How Do I Get a Copy of an Accident Report in Fairfax County?
Obtaining a police accident report is a crucial step following a motor vehicle accident in Fairfax County. These reports provide a comprehensive account of the incident, including details about the involved parties, witnesses, vehicle damages, and often, the responding officer’s perspective on how and why the accident occurred. They can serve as vital pieces of evidence for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and even personal records. Understanding the importance of these reports and knowing how to acquire one is essential for all drivers.
Reportable Crashes vs Non-Reportable Crashes
It’s important to understand the difference between reportable and non-reportable crashes because the way to obtain them in Fairfax County differs significantly.
Reportable Crashes: These involve crashes that occur on public property, leading to death, personal injury, or property damage amounting to $1,500.00 or more. Public property includes highways, roads, streets, and any public parking lots maintained by state, county, or municipal funds. These incidents require the submission of a crash report (FR300P) to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The DMV maintains the official record of all reportable crashes occurring within the Commonwealth.
Non-Reportable Crashes: These are hit-and-run incidents on public property with damages totaling less than $1,500.00 or crashes happening on private property that involve death, personal injury, or hit-and-run incidents. These instances do not require a report to the DMV according to the Department policy, and hence, no documentation of the crash is generated.
How To Get a Reportable Fairfax Crash Report
For any car accident that took place after May 1, 2017, crash reports can be obtained online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. During the first half of 2017, the department shifted to using the Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS), which is managed by the Virginia Highway Safety Office. This move means some reports were made in the old system, but any car crashes after May 1, 2017, are recorded in TREDS.
All crashes investigated by the Fairfax County Police are logged in TREDS and made available through the Virginia DMV. Once the DMV has approved the report, it becomes the official record. To request a crash report, you can visit the Virginia DMV Crash Report Request Portal.
Note that the Fairfax County Police Department no longer provides Reportable Crash Reports (FR300P) directly. The Fairfax County Police will provide crash reports from the old system upon request if necessary.
How To Get a Non-Reportable Fairfax Crash Report
Non-reportable crashes, as explained earlier, include certain types of crashes on public property with damages less than $1,500 or those occurring on private property. Though these crashes are not reportable to the Commonwealth of Virginia, they may be documented in the department’s record management system.
Written Requests:
To obtain a non-reportable crash report, you can submit a written request to Central Records. You must clearly indicate on your envelope that the request pertains to a non-reportable crash report. Their address is:
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
In-Person Requests:
Visit the Central Records Office of the Fairfax County Police Department during regular business hours to make requests in person.
The Central Records Office is available for in-person requests during its regular business hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For further assistance, you can contact them by phone at 703-246-2272 during these hours as well.
Mail Requests:
To obtain a non-reportable crash report, submit a written request to the Central Records address listed above. You must clearly indicate on the envelope that the request pertains to a non-reportable crash report.
For requests made by mail, allow three to four weeks for receipt of the requested report.
How Much Does an Accident Report Cost?
There is no fee for drivers, passengers, property owners, or injured persons for obtaining a non-reportable crash report. All others must pay a $5 fee by cash, Visa, MasterCard, money order, or check made payable to the County of Fairfax. Note: mail-in requests must be paid by check or money order.
Who Is Entitled To Copies of Crash Reports in Fairfax County?
In Fairfax County, specific individuals and entities have the right to obtain copies of crash reports. This broad group includes:
- Drivers and Passengers: All individuals who were in a vehicle involved in the crash are entitled to a copy of the crash report.
- Injured Persons/Pedestrians/Bicyclists: If you were a pedestrian or a bicyclist involved in the crash, or if you sustained injuries in the incident, you have the right to access the crash report.
- Property/Vehicle Owners: Owners of property or vehicles that were damaged in the crash can also obtain a copy of the crash report.
- Attorneys and Insurance Agents: If you are an attorney or an insurance agent representing the driver or property owner, you are entitled to a copy of the crash report to use for legal proceedings or insurance claims.
These parties have direct involvement or vested interest in the incident, and the reports offer invaluable insights into their respective needs, from claim settlements to legal defense.
How Can You Get A Crash Report From The City Of Fairfax?
The city of Fairfax operates under its own separate jurisdiction from Fairfax County. As such, the procedures for obtaining a crash report vary slightly.
Reports of automobile crashes that occur within Fairfax City are filed in the police department’s records section.
Online
To request a report online, visit CrashDocs.org and provide the following information:
- Report or Reference Number
- Last Name of Involved Party
- Date of Accident
In Person
You can obtain a police report in person from the records section at the police station, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Their address is 3730 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030.
When requesting a copy of the report, you must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a state driver’s license or DMV-issued ID card, passport, or military ID card.
Have Your Lawyer Request For You
If you are represented by a car accident attorney, they may request a copy of the report on your behalf.
How Much Do Reports Cost?
Reports are free for persons directly involved in the crash. Insurance companies and attorneys can obtain reports at a fee of $5 per report.
Who Can Request a Report?
Crash reports may be released to the following parties:
- Those who were involved or injured in the crash
- Owners of vehicles involved in the crash
- Attorneys representing those involved or injured in the crash
- Authorized insurance representatives of people or vehicles involved in the crash
Note: It could take a number of days for the crash report to reach the records section, depending on the investigation or other circumstances. You can call ahead to verify the report is available — and, when possible, provide the case number for the report.
How To Contact the Fairfax Records Section
You can reach them via this phone number: 703-385-7950.
Why Is a Police Report So Important?
When involved in a car accident in Alexandria, it is paramount to file a police report, irrespective of the severity of the accident. Establishing an official record of the event is critical for legal and insurance-related purposes. To acquire a copy of your crash report, consider choosing any of the above-stated methods, opting for the most convenient for you.
Filing a police report holds significant value as it serves as a key step in addressing the aftermath of a car mishap. The crash report delineates the event details, furnishing a time-stamped record and thereby authenticating the incident. This often proves indispensable when lodging an insurance claim, as it offers an authoritative point of reference. Furthermore, the act of filing a police report assists in the assimilation of crash data, which is instrumental for law enforcement agencies to discern patterns, allocate resources judiciously, and formulate strategies to preclude future incidents. In essence, by filing a police report, you are playing a part in the larger endeavor to sustain safety and order within your community.
You Deserve Justice
Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience, and you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, legal help could greatly benefit your case. The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Siegel, & Cammarata P.C. has experienced car accident attorneys who have helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages for their injuries. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options after an accident.