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Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming. On top of physical injuries, emotional distress, and legal questions, understanding how to get a police report after a car accident in DC can feel impossible.
After a car accident in DC, you may not know where to start or what you should be doing. After you have received medical attention, one of the most important steps to take is requesting a copy of the police report. Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC car accident lawyers will help you quickly and easily obtain the record
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DC reported nearly 3,000 injury crashes by August of 2025, according to Vision Zero DC. When a police officer responds and investigates a crash, a PD-10 Accident Report is created.
The report will include:
Every report is given a six-digit identifying number, called the CCN. If you do not receive the CCN at the accident scene, follow up with the police district or station that responded to the incident. Regan Zambri Long’s DC injury lawyers can help you obtain a copy of your accident report. Call us today for a free consultation.
One of the first things an insurance will do during its accident investigation is request a police report. They will look for any facts or details they can use to deny or limit your claim. An insurance adjuster’s goal is to resolve the claim while paying as little as possible, even if that means underpaying your claim.
Obtaining your own copy of the report and checking for accuracy ensures you receive fair compensation for your personal injuries. If the report has inaccuracies, it is important to contact the reporting officer as quickly as possible to request a correction.
Washington, DC’s statute of limitations is three years for car accidents. However, you’ll want to request a copy of your accident report well before then.
It is always in your best interest to consult with a DC car accident lawyer after an accident to make sure you receive an accurate police report and that the insurance company does not shortchange your claim. States follow different types of negligence standards and your lawyer will make sure you understand your jurisdiction’s laws.
Car accidents can result in high medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages. Under Washington, DC’s contributory negligence laws, you can only recover compensation if you bear no fault in the accident. Your claim will often only go through your insurance company, though a few exceptions allow you to pursue claims outside of your own insurance carrier. Having a PD-10 Accident Report strengthens your case of having no fault, and also provides a perspective from an impartial witness.
An experienced car accident attorney in DC will guide you through not only the accident analysis but also what claims you can bring and who you can bring them against. The experienced personal injury team at Regan Zambri Long will ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
Requesting a copy of the accident report is one of the first steps you should take after a DC car crash. The most efficient way to obtain your PD-10 Accident Report is to request it in person:
You can also request the police report by email or mail.
Include your full name, date, time and location of the accident, the six-digit report number, a copy of your valid government ID, and a copy of the completed PD Form 10B application.
Car accident victims are often focused on physical injuries after an accident. Your Washington, DC car accident attorney from Regan Zambri Long can help you obtain the police report and determine if you have a personal injury claim. Call us today for a free consultation.
A PD-10 Accident Report is important to your claim, regardless of injury. Injuries can take time to develop.
Waiting to request the report may delay your claim and impact your ability to be quickly and justly compensated by the insurance company.
The police report is important in potential claims brought against you, even minor accidents. Given DC’s no-fault liability, the details and accuracy in the police report will be critical to your case.
Although there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer for a DC car accident claim, it is always in your best interest to hire a lawyer for a DC car accident claim.
The attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and adjusters. Our Washington, DC car accident lawyers will ensure you are getting the maximum compensation, either through a settlement or a trial.
We negotiate with insurance adjusters and refuse to be pressured into accepting anything less than full compensation for your medical expenses and property damage. Our attorneys also protect you from false accusations of fault for the accident.
Car accident claims can be confusing. Our top-rated DC car accident attorneys will answer your questions and ensure the appropriate steps are taken throughout the case. Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation today.
A copy of the accident report is generally provided at no charge to anyone involved in the accident. The Metropolitan Police Department charges other requesting parties $3 for a copy of the accident report.
The timeline for receiving your DC police report can depend on how you requested it, the workload of the station providing it, and how soon after the accident you make your request.
In-person requests may take up to two or three weeks. Mail-in requests can take up to six weeks.
Only people directly involved in an accident or their legal representatives may request an accident report with the PD-10 form.
Any other person who wants a copy must file a request with the department’s Freedom of Information Act Office.
The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your DC car accident claim. You or your lawyer should request a copy as soon as possible after a crash to ensure it is accurate and on-hand for insurance negotiations.
A police report is only created when police respond to an accident. Accidents causing injury, death, property damage exceeding $250, or that render a vehicle immoveable must be reported to the police. However, it is in your best interest to contact law enforcement to create a link between the crash and any future related injuries or damages.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.