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How to Obtain a Police Report for a Louisiana Accident
It’s hard to know where to turn after a tough crash on our Louisiana roads. You may be juggling medical care, insurance questions, and the lasting stress of what just happened.
We handle these worries every day at Shlosman Law Firm in New Orleans, always looking out for people who need a fresh start. Below, we’ll walk you through how to get a police report if you’ve been in an accident anywhere in this state.
Gathering the official report is a step that can bring peace of mind. Let’s look at why that report is so vital, where to find it, and what to expect.
Why You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident
When a car crash takes place, law enforcement usually prepares a written summary of what happened. This record might be called a car accident report, a car crash report, an incident report, or a traffic accident report. No matter the label, it can be a helpful document once you start dealing with insurance or possible legal claims.
Police reports are prepared by someone with no personal stake, which means the findings often carry weight with insurers. They also give a convenient picture of the scene without needing to quiz each person again. By having this impartial account, you can focus more on healing rather than trying to piece things together from scratch.
Essential Information in a Police Report
Most police reports include the information below. Once you see how detailed it is, you’ll understand why insurance representatives usually rely on these pages:
- Contact info for the people involved in the accident
- Insurance details for each driver
- Eyewitness information, if any
- Vehicle descriptions (make, model, and year)
- The exact place and time when the crash occurred
- Any traffic tickets or citations that were written
- Officer photos or sketches, plus the officer’s view on who caused the wreck
Not every report will have photos or a conclusion about blame, but many do. Each page can be an advantage when you want to show your side of the story.
Keeping a copy of this document can even speed up conversations with insurers. It shows that you have a collected version of the facts ready to share.
Identifying the Responding Law Enforcement Agency
It’s always good to know which agency answered your 9-1-1 call or showed up at the scene. In Louisiana, you’ll probably deal with city police, a local sheriff’s office, or the Louisiana State Police. Many highway collisions on major routes are handled by state troopers, but local officers often manage other roads.
Sometimes, the officer on-site may let you know exactly how to request your report. If you didn’t get those instructions or can’t recall which agency helped you, don’t worry. You can do a quick web search for your city or call around to see who has a record of your crash.
If you find out it was the Louisiana State Police, your next steps might be different than if it were a local department. The sections below will outline what to do in each case.
Methods for Obtaining a Police Report in Louisiana
Several channels exist for getting your crash report, whether you’d rather go in person, online, or through a personal injury lawyer. Different methods have different fees and waiting periods, so read carefully to choose the option that suits you best.
Contacting the Responding Agency
Each law enforcement division sets its own guidelines for handing out accident reports. Some places will let you request a copy by phone or email, while others want you to drop by their headquarters during business hours. These routes might involve a small fee to cover printing and processing. If you live close by, in-person pickup may be the quickest path.
Here is a quick table showing a few details for local police departments that often respond to collisions:
| Department | Fee | Phone | Approx. Wait Time |
| Baton Rouge Police | $7.50 | (225) 389-3839 | Reports ready in 10 days |
| New Orleans Police | Varies | (504) 658-5455 | The available timeframe can vary |
Please note that times listed are subject to change, so it’s wise to double-check before making the trip. Let’s look at a couple of specific department examples that might help.
Example: Baton Rouge Police Department
For accidents in Baton Rouge, the wait is usually about ten days from the crash date before you can pick up the report. The department charges $7.50, and you can gather more details by calling the Traffic Records Division at (225) 389-3839. Mailing a request is also an option if you prefer not to drive over there.
Example: New Orleans Police Department
In New Orleans, you can click on the Records and Identification/Support Services section of their website or call (504) 658-5455. The staff should be able to guide you through the pickup or request process. Wait times there can depend on the backlog or the nature of the crash.
Louisiana State Police Reports
If your crash happened along an interstate or in another region patrolled by the Louisiana State Police, your report most likely lives on the LSP website. These reports usually arrive online in about ten days, but it may take two weeks or more.
You can buy a digital copy for $11.50 using a debit or credit card. Once payment is made, you’ll receive instructions on how to view and download your file. If you need additional help, you can contact the responding trooper directly.
To pull the report online, you typically need one or more of these items:
- The official case number.
- The driver’s license number of someone involved.
- A valid license plate from one of the vehicles.
- The last name of a driver or passenger.
Be prepared to wait until the trooper has fully processed the paperwork. Certain serious collisions might take a bit longer to be posted.
Required Information for LSP Report Search
The four data points above are commonly used to locate your crash documentation. If your notes are incomplete or you’re unsure, you can try contacting the trooper who worked your accident. They may be able to confirm the case number or offer some tips on how to track down the report.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Reaching out to a personal injury attorney might save you time if retrieving the report feels stressful. A lawyer can handle the request and wait on your behalf. Using professional help can clear up confusion and help you avoid multiple phone calls or repeated visits to the police station.
By letting a lawyer gather your crash report, you also ensure that additional relevant records are not overlooked. You’d be surprised how easily a detail can slip through the cracks, especially when you’re more focused on healing.
Get Your Life Back on Track – Contact Shlosman Law Firm Today
We understand that facing medical bills and insurance claims can leave you worn out. Our team at Shlosman Law Firm wants you to know that there is support for dealing with the fallout of your crash. You can call us at 504-826-9427, email info@shlosmanlaw.com, or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation.
We’re committed to fighting for fair treatment and coverage. Collecting police documents is only one part of the process, and our goal is to reduce your stress so you can concentrate on feeling better. Let us help you clear the path forward while our firm keeps working on the next steps.