---
description: Arligton County police reports can be found online, in person, or by mail through Arlington County&#039;s Office of Records.
title: How To Get An Arlington County Police Report After a Car Accident
---
How To Get An Arlington County Police Report After a Car Accident
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	

			
			

		
		

		
				
			
					
		
		
		
				
				
					
# How To Get An Arlington County Police Report
				
				
				
				
							

								
													
										Last Updated: March 20, 2026					
								
				
													
										Reading Time:  5 minutes					
								
				

						
				
				
		
				
				
									
					
						
									Trusted Content
					
					
				
								
				
				
				
					Legally Reviewed by
Allan Siegel
Updated 2 months ago
				
				
				
				
				
					
				
		
					
				
				
					
[Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » [Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/arlington/) » How To Get An Arlington County Police Report
				
				
					
				
		
					
		
		
				
				
							
			
										
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
					

				
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
				
				
																														
				
					
				
								
								
		
						
				
				
				
									
						
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                        Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I&#039;m a potential new client.No, I&#039;m a current existing client.I&#039;m neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident*
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
        
                        
                        
			

            
            				
				
				
				
		
		
				
				
							
							
																											
													
									
					
						
				
				
				
									
Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial.
								
				
				
				
							
						
				
					 Video Transcript 
							
			
			
		

						
				
				
				
									
**Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel

**Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that&#8217;s not garden variety, that&#8217;s altering their life.

**Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don&#8217;t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual.

**Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries.

**Allan Siegel (01:27):** We&#8217;ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren&#8217;t many law firms who can say that they&#8217;ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years.

**Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients.
								
				
				
					
					
						
				
				
				
				
					

Obtaining a crash report from the Arlington County Police Department is a crucial step following an accident. This document serves as a detailed record of the incident, including specifics such as the date and time of the accident, involved parties, and any contributing factors. It not only provides transparency, but it is also often required for insurance claims and legal purposes. Ensuring you have this report can greatly facilitate the post-accident process, providing a basis for asserting your rights and seeking any necessary compensation.

This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to obtain these reports, ensuring you have the necessary documentation when you need it.

## How To Get An Arlington County Crash Report

If you reside in Arlington, Fort Myer, Rosslyn, or anywhere in Arlington County, Virginia, and wish to request your accident report from the Arlington County Police Department, you can conveniently do so online, in person, or by mail through Arlington County&#8217;s Office of Records.

### Online

If you reside in Arlington, Fort Myer, Rosslyn, or anywhere in Arlington County and wish to request your accident report, you can conveniently do so online, in person, or by mail through Arlington County&#8217;s Office of Records.

This electronic service allows you to request, process, and download certain documents. These include Police Incident Report Verification, Crash Reports, and Criminal History Background checks for Government or Law Enforcement Requestors.

The process is straightforward. First, submit your request for the required documents either through [LexisNexis](https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/search?AGENCY=VA0070100) or [Carfax](http://www.crashdocs.org/). Once your request is processed, you will receive an email notification. Upon completion of online payment, the requested documents become available for electronic download. It&#8217;s important to upload a copy of your government-issued identification when submitting a request. Please note that all requests for records fulfilled online will incur a $9 processing fee. 

### By Mail

If you prefer a traditional method or cannot access the online services, obtaining your crash report by mail is an alternative. This option is available if the report lists you as the victim or the party that reported the incident. The verification includes information from the original report, such as:

- The victim&#8217;s name

- The address of the incident

- The nature of the offense

- The report number

- A brief summary of the incident

- Any items that were stolen or damaged

- Any injuries sustained during the incident

When making your request by mail, ensure that you enclose the necessary $10 fee. You will also need to provide a copy of your valid photo ID and all the necessary details concerning the incident. This traditional method may take longer than the electronic option, but it serves as a viable alternative for those who prefer to mail their requests or cannot obtain the report online.

### In Person

If you prefer to request your crash report in person, you may do so at the Office of Records Customer Service Counter. They accept cash, credit/debit cards, money orders, and company checks payable to the Treasurer of Arlington for all payments.  

It&#8217;s important to note that the $10 fee also applies for in-person requests. However, this option may be more convenient for those who prefer to handle their requests in person and can pay the fee directly at the Office of Records Customer Service Counter.

