When you have been involved in an accident in Richmond, Virginia, one of the most important documents you can obtain is the official police report. At The Johnson Injury Firm, we help guide injured clients through this process because we know how essential that report can be in pursuing their rights.
How you can Get a Police Report in Richmond, Virginia
To get a police report in Richmond, Virginia, you can request it directly from the Richmond Police Department (RPD) if the crash occurred within city limits, or from the Virginia State Police (VSP) or Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it took place on a state highway.
You will need to provide key details about the accident, including:
- Date
- Location
- Names of all involved
- Report number
The RPD charges a $5 fee for local accident reports, which can be obtained in person at 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220. If your report was filed through the DMV, you can request it using Form CRD 93.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we assist clients by identifying the correct agency, gathering all required information, and ensuring the report is processed promptly and accurately.
Why the Police Report Matters
When you are represented by a personal injury lawyer in Richmond or a Richmond, Virginia accident lawyer on your side, the police report can serve as a foundational piece of evidence. It often contains:
- The responding officer’s description of how the accident happened
- Names and contact details of involved parties
- Vehicle information, license numbers, and witness statements
- Date, time, location, weather, or visibility conditions
- Any citations issued or initial fault determinations
This document helps build your case, organize your medical records, support your claim for compensation, and guide settlement negotiations. At The Johnson Injury Firm, we emphasize that a thorough investigation begins with securing the police report early.
Who Can Request the Report
In Virginia, access to a police report is governed by state law. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and related rules, you are entitled to receive a complete accident or crash