After a car accident, one of the first documents insurance companies and attorneys ask for is the New Jersey police report. It’s the official record of what happened, who was involved, and what the investigating officer observed at the scene.
If you were recently in a crash in New Jersey, you might be wondering: Where do I go to get a police report? Can I do it online? How long does it take to get a police report after an incident?
In this blog post, we’ll break it all down. Whether your accident occurred on a local street or a major highway, we’ll guide you through the process of requesting your report, what to expect, and why it matters.
Why the Police Reports Are Important
A police report for an accident is more than just paperwork. It provides critical information about your case, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident;
- Names and contact info for drivers, passengers, and witnesses;
- Vehicle descriptions and insurance details;
- A diagram of the accident scene;
- Statements from involved parties; and
- The officer’s observations and preliminary fault determination.
Insurance companies often rely on this report when making decisions about fault and compensation. If you’re considering filing an injury claim, it’s a key piece of evidence your attorney will need.
How to Get a New Jersey Police Report
The process of getting your New Jersey police report depends on who responded to the scene—local police, county sheriff, or the New Jersey State Police.
1. If Local Police Responded
If your accident occurred within a city or town, the responding officer was likely a member of the local police department. You can usually request a copy directly from that department’s records division.
Check the department’s website or call their non-emergency number. Some departments allow in-person pickup, while others offer online or mail-in requests. You’ll typically need:
- The report (case) number, if available,
- Your name and date of the accident,
- A valid photo ID, and
- Payment for the processing fee (usually $5–$15).
Some cities also offer online access through third-party platforms, but it varies by department.
2. If the New Jersey State Police Responded
If your crash occurred on a highway (like the Garden State Parkway or New Jersey Turnpike), the New Jersey State Police likely handled the investigation.
To request your report, visit the New Jersey State Police website and use their New Jersey State Police & New Jersey Turnpike Authority Crash Report Requests page. Note: If your accident occurred on the Atlantic City Expressway, you will need to contact the Atlantic City Expressway Authority. In general, you will need:
- The crash location,
- Last name of a driver involved,
- Date of the crash, and
- Report number (if you have it).
Reports are typically available within 14 days, but they can take longer in complex cases.
How Can You Get a Police Report Online?
Many agencies now allow you to request your police report for an accident online. Before using these platforms, confirm that the department responsible for handling your crash is part of the system. You’ll usually need:
- A valid driver’s license or ID,
- The date and location of the crash,
- One or more party names, and
- A means of paying the processing fee.
Online access is convenient and usually quicker than waiting for a mailed copy.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report After an Incident?
This timeline depends on the department and the complexity of the accident. Most standard reports are available within 5-10 business days after the crash. However, smaller departments may not have a police report available for up to two weeks.
Factors that can delay your report include:
- Accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities,
- Ongoing investigations,
- Multiple vehicles or disputed liability, and
- Missing or incorrect information in the initial filing.
If it’s been more than two weeks and your report isn’t ready, follow up with the department or ask your attorney for help.
What If You’re Not Listed on the Report?
New Jersey police reports are typically available to:
- Drivers and passengers involved in the crash,
- Vehicle owners,
- Insurance companies, and
- Attorneys representing either party.
If you were involved in the crash but not listed, or you believe the report contains incorrect information, speak with a lawyer. It may be possible to submit a supplemental report or dispute inaccurate details.
Can a Lawyer Help You Get the Report?
Yes. If you hire a personal injury attorney, they can obtain the report for you as part of your case. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we handle this process for our clients, helping save you time and confirm nothing gets missed.
We also review the report for errors, follow up with the police as needed, and assist in building a case that incorporates all available evidence.
What If the Report Blames You for the Crash?
Don’t panic. The police report is not the final word on who is at fault. While insurance companies use it to help guide their decisions, it’s not legally binding.
Sometimes, the responding officer doesn’t have the whole picture. They may have relied on one driver’s version of events or missed a key detail. That’s where an experienced attorney comes in.
If you believe the report is inaccurate or unfairly blames you, we can investigate further, including interviewing witnesses, pulling surveillance footage, and working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Protect Your Rights After a New Jersey Crash
Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward fender-bender or a serious collision with injuries, the police report is an essential document. It’s often the first thing the insurance adjuster looks at, and the first thing we’ll review when building your claim.
Don’t let paperwork stand between you and the compensation you deserve. If you’re unsure how to request your New Jersey police report, or you’re dealing with injuries and missed work after the crash, we’re here to help.
Talk to Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. Today
For more than two decades, Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. has helped people throughout New Jersey get what they need after a car accident—from accident reports to full and fair settlements. Our attorneys are hands-on, approachable, and ready to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll track down your police report, review it for accuracy, and build a strong case around the facts that matter. You focus on healing; we’ll handle the rest. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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