When an accident occurs, you may be in no state of mind to notice key details or remember everything that happened clearly. An accident report provides an accurate, unbiased account of events that can serve as an important piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. Learn how to get a copy of your police accident report in Minnesota so that you can move forward with a case.
Reporting an Accident in Minnesota
To have an accident report created, you must notify the correct authorities of the incident. The right agency to involve will depend on your situation. If you need to report a car accident in Minnesota, call 911 from the scene. This will connect you to the nearest police precinct.
The police department will send an officer to the scene to investigate and fill out a crash report. If your car accident is not serious enough to get a police officer in person to file a report, you should report the car accident yourself to the Minnesota Department of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
In some situations, it may be more appropriate to report your accident to other authorities, such as your manager or employer after a workplace accident, animal control after a dog bite injury, or the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice after medical malpractice.
Who Can Request a Copy of a Police Report in Minnesota?
Crash reports are available to the public in Minnesota, but they are confidential and only available to the person who submitted the request (or an authorized agent). Car accident police reports can legally only be disclosed to authorized individuals: someone involved in the crash who is recorded on the police report or their legal or insurance representatives.
In the case of a fatality, the surviving next of kin, spouse or legal representative of the estate must request the police report and provide proof of death, such as a death certificate, obituary or memorial card.
How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report
If a police officer comes to the scene of your accident, ask for the police report number before they leave. This can make it easier to locate and request a copy of your report. Wait the required three weeks after your incident. Then, take the following steps to request a copy:
- Download and complete the Crash Record Request Form (PS2503). This form can also be obtained in person at Driver and Vehicle Services or by mail. If you have questions, call (651) 296-2940 for assistance.
- Be sure to sign the form where indicated as the “authorized requester.” Copies of police reports will not be issued without this signature.
- Send in the request form by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services/Attn: Records Unit/445 Minnesota St., Suite 161/St. Paul, MN 55101-5161. You can also bring it in person to the DVS Central Office in the Town Square Building, or a full-service deputy registrar office near you.
- If you visit the DVS in office, you must present your driver’s license, government-issued ID or notarized signature alongside your request. If you mail in your form, you must include a legible copy of one of these approved documents.
- Pay the $5 fee for each requested copy of the police report. If paying by check or money order, make it payable to the DVS.
The DVS will mail you a copy of your police accident report, which you can then use for your car insurance claim. If you need assistance obtaining a copy of your accident report or other evidence to support a personal injury claim in Minnesota, contact the Minneapolis auto accident attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC.