Getting a copy of the police report requires filling out a request form and providing some identifying information. Car accident police reports contain a lot of sensitive details, so their access is restricted to parties that were directly involved or to their legal representatives, at least immediately afterward. In Florida, these documents become publicly accessible 60 days after the crash. One of the benefits of having a lawyer by your side throughout the car accident claims process is that they can handle the police report request paperwork for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they gather crucial evidence needed to build a solid case. The process of getting a copy of your accident's police report will vary slightly from state to state, but the steps in Florida and neighboring steps include: Florida Car crash reports are maintained by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and will take up to 10 days to become available for a processing fee of $10. Online: By filling out the request form on FLHSMV's Crash Portal to receive a download link to your email address that will be active for 48 hours In-person: By going to the Florida High Patrol Troop Station closest to where the accident happened and completing a signed statement. Mail (Takes four to six weeks processing time): Fill out the form and include a check or money order to be made out to FLHSMV and mail out the request to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Georgia The process for requesting a car accident police report depends on whether the Georgia State Patrol or an officer from the local police or sheriff's department responded to the scene. In-person: You can pick up the report in person within a few days of the incident by going to the appropriate office, filling out the request form, and paying $5. Online: For a higher fee, Georgia residents can also access police reports prepared by either agency by logging on to BuyCrash.com, which is a service hired by the Georgia Department of Transportation to provide these documents. Alabama Most car accidents in Alabama are handled by state troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the official report is available around 15 business days after the crash. In-person: Visit the state police office in the jurisdiction where your accident happened, fill out the request form, and pay a $17 fee. Online: Download a copy of your crash report online on ALEA's website by providing identifying information and paying the processing fee. South Carolina The responding police officers prepare and file crash reports with the South Carolina of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), which makes the document available for a $6 fee within a few days of the accident. In-person: Visit your local SCDMV office to fill out the paperwork and pick up a copy. Online: Fill out the request form on the SCDMV's web portal, and you'll receive your police report in the mail. Mail: Send the completed form with a check or money order to SCDMV, Financial Responsibility, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0040