If you've been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, obtaining a copy of the traffic accident report is an essential step in the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. The traffic accident report contains critical information about the accident, including the names and contact information of witnesses, the at-fault driver's insurance information, and the responding officer's observations of the scene. In this blog post, we'll discuss how car crash victims can obtain a copy of the traffic accident report from the Phoenix Police Department.

Step 1: Gather Information at the Scene of the Accident

Before you contact the Phoenix Police Department to request a copy of the traffic accident report, you'll need to gather some essential information about the accident. This information includes:

• The date, time, and location of the accident

• The name and badge number of the responding officer(s)

• The Traffic Accident Report number

Having this information on hand will make the process of obtaining the traffic accident report much smoother.

Step 2: Contact the Phoenix Police Department

To obtain a copy of the traffic accident report, the Phoenix Police Department's Records Unit will direct you to create an account with the  Phoenix Police Public Records portal.  To create an account, click here.

Once you have created an account with the Phoenix Police Public Records portal, go to the portal's homepage and look under “Records Unit.”  Select the second option, “Traffic Crash” and then scroll down and click “Continue.”

The portal will then prompt you to enter information before submitting your request. You must certify that the request is for “General/ Personal Request.” You must also enter information about the car crash you were involved in. This includes the Traffic Report Number (if you have it), the exact date of the accident or at least a date range, and the first and last name of the person involved.

Step 3: Pay the Fee

As of 2023, the fee for a standard report is $5.00.  You can pay the fee online in the Phoenix Police Public Records unit. You'll be directed to pay the fee using a credit or debit card.

For the most current Phoenix Police Department Records Copy Fee Schedule, click here.

Step 4: Receive the traffic accident report

Once you've paid the fee, the Phoenix Police Department will process your request and send you a copy of the traffic accident report. The length of time it takes to receive the report can vary, but it typically takes several weeks.

Who to Contact With Questions

If you need help completing any of the online forms, you can call the Phoenix Police Records Records’ customer service line at 602-534-1127. You can also visit the Phoenix Police Department Public Records and Services Unit at 1717 E. Grant St., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

If you plan to visit the Public Records Department in person, it is strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment for in-person assistance. You can schedule an appointment by calling 602-262-1885. The normal business hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm (except city holidays).

In conclusion, obtaining a copy of your traffic accident report from the Phoenix Police Department is typically a simple process. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your request is processed quickly and efficiently, allowing you to obtain the information you need to move forward after your accident. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, don't hesitate to contact The Dr. Lawyer Law Group for assistance with your Phoenix car accident case.