Short answer: In Washington you can generally obtain the police crash report for a collision you were involved in by requesting it from the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash (city police, county sheriff, or the Washington State Patrol). Other records—officer notes, scene photos, dashcam footage, 911 audio, and reconstructive reports—may be available through a public records request or through civil discovery if you need extra detail for an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Disclaimer: This article explains Washington law and public-records practice for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific claim or lawsuit, consult a licensed attorney.

Detailed answer — what Washington law allows and how to get the records

1) Which laws apply?

Washington’s traffic collision reporting rules are found in Title 46, chapter 46.52 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.52). The state’s Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) governs access to records held by law enforcement agencies, including crash reports, officer notes, photos, and audio recordings. See the statutes: RCW Ch. 46.52 (Traffic Accidents) and RCW Ch. 42.56 (Public Records Act).

2) Who can get a crash report?

If you were involved in the crash (driver, passenger, or owner of a vehicle involved), most agencies will provide you a copy of the official collision report. Insurers also routinely receive copies. Some information in reports may be redacted for privacy or safety reasons under the Public Records Act.

3) Where to request the crash report

Start with the law enforcement agency that responded to or investigated the crash:

• City police department records division (for city collisions).
• County sheriff’s office (for county roads).
• Washington State Patrol (WSP) if WSP investigated (state highways or requested by local agency).

Most agencies list a Records or Public Disclosure/Records Request page with instructions and fees. The WSP home page is at https://www.wsp.wa.gov/.

4) What to include in a request

Provide:

• Date, time, and location of the crash.
• Names of drivers or involved parties (your name and contact info).
• Report number if you have it (often on tow/claim paperwork or from insurer).
• Whether you want a certified copy or digital copy.

5) Fees and timing

Agencies may charge a copying fee or a flat records fee. Electronic delivery is often faster and cheaper. Processing time varies—some agencies can provide routine crash reports within days; complex records or public-records requests may take weeks depending on workload and the need to review redactions under the Public Records Act.

6) What if you need more detail than the standard crash report?

The standard collision report summarizes the incident, parties, and officer impressions. For deeper documentation, you can request additional records:

• Officer incident/field notes and incident narratives.
• Scene photographs taken by responding officers or evidence technicians.
• Body-camera or dash-camera video (subject to redaction and review).
• 911 call audio and dispatch logs.
• Tow records, inspection reports, or airbag deployment data if collected.

These are usually obtainable by making a public records request to the investigating agency under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Agencies must respond within the statutory timeframes and may redact exempt information (e.g., medical or certain personal identifiers) as permitted by law.

7) If the agency refuses or delays producing records

If an agency denies production or improperly withholds records, you may:

• Ask for a written explanation citing the legal basis for the denial.
• File an administrative appeal with the agency or a suit in superior court under the Public Records Act to compel disclosure.
• Contact your insurance company — adjusters often obtain records more quickly through their contacts.

8) Using records for insurance claims and lawsuits

For an insurance claim, provide the crash report to your insurer as soon as you get it. If you later need additional evidence (dashcam footage, officer notes, reconstruction) and the agency won’t release it voluntarily, you can obtain it through civil discovery if you file a lawsuit. During discovery, parties can subpoena documents and testimony; subpoenas and depositions follow court rules and timelines.

9) When to consider hiring investigators or engineers

If the crash is complex, fault is disputed, or damages are significant, consider hiring an accident reconstructionist, an engineer, or a private investigator. These professionals can analyze scene evidence, examine vehicle data recorders, and prepare reports you can use with your claim. Their work does not replace official records but supplements them.

10) Practical hypothetical example

Hypothetical: You were rear-ended on I-5 in King County. The responding agency was the Washington State Patrol. Steps you would take:

1. Call WSP or check the crash report number provided at the scene.
2. Submit a records request to WSP records (date, location, names) and ask for the collision report and photographs.
3. If you need officer notes or dashcam footage, include those specific items in the public-records request under RCW 42.56.
4. Provide the report to your insurer and keep copies for your claim file.
5. If WSP delays or refuses, request a written denial and consider legal steps or involve your attorney to issue subpoenas during litigation.

For the statutes that frame these steps, see: RCW Ch. 46.52 (traffic accident reporting) and RCW Ch. 42.56 (public records).

Helpful hints — make getting the records easier

• Act quickly: collect the crash report as soon as possible. Evidence and memories fade; agencies may archive older records.
• Get the report number at the scene or from the responding officer. That accelerates requests.
• Ask your insurer for a copy — carriers often obtain reports fast.
• Request specific items (photos, videos, officer notes) by name rather than asking generally for “everything.” Be precise in public-records requests.
• Expect redactions: medical or personal data may be removed per RCW 42.56 and related exemptions.
• Keep your own evidence: photos, witness contact info, and repair estimates support your claim even if official records are delayed or incomplete.
• If you hit a dead end with the agency, consult an attorney about discovery/subpoena options—court processes can legally compel production.
• Save copies of your records requests (email receipts or certified mail) to document timelines if you later need to challenge a delay.