Detailed Answer
Yes — in Indiana you can usually obtain a copy of the law enforcement crash report prepared after a motor vehicle collision. That report (often called a police crash report or uniform crash report) is a public record in most cases, so you can request it from the agency that prepared it (city police department, county sheriff, or Indiana State Police). The state’s public-records law, the Access to Public Records Act (APRA), governs access and permissible redactions. See Indiana Code, Access to Public Records Act: IC 5-14-3.
What the crash report usually contains
- Names of drivers and involved parties (sometimes limited).
- Time, date, and location of the crash.
- Basic narrative, diagram of the scene, and possible contributing factors (e.g., speeding, failure to yield).
- Officer observations, citations issued, and vehicle information.
What you may not get (or what may be redacted)
- Detailed witness statements, photographs, body-worn camera (BWC) or dashcam video, and some investigative notes may be withheld or redacted while an active law-enforcement investigation is ongoing.
- Information protected for privacy or safety (certain personal identifying information) may be redacted under APRA exemptions.
How to obtain the crash report — step by step
- Identify the reporting agency. If you do not know which agency handled the crash, check the insurance claim file, contact your insurer, or call local police/sheriff non‑emergency numbers.
- Gather details to locate the report: date, time, exact location, names of drivers, and the crash report or case number (if you have it).
- Contact the records division of the issuing agency. Many agencies accept in-person, phone, mail, or online requests. Ask whether they provide a certified copy and what fees apply.
- Submit the request. Provide your name, contact information, and the crash details. Some agencies will require a small fee for copies.
- If the agency refuses to release material you think should be public, ask for a written explanation citing the legal basis for the denial. Under APRA you can seek further review.
Additional materials insurers and attorneys often seek
- Officer narrative (may be included in the report).
- Scene diagrams and photographs (may be included or provided separately).
- 911/dispatch logs, witness statements, and video (sometimes withheld and may require a subpoena or attorney request).
When you can’t get the extra detail
Some investigative materials are treated as law‑enforcement records and can be withheld while an investigation or prosecution is pending or if disclosure would interfere with an investigation. If you need material that the agency declines to provide, an attorney can help you obtain it through litigation discovery or by issuing a subpoena if appropriate.
Practical timelines and fees
Timeline: many agencies release routine crash reports within days to a few weeks after the report is completed. Time varies by agency workload and whether material is part of an open investigation.
Fees: agencies usually charge a modest copying fee; some provide electronic copies. Ask the records office about exact costs up front.
What to do if you need the report for a claim
- Request the report as soon as possible and save a certified copy if available.
- Provide a copy to your insurer and keep your own file of photos and notes about the crash.
- If you need statements, video, or other investigative material that the agency refuses to release, consider consulting an attorney. An attorney can preserve evidence and, if needed, obtain withheld material through legal process.
Helpful Hints
- Start with the insurer: Your insurance company often has the report number and may already have a copy.
- Contact the right office: Call the records division of the agency that investigated the crash (city police, county sheriff, or Indiana State Police).
- Be specific in your request: Provide date, location, names, and report number to speed retrieval.
- Ask about certified copies: A certified copy can be useful for insurance claims or court.
- Keep a preservation log: Note who you contacted, when, and what you received. Preserve your own photos and medical records.
- If you need video or witness statements and the agency denies access, ask for the denial in writing and consult an attorney about subpoenas or discovery.
- Know privacy limits: Agencies may redact personal identifying information or withhold materials tied to ongoing investigations under APRA.
- If you feel a wrongful denial occurred, you can seek the agency’s written reason and consider asking the Public Access Counselor or filing suit under APRA; an attorney can advise on next steps.
Key Resource
Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA): https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/5 (see chapter on public records).
Disclaimer: This article explains general procedures under Indiana law and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation or help obtaining records that have been withheld, consult a licensed Indiana attorney.