How do I get a copy of my Georgia crash report after an accident?

· 3 min read

Obtaining a Georgia crash report is a straightforward records request, available online or directly from the agency that investigated the wreck. The official Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report is not freely open to the general public; under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(5) it is released only to a qualifying party, such as someone involved in or injured by the accident, who submits a written statement of need.

Where the report lives

After a crash, the investigating officer completes the official Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report and the agency files it. State and local crash reports are managed through Georgia’s centralized crash-reporting system, and the report is stored in the state’s crash database. The agency that worked the scene, whether a city police department, a county sheriff’s office, or the Georgia State Patrol, controls the record.

Common ways to request it

There are a few standard routes, and the right one depends on which agency responded:

  • Online ordering. Many Georgia agencies make reports available for purchase through the BuyCrash online service, where a requester can search by name, date, or report number and pay a small fee.
  • Directly from the agency. A request can be made to the responding department, or by mailing a request form to the Georgia Department of Transportation, which maintains crash records. A nominal fee, often around a few dollars for a standard copy, typically applies, with higher fees for certified copies.
  • Records request to the agency. A formal written request to the custodian is another path. Because O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(5) exempts these reports from open disclosure, the request must include a statement of need showing the requester falls within a qualifying category, such as an involved party, an injured person, or an insurer.

Reports are not always available the same day. It can take a few business days to a couple of weeks for the officer to file the report and for it to appear in the system.

What you need to request it

Having a few details on hand speeds the process: the date and location of the crash, the names of those involved, the responding agency, and the report number if it was given at the scene. An involved driver, owner, or injured person, along with their attorney or insurer, generally qualifies to obtain the report.

The bottom line

A Georgia crash report can be obtained online through BuyCrash, directly from the investigating agency or GDOT, or by a written records request, which under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(5) must show the requester is a qualifying party, usually for a small fee. Allow a few days for the report to be filed, and have the crash date, location, and report number ready to make the request go smoothly.

This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and Georgia law may change. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Georgia personal injury attorney.

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