Being in a car accident takes a toll on your health and state of mind. In the moments following a crash, you may be anxious, shocked, and confused. When a car accident occurs, you need to make sure that you get a copy of your St. Petersburg car accident report. This report will include all evidence from the scene of the crash, and determine fault and damages.
To get a copy of your St. Petersburg police accident report, follow these simple steps. Read further to learn about the report, what’s included, how much it costs, and how long it takes to get your report.
If you don’t yet have a report, here’s how to file a police report in St Petersburg, FL.
How Can I Get My St. Petersburg Accident Report Online?
You must request your accident report directly from the St. Petersburg Police Department.
While there are a few different ways to request your report, the police department advises doing so via their online accident report retrieval. To do so, simply go to the St. Petersburg Police Department’s website and enter the last name of the driver involved, the agency report number, and the date of the crash.
If you don’t have this information, we suggest that you try contacting the St. Petersburg Police Department directly:
1301 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL. 33705
727-893-7780
Directions
Get a Free Case Review of St. Petersburg Accident Report
If you’ve recently suffered injuries because of a car accident in St. Petersburg Florida, it’s in your best interest to have your case reviewed by a legal professional. You may be entitled to damages, and a St. Pete car accident lawyer can help you understand your best course of action.
How Can I Get My St. Petersburg Police Report In-Person?
In-person requests for your St. Petersburg police accident report can be made at the Records Department:
1301 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL. 33705
The Records Counter is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. They are often closed for municipal holidays, so it is recommended to call beforehand 727-893-7521.
How Can I Get My St. Petersburg Accident Report by Mail?
If you would like a physical copy of your police report from the St. Petersburg Police Department, you can contact the Records Department at 727-893-7537 for assistance. If you are mailing in your request for a report, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $1.00 per report for an expedited return of your mail-in request.
Who Can Access St. Petersburg Police Reports?
Per Florida State Statute 316.066 (5) (a), crash reports are exempt from the public for 60 days after the crash. This includes car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents in St. Petersburg, FL.
During this period, crash reports are only available to people defined in 316.066 (5) (b), which include:
- Parties of the crash;
- The parties’ legal representatives;
- The parties’ insurance agents;
- The State Attorney’s Office, radio and television stations; and
- Newspapers or any state or federal agency authorized to have access.
St. Petersburg car accident reports are confidential for 60 days after the accident. If you request your report before these 60 days, you must fill out an affidavit explaining why you need it. Keep in mind that copies of the report may not be free.
How Long Does It Take to Get a St. Petersburg Police Crash Report?
The St. Petersburg Police Records Division is very busy; according to their website, they receive over 10,000 requests for police reports each year – just in the mail alone.
For most accident reports in St. Petersburg, it takes 10-14 days after filing for a police report in St Pete to be available to download or to mail you a copy. Related: How long do you have to file a police report after an incident in St Petersburg?
How Much Does a St. Petersburg Accident Report Cost?
The fee for a police report from the St. Petersburg Police Department is $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page.
Why is a St. Petersburg Police Accident Report Important?
Car accident reports provide important information to the parties involved in the accident, as well as insurance companies and legal representatives.
After a crash, police arrive at the scene and document all evidence to compile a report.
These reports include information such as:
- The date, time, and place of the crash;
- The weather and road conditions at the time of the crash;
- Damages to the vehicles involved and any property; and
- Pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and injuries.
Get a copy of your police report as soon as possible.
You may also be interested in how to get Clearwater accident reports
Injured in a car accident? Contact an experienced lawyer to protect your rights
It is crucial to get a copy of your St. Petersburg police report following a car crash. If you have any questions about this process, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today for more information.