Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in NJ?

Yes, car accident reports are public record in New Jersey. That means most people who are interested in information about certain car accidents will be able to see any reports related to those accidents. That includes you.

However, there are nuances to understand, particularly if you plan to pursue insurance or personal injury compensation. These nuances can impact your case and how you access the report. 

Keep reading to understand the details, or contact Rosengard Law Group for personalized assistance.

The Difference Between Car Accident Reports and Police Reports

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in New Jersey, you’ll need to understand the difference between self-reported car accident reports and police reports. 

Each type of report serves a different purpose and contains distinct information. Let’s explore each in detail.

New Jersey Car Accident Reports

Self-reported car accident reports are completed by the drivers involved in the accident when law enforcement does not respond to the scene. 

These reports typically include:

• Details of the accident. Date, time, and location of the accident.
• Driver information. Names, addresses, and contact details of the drivers involved.
• Vehicle information. Make, model, and license plate numbers of the vehicles.
• Insurance information. Details of the insurance policies for each vehicle.
• Description of the accident. A narrative provided by the driver describing how the accident occurred.

These self-reported accident reports are submitted to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) via the New Jersey Self-Reporting Crash Form (SR-1). 

These documents are often required by insurance companies to process claims. And they serve as a record of the incident when police are not present.

New Jersey Police Reports

Police reports are created by law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of a car accident. These reports are often more comprehensive and typically include:

• Details of the accident. Date, time, and location.
• Involved parties. Names, addresses, and contact information of drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Vehicle information. Make, model, and license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.
• Insurance information. Details of the insurance policies for the involved parties.
• Narrative and diagram. Officer’s narrative of the accident and a diagram illustrating the scene.
• Witness statements. Accounts from any witnesses present at the scene.
• Citations issued. Any traffic citations or violations noted by the responding officer.

Police reports are critical for legal and insurance purposes because they provide an objective account of the accident from a law enforcement perspective. 

In other words, they’re likely to be useful in any legal matters that may arise from the car accident you experienced.

Why You Need a Car Accident Report in NJ

Having a car accident report is, to put it lightly, important when pursuing compensation for your accident. That’s true whether you’re pursuing compensation via insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. 

This report serves as an official record that can:

• Support your claim. Provide objective details that support your version of events.
• Prove fault. Help establish who was at fault in the accident, which is crucial for insurance and legal claims.
• Document injuries and damages. Record the extent of injuries and property damage, which is key to calculating compensation.

Without a car accident report, proving your case and securing the compensation you deserve can become more difficult (but not usually impossible).

How to Get Your Car Accident Report in New Jersey

Here are the general steps to obtain your car accident report in New Jersey:

1. Identify the responding agency. Determine which law enforcement agency responded to your accident (local police, New Jersey State Police, etc.).
2. Request the report. Contact the agency or visit their website. Most agencies have specific procedures for obtaining reports, including online request forms.
3. Provide necessary information. Be prepared to provide details like the date of the accident, location, and report number (if you know it).
4. Pay a fee. A small fee may be required to obtain a copy of the report.
5. Follow up. If you encounter any delays or issues, follow up with the agency.

Keep in mind that the steps for your New Jersey city or county may vary slightly from the general steps we outlined above.

What to Do if You Can’t Access Your Car Crash Report

If you’re having trouble accessing your New Jersey car accident report, here are a few solutions:

• Report not available. Sometimes, reports may not be immediately available. Contact the agency to confirm when you’ll be able to access it.
• Trouble finding the report. Make sure you have the correct details. Small errors in date, location, or names can confuse your search.
• Encountering resistance. If a local official is uncooperative, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or reach out to another contact within the agency.
• Lost report number. If you don’t have the report number, provide as much detail as possible about the accident. That should help the agency find your report.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contacting an experienced attorney (like those at Rosengard Law Group) can help you navigate the process and ensure you get what you’re after.

Need Help After a Car Crash? Call Rosengard Law Group

The days and weeks after a car crash are already complicated. Add car accident reports into the mix, and things can get even more complex.

Yes, car accident reports are public record in New Jersey. That’s a good thing if you need to obtain yours in order to pursue compensation. But it doesn’t mean it will be easy to actually get your hands on the report — much less get the full compensation you deserve.

That’s where Rosengard Law Group comes in. We can help you with your entire New Jersey car accident case, from getting your car accident report to fighting in court for personal injury compensation.

Ready to start? Contact Rosengard Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. Call us at 856-284-6446 or reach out online to speak with a trusted car accident attorney.