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

Short answer: Yes — in Wyoming you can usually obtain the police/crash report from the agency that investigated the collision. You may also obtain additional materials (photos, diagrams, witness statements) through the agency’s records process, your insurer, or through formal discovery if you file a lawsuit. Certain limited information may be withheld under the Wyoming Public Records Act.

Detailed answer — how the process works in Wyoming

Who holds the report?

Crash reports are created and kept by the law enforcement agency that responded and investigated the crash. That might be:

• A city or municipal police department
• The county sheriff’s office
• The Wyoming Highway Patrol

Your auto insurer often requests a copy directly from the investigating agency as part of its claim handling.

What is available to the public in Wyoming?

Wyoming’s public records law governs access to law enforcement records. In general:

• Basic crash report forms (names, date, time, location, vehicle and driver information, crash factors) are typically public records and can be copied or inspected.
• Photographs, diagrams, and witness statements may be part of the record. Agencies sometimes release them with the report. In some situations the agency may withhold sensitive portions (for example, portions that would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or involve juvenile records).
• If the report contains information that Wyoming law exempts from disclosure, the agency should cite the exemption and may withhold or redact that material.

For the public records law, see Wyoming’s legislative website for Title 16 (Public Records): Wyo. Stat. Title 16 (Public Records).

How to request the crash report — practical steps

1. Identify the investigating agency. The responding officer’s name, the agency name, or the report number appear on any copy you already have. If you don’t know, call local police, the county sheriff, or the Wyoming Highway Patrol to ask who handled the scene.
2. Contact the records or records-release unit for that agency. Many agencies accept requests in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Some agencies publish a records-request form on their website.
3. Provide identifying details: crash date and time, location, names of drivers involved, and the report number (if you have it). Include your contact information and whether you are a party to the crash, an attorney, an insurer, or a member of the public.
4. Be prepared to pay a copying or processing fee. Fees vary by agency and by the format requested (paper copies, CDs, digital files).
5. If the agency denies release or redacts portions, ask for a written explanation citing the legal basis for withholding information.

Common timelines and fees

Turnaround varies. Some agencies provide the report within a few days; others take longer. Agencies may charge nominal fees for copying or for staff time to compile records.

What if I need more than the standard crash report?

If you need a more detailed analysis for a claim or lawsuit:

• Your insurer can often obtain fuller records and may have investigators who collect photos and diagrams.
• You can hire an accident reconstructionist or private investigator to create a detailed reconstruction, take measurements, and analyze evidence.
• If you start litigation, the discovery process (subpoenas, requests for production) forces agencies, insurers, and other parties to produce evidence that may not have been released informally.

When the agency can refuse or redact information

Agencies may withhold or redact information for reasons such as:

• Ongoing criminal investigations
• Protection of juveniles or victims in sensitive cases
• Personal privacy or security concerns under the Public Records Act

If you believe an agency wrongfully withheld public information, you can request a written explanation and consult an attorney about judicial review or a records appeal.

Useful Wyoming government contacts and resources

• Wyoming Legislature (to review statutes about public records): wyoleg.gov
• Wyoming Department of Transportation (traffic and crash data; general DOT information): dot.state.wy.us
• Investigating agency’s records division — call the police department, county sheriff, or Wyoming Highway Patrol that handled the crash for details on their request process.

Helpful Hints

• Ask your insurer to request the report — insurers often get copies faster because they routinely handle records requests.
• Get the report number at the scene if possible. That speeds later requests.
• Request everything you can: the officer’s narrative, attached photos, diagrams, citations, and any witness statements. Make your request specific.
• If the records are withheld, ask the agency to cite the specific legal exemption in writing so you know what to challenge.
• Preserve evidence: take your own photos at the scene and collect witness contact information before leaving.
• If you plan to sue or the claim looks complex, consider hiring an attorney early — they can use discovery tools to get material that is not released informally.
• Keep copies of all communications and any fees paid for the request.