detailed witness statements, photographs, telematics data, officer notes, or ongoing-investigation materials) may be withheld in whole or in part while an active criminal or sensitive investigation is underway. The open records law contains exemptions that permit withholding certain law enforcement investigatory records; see Chapter 44-04 for details: https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t44c04.
• Redactions: some personal identifiers (for privacy or legal reasons) or information protected by statute may be redacted before release.

How to request the crash report — step-by-step

1. Identify the investigating agency. The responding officer’s business card or the short incident number on any paperwork you received will show whether city police, county sheriff, or Highway Patrol handled the scene.
2. Contact that agency’s records or evidence unit. Many agencies accept in-person, mail, email, or online requests. The North Dakota Highway Patrol and many local agencies post request instructions online.
3. Provide required information: crash date, location, names of drivers involved, report number (if available), and your contact information. State that you were an involved party and whether you want a certified copy.
4. Pay any fee. Agencies often charge a small fee per page or a flat fee for certified copies.
5. Wait for processing. Routine crash reports are often released within days to a few weeks. If the agency withholds information citing an exemption, they should explain the basis.

What if you need more than the standard crash report?

If you need detailed materials for a claim (photos, full witness statements, officer notes, or scene measurements), try these paths:

• Request additional records from the investigating agency. Identify the specific items (photos, supplemental reports, CAD logs) and ask whether they are public or exempt.
• Ask your insurer to request the materials. Insurers often have established channels and may get more information faster.
• If the agency refuses, you can submit a formal public records request citing North Dakota public information statutes and ask for a written denial explaining exemptions used. See Chapter 44-04: https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t44c04.
• If you believe the agency unlawfully withheld records, you may seek judicial review or consult an attorney about court action to compel disclosure.

Timing, fees, and certification

Expect modest copying fees. If you need a copy for court or your insurer, request a certified copy. Certified reports carry a seal and signature and are accepted by courts and insurance adjusters.

Common reasons agencies may withhold or redact information

• Ongoing criminal investigation or active law enforcement operation.
• Privacy concerns or statutory protections (for example, third-party personal identifiers or medical information).
• Information originating from other protected sources (for example, certain DMV or federal records).

Refer to the North Dakota Century Code for specifics on exemptions and public access: https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t44c04.

When to involve an attorney

If access to records is critical for an injury claim and the agency refuses to provide records you believe are public, talk with an attorney experienced in North Dakota personal injury or insurance claims. An attorney can issue subpoenas, pursue court orders for disclosure, and advise whether additional discovery steps are appropriate in litigation.

Helpful hints

• Save all crash-related paperwork and photographs you took at the scene. Those are often useful if an agency delays or withholds items.
• Get the investigating officer’s name and report number before you leave the scene. That speeds requests.
• If an insurer requests records, provide a signed records release to speed the process.
• Request a certified copy if you intend to use the report in court or as a formal claim document.
• If an agency cites an exemption, ask for a written explanation and the specific statutory citation so you can evaluate next steps.
• Keep communication written when possible (email or mailed requests) to create a clear paper trail of your requests and the agency’s responses.