# How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident

![How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/who-needs-an-estate-plan-300x200.jpg)

**How to get a police report for a car accident?** If law enforcement investigated your accident, you can request a copy of the completed report from the agency that handled the investigation. 

Once you have your police report in hand, reach out to a [Salt Lake City car accident lawyer](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/salt-lake-city-ut/car-accident-lawyer/) from Siegfried & Jensen to determine what your next steps are in the legal recovery process. 

## Understanding the Purpose of a Police Report After a Car Accident

A police report is an important piece of documentation to have after a car accident for several reasons. Chief among them is that it is an official record of what occurred, who was involved, and the outcome of a crash. It serves as valuable evidence that insurance companies and lawyers carefully evaluate. It can also help protect and strengthen your claim. 

Siegfried & Jensen highly recommends filing a police report, even if you’re involved in a minor accident. The written report helps ensure that the details of the event are recorded. This makes it harder for insurance companies to push back and resist paying you. It also makes it more difficult for the other driver to avoid taking responsibility for their negligent actions. 

Police reports can help you secure a favorable outcome in your case and help streamline the overall process. Other forms of evidence may be evaluated against the report for alignment or discrepancies. For example, lawyers and insurance adjusters can assess whether or not your medical records align with the events outlined in the police report. 

For a free legal consultation, call [(801) 266-0999](tel:+18012660999)

## Start by Filing a Police Report Within 10 Days of the Car Accident

According to [Utah Code § 41-6a-402](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6A/41-6a-S402.html), drivers are required to report a car accident if it results in at least $2,500 in damage. Reports must be made within 10 days of the crash, whether by the parties involved or law enforcement. If the individual is incapacitated as a result of the accident, they do not have to meet this requirement, but a report should be filed once they regain the ability to do so.  

When filing a police report, drivers must provide details about the cause of the accident, a description of existing conditions, names and contact information of each party and witness, vehicle information, and other information relevant to the accident. The more information that you can provide, the more robust the report can be, and the more it can streamline the claim process once initiated.

While you are not required to file a police report for claims under the $2,500 threshold, Siegfried & Jensen recommend filing one anyway. This can protect you and your legal rights if you choose to file a claim or discover that your damages are more serious than initially estimated. A police report can make dealing with insurance companies easier during a claim. 

## Submit a Request for Access to the Completed Police Report

When filing a police report, you should inquire about the [timeframe for obtaining a copy](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-police-report/) so you can ensure you can get one for your records. This is an important step between the accident and the initiation of an insurance claim. There are a few options for **obtaining a police report**, and you can choose the one that is most accessible to you.

One of the easiest ways to obtain a copy of a police report is to file an online request with the agency that you filed your police report through (i.e., highway patrol, sheriff’s department, police department). You can also choose to make your request in person or by mail. You will need to provide a case number, case details, and/or verification when making your request. 

When requesting access to your police report record, you will be expected to pay a fee to access your document. The amount can vary depending on which agency you’re requesting your report through and the method of delivery. Different payment options may be available, so be sure to ask when making your request. Siegfried & Jensen can also help you get a copy of your report if needed. 

[Click to contact](/contact/) our personal injury lawyers today

## What to Do With Your Car Accident Police Report

With a copy of your police report in hand, your next step should be to reach out to an experienced lawyer who can review it and help you prepare your car accident claim. Siegfried & Jensen knows what details to look for in a police report for a car accident and understands what they mean for your case. This is especially true when it comes to the cause of the accident and how fault could be distributed. 

Whether your accident was minor or severe, there are several [benefits of a police report for your accident claim](https://siegfriedandjensen.com/faqs/how-a-police-report-can-help-your-accident-claim/). It can provide clarity on how to approach your case and objective information about the damage caused. It can also protect you from being unfairly blamed if you weren’t at fault. If you did contribute to the accident to some degree, it can also ensure you aren’t assigned more fault. 

As your lawyer helps you prepare your claim, they include the police report among the evidence that you submit to the insurance company. Your lawyer can also advocate and negotiate for you as needed as insurance adjusters review the police report and other forms of evidence to make a determination in your case. Your attorney can leverage this document as they negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.  

Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](/contact/) now

## Let an Experienced Lawyer Help You Review the Police Report in Your Case

Siegfried & Jensen carefully review the car accident police report in your case to determine what happened and how to proceed. 

We’re committed to protecting your rights and effectively fighting for you. Police reports help us strengthen your case or strategically tailor our approach for optimal results. Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys today to review the police report.

Call or text [(801) 266-0999](tel:+18012660999) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](/contact/)

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