How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After an Auto Accident in Georgia

When you are involved in an auto accident in Georgia, waiting on the police to arrive and write a report is always advised. However, you might be surprised to learn that you might not receive a copy of the police's report, also referred to as an accident report, incident report, or crash report, at the scene of the crash. 

If you are involved in a wreck, you should always get the other parties name in addition to their contact information, driver's license number, car tag, and their car insurance information in case you need to make a claim.
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​In Georgia, there are several ways for you to obtain a copy of the police report:
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1. You can contact the records department of the issuing officer's agency, For example, if an Atlanta Police Officer writes the accident report, you can contact the Atlanta Police Department's Central Records Unit at 404-546-7461. 

• When you speak to a representative in the records office they will advise you of their specific process for getting a copy of the report by mail, in person, or electronically. 
• There is typically a fee involved and that fee can vary based on the department.
• If a Georgia State Patrol Officer issues the incident report, you can contact the local State Patrol Post or the State Patrol's Open Records Unit.

2. You can obtain a copy of the crash report by visiting www.BuyCrash.com. The fees for reports start at $5 and reports are typically available 7-10 business days after the accident. To find a copy of your police crash report, you will need the following information:

• The last name of one of the involved parties;
• The date of the accident; and
• Either the VIN number of one of the involved vehicles, the accident report number, or the driver's license number of one of the involved parties.

3. You can also contact the Georgia Department of Transportation at 404-631-1990 for a copy of the accident report. The cost for a report is currently $5 or $7 for a certified copy. 

In addition to the police report, you may be able to obtain photographs and other records pertaining to your automobile wreck. 

It is important to note that Georgia law restricts access to accident reports. Georgia's Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. Section 50-18-72 (a)(5), specifies who can access Georgia accident reports. So, if you were not one of the parties involved in the accident, you want to make sure you have the legal authority to request a copy of the accident report. Likewise, beware if receive unsolicited calls about your accident from a "lawyer referral source" or a lawyer.  

If you were in an auto accident in Georgia and someone else was at fault, you should contact a Georgia personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights under Georgia law. 

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