How Do You Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in DC?

Need a Police Report But Not Sure What to Do?

Getting a police report following a DC car accident is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim. Speaking with a Washington, DC car accident lawyer early in the process ensures that the information in that report is properly understood, preserved, and used to support the compensation you deserve.

Regan Zambri Long is rated as one of the Best Law Firms in America and our car accident lawyers have almost 200 years of combined experience. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for personal injury victims, including $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million in car crash cases. Our network of accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic analysts help us evaluate fault, document injuries, and present the full value of a claim.

The sooner you understand what your police report states, the stronger your legal position becomes. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back. We have over 100 5 star Google reviews, are available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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What Information Does a Washington, DC PD-10 Police Accident Report Include?

DC reported nearly 3,000 injury crashes by August of 2025, according to Vision Zero DC. District officials also noted a sharp drop in traffic deaths and serious crashes compared with the year before, with eleven traffic fatalities recorded through the end of July compared to 33 during the same period in 2024. If these trends continue, 2025 will mark the fourth straight year of declining major roadway injuries. Even with these encouraging trends, collisions continue to occur across the District every day, and each one needs a clear factual record. When a police officer responds and investigates a crash, a PD-10 Accident Report is created. 

 

The report will include:

 

  • Details of the collision and the type of crash
  • Weather and road conditions
  • The date and location of the accident
  • Vehicles involved
  • Parties involved
  • Injuries sustained
  • Witness statements
  • Statements from the drivers
  • The sequence of events that led to the crash
  • Information regarding if either driver was arrested or charged
  • A diagram of the crash and a narrative from the investigating officer regarding how the crash occurred

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.

Why do I Need a Police Report After a Car Accident in DC?

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.

How do you get a copy of a police report after an accident in DC?

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.

Do I Still Need the Police Report If I Wasn’t at Fault in a Washington, DC Car Accident?

Regan Zambri Long Partners

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.

How Do I Request a PD-10 Police Report After a Washington, DC Car Accident?

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:

 

What If I’m Outside DC or Can’t Request the Police Report in Person?

You can also request the police report by email or mail.

 

  • Submit your email request to [email protected].
  • Mail a request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Metropolitan Police Department
    MPD Public Documents Section
    441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South
    Washington, DC 20001

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.

Should I Only Request a Police Report If There’s an Injury?

Request a police report after an accident in DC

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.

Do I Need an Attorney for My DC Car Accident Claim?

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.

 

Since 1997, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for personal injury clients, and a significant portion of that work has involved life-changing crashes. Some of the eight-figure results that reflect this experience include:

 

  • $15 million settlement for a car accident victim who suffered paralysis
  • $14 million settlement for the victims of an automobile collision
  • $10.6 million settlement for an automobile collision resulting in paraplegia, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury
  • $10 million compensation for a woman injured in a car crash

 

These kinds of recoveries come from a team that understands how to build strong claims. Our three founding partners are board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a recognition earned by lawyers with proven trial experience and deep knowledge of courtroom practice. They also hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, which speaks to the highest levels of skill and integrity in the profession. Best Lawyers has named our attorneys Lawyer of the Year several times and has consistently recognized Regan Zambri Long among the Best Law Firms in America. All six partners have also been named to Lawdragon’s list of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation.

 

Our leadership in the local legal community further sets us apart. Salvatore Zambri, Victor Long, and Paul Cornoni have each served as President of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, while Jacqueline Colclough serves on the organization’s Board of Governors.

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.

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DC Police Report Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Police Report Cost in DC?

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.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Copy of the Police 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.

Who Can Request a DC Police Report?

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. 

When Should I Get a Copy of My DC Police Report?

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.

Does Every Car Accident Create a Police Report?

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.

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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.

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