### Let Your Lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Siegel, & Cammarata P.C. Take Care of the Crash Report

If you&#8217;re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting a crash report, your lawyer can handle it for you. At Chaikin, Sherman, Siegel, & Cammarata P.C., our skilled lawyers know the ropes and can swiftly secure the reports you need. By handing this task to a lawyer, you&#8217;re not just delegating paperwork &#8211; you&#8217;re making sure that the process is done right. Our lawyers know how crucial these reports are for insurance claims and legal cases, and they&#8217;ll make sure nothing is missed in the report. To let our lawyers retrieve your crash report, just give them the key details: when and where the crash happened and what your involvement was. With your permission, they&#8217;ll work with the City of Alexandria or the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to get the report, freeing you up to focus on recovering. Remember, our lawyers are here to help you through this tough time, so don&#8217;t be shy about asking for help.

#### Who Can Obtain a Crash Report?

You can obtain a crash report if:

- You were directly involved in the crash, and your name is listed

- You are the owner of the property that was involved in the crash

- You are listed as an injured passenger/pedestrian

- You are the insurance company or attorney representing the person(s) involved

Crash Reports are available for a $10 fee. They can be obtained in person, by mail, or online via [LexisNexis](https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/search?AGENCY=VA0070100) or [Carfax](http://www.crashdocs.org/).

## Why Is Filing a Police Report Important?

[Filing a police report](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-you-should-always-file-a-police-report-for-a-car-accident/) serves a crucial role in the aftermath of an accident, predominantly in the areas of insurance claims and pre-litigation investigation. While these reports are not admissible as evidence in court, as they are often seen as hearsay, they provide a valuable tool for claims adjusters and legal professionals investigating the incident.

Insurance claims greatly hinge on the details captured in a police report. The report provides a comprehensive account of the incident, including the parties involved, the conditions at the scene, and any indications of fault. This information enables insurance companies to determine liability and assess the claim accurately. Furthermore, it substantiates the claims made by the insured party, deterring fraudulent claims and ensuring a fair resolution of the insurance claim.

In the pre-litigation phase, [car accident attorneys](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/arlington/) use the information in the police report to evaluate the merits of a potential legal case. It gives them insights into the specifics of the incident, helping them to identify any contributing factors, potential witnesses, and the level of damage or injury incurred. This information significantly influences the decision-making process, assisting in outlining the case strategy, determining the level of claim, or deciding whether to proceed with the case at all.

Therefore, while a police report is not admissible in court as evidence, its critical role in insurance claims and pre-litigation investigation cannot be underestimated. It assists various stakeholders in discerning the event&#8217;s truth, ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice in the aftermath of an accident.

## You Have Rights, Let&#8217;s Protect Them

Experiencing a car accident is tough. You can feel lost, stressed, and uncertain about your next steps. Don&#8217;t worry – legal assistance can make a huge difference. At the Chaikin, Sherman, Siegel, & Cammarata P.C. law firm, we have practiced car accident law for years and have helped clients get millions in compensation for their injuries. Want to know more about how we can assist you after a car accident? Please get in touch with [our team](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/). We&#8217;ll provide a [free consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to discuss your legal rights and potential paths forward after your accident. With our guidance, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence, knowing that we&#8217;re here to fight for your rights and secure the justice you deserve.

				
				
		
				
				
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At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf.
								
				
				
				
									
					
						
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									The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau								
				
				
		
				
				
																														
				
				
				
					Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident				
				
				
				
					Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights.				
				
				
				
									
					
						
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									Learn More About Us
					
					
				
								
				
				
				
				
							
			
										
							
					
		
					
				
				
					Ira Sherman				
				
				
				
					Partner				
				
					
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
		
				
				
					Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York				
				
				
				
									
With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line.
								
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Ira Sherman's Bio
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
		
					
				
				
					Joseph Cammarata				
				
				
				
					Partner				
				
					
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
		
				
				
					Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia				
				
				
				
									
A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter.
								
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Joe Cammarata's Bio
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
		
				
				
					Allan M. Siegel​				
				
				
				
					Partner				
				
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
		
				
				
					Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia				
				
				
				
									
**Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients.
								
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Allan Siegel's Bio
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
											
							
					
		
				
				
					Stephen Ollar				
				
				
				
					Partner				
				
				
		
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
				
																
															
															
				
				
		
				
				
					Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia				
				
				
				
									
**Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases.
								
				
				
				
				
									
					
						
									Stephen Ollar's Bio
					
					
				
								
				
					
				
								
								
		
					
							
			
							
					
						
				
					
				
		
					
		
				
				
					
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