To get a car crash report in Seattle, WA, you can request it from the Seattle Police Department or the Washington State Patrol, both in person and online. If you are having trouble tracking one down, a Seattle car accident lawyer can help make sure you get exactly what you need.
Where to Request a Seattle Car Crash Report and What You Will Need
Getting access to a crash report after an accident is a lot easier when you know who to contact and what to bring. In Seattle, there are two main sources for these reports, and which one you use depends on who responded to the scene. Below are the steps for each option and what you should expect during the request process.
How to Request a Collision Report Through the Washington State Patrol (WSP)
If the Washington State Patrol responded to your accident, you will need to request the report through their Online Motor Vehicle Collision Report portal. You can search for your report by entering details like the date of the crash, your name, the county, and the vehicle information.
Most reports are available within four to six weeks, but you can check online to see if it is ready.
When the Seattle Police Department Handles the Report and How to Request It
If Seattle Police Department officers were the ones who responded to the accident, getting your car crash report in Seattle, WA, will likely be handled through the City of Seattle Public Records Request Center. SPD reports are not automatically released.
You will need to submit a request online with as much detail as possible, including the date, time, and location of the accident. Once the city processes your request, it will send a confirmation and let you know when the report is ready to download or review.
Keep in mind that reports involving investigations, injuries, or fatalities may take longer to release. If you are unsure which department responded, we can help figure that out for you and make the request on your behalf.
Differences Between Officer-Filed Reports and Self-Filed Reports
If no officer came to the scene, you may still need to file your own collision report. Washington law requires drivers to file a Motor Vehicle Collision Report through WSP within four days of the accident if there was $1,000 or more in property damage or if anyone was injured.
These self-filed reports are not always as detailed as officer reports, but they still serve an important role in the insurance and legal process. If you are not sure whether a report exists or how to file one, we can walk you through the process step by step.
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Information That Appears in a Seattle Crash Report and Why It Matters
Crash reports are more than just summaries. They include legal codes, officer notes, and key facts that help explain what happened. Here is what you will usually find when you get a Seattle, WA, collision report:
- Basic driver and passenger information
- Vehicle makes, models, and VINs
- Location of the crash
- Date and time
- Weather and road conditions
- Statements from drivers or witnesses
- Diagram of crash scene
- Officer’s preliminary findings
- List of citations issued
Your Seattle personal injury lawyer uses this information to build your case and spot anything that could be used to minimize your claim. If there is a dispute over fault, the crash report becomes even more important. If a commercial vehicle was involved, your Seattle truck accident lawyer may also pull federal carrier records to support your claim.
How Crash Reports Affect Car Accident Claims in Washington
Crash reports often become one of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident case. Insurance adjusters and attorneys use these reports to understand what happened, who may be at fault, and whether any traffic laws were violated. Even a single note or code in the report can influence how fault is assigned or how a settlement offer is calculated.
Comparative Fault in Car Accident Claims
Washington follows a rule known as pure comparative negligence, which allows more than one person to share fault for an accident. Under RCW § 4.22.005, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Thus, if you are found to be 10% at fault, your damages are reduced by 10%. This rule makes accurate crash reports even more important when the fault is being debated.
What Insurers Look for When Reviewing a Settlement for a Car Accident Case
When an insurance company reviews a claim, they are looking at a few key questions: Who caused the crash? How serious are the injuries? Is there enough coverage to pay for everything? Insurers also pay close attention to how the report lines up with your medical records, photos from the scene, and repair estimates.
If anything in the report conflicts with your version of events, they may push back. That is why it helps to have a lawyer who knows what the adjusters are looking for and how to present your side clearly.
According to RCW § 48.22.030, all Washington drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage and have the option to include uninsured motorist protection. This may also apply in your case.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Seattle Who Understands Washington Crash Reports
The car accident lawyers with Puget Law Group know how to get a car crash report in Seattle, WA. Our team uses our 150 years of combined experience to read between the lines of that report and challenge anything that does not add up.
You can contact us today to talk through your case and get help from a team that knows exactly how to protect your rights.
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