How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident (and Why It Matters)
Published January 14
By The Chaney Law Firm — Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have is the police report.
It’s the official record of what happened, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed at the scene.
Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action, the police report can make or break your case.
Here’s how to get a copy—and why it matters so much to your recovery and compensation.
1. Why the Police Report Is So Important
A police report is the foundation of most Oklahoma car accident claims because it:
· Documents the date, time, and location of the crash
· Identifies the drivers, passengers, and witnesses
· Notes visible damage and injuries
· Includes the officer’s initial findings about fault or citations
· Records statements made at the scene
Insurance companies rely heavily on this document to decide who’s responsible and whether to pay your claim.
If details are missing or inaccurate, you could end up fighting an uphill battle.
2. Make Sure a Report Gets Filed at the Scene
After any crash—especially one with injuries—call the police immediately.
Even a “minor” accident should be reported.
When officers arrive:
· Be polite, calm, and factual.
· Tell them exactly what happened in plain language.
· Avoid guessing, apologizing, or assigning blame.
If an officer doesn’t respond (for example, in a parking-lot accident), go to the nearest police station or the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) to make a written report yourself.
Without an official record, proving your case later becomes far more difficult.
3. How to Request Your Police Report in Oklahoma
Once the report is complete—usually within 5 to 10 days—you can obtain a copy through several channels:
Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP)
If the crash was investigated by the OHP:
· Visit the official portal: https://www.ok.gov/dps/Collision_Reports
· Provide the date, location, and driver’s last name or case number
· Pay a small processing fee (around $7)
Local Police Departments or Sheriff’s Offices
For city or county accidents (like Oklahoma City PD, Tulsa PD, or Cleveland County Sheriff):
· Request the report online, in person, or by mail
· Include a valid photo ID and any case or incident number
· Expect processing times of 3 to 7 business days
Through Your Attorney
If you’ve hired an Oklahoma car accident attorney, your lawyer can obtain the report for you—along with photos, 911 logs, and supplemental documents that aren’t available to the public.
4. Review the Report for Accuracy
Once you have your copy, read it carefully. Look for:
· Misspelled names or wrong contact information
· Incorrect vehicle descriptions or license plates
· Missing witness statements
· Wrong location or time
· Incomplete diagrams
If something’s inaccurate, contact the reporting agency immediately.
Your attorney can submit an amendment or supplemental statement to correct the record—an essential step before settlement negotiations begin.
5. How the Police Report Affects Your Insurance Claim
Insurance adjusters treat the police report as near-gospel.
If it says you were “at fault” or “contributed” to the crash, they’ll use that to justify reducing or denying payment.
A skilled attorney can:
· Challenge assumptions the officer made without evidence
· Provide new documentation (photos, skid-mark analysis, or witness statements)
· Highlight inconsistencies that weaken the other driver’s story
The police report sets the tone—but it doesn’t have to be the final word.
6. What If No Police Report Was Filed?
If no report exists, you can still pursue a claim, but you’ll need to build your own evidence trail:
· Take photos and videos at the scene
· Get contact information for witnesses
· Keep repair estimates and medical records
· Write down your own timeline while details are fresh
Your lawyer can then recreate the event using physical evidence, expert reconstruction, and testimony to support your version of events.
The Bottom Line: A Police Report Strengthens Your Case
After a wreck, your first instinct is to focus on medical care—and that’s absolutely right.
But once you’re safe, make sure a police report is filed and obtained as soon as possible.
It’s the single most valuable document in proving fault, protecting your rights, and securing fair compensation.
At The Chaney Law Firm, we help Oklahomans collect, review, and correct police reports every day.
We know how insurers use these documents—and how to use them to your advantage.
Call The Chaney Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Let our team handle the paperwork and negotiations while you focus on healing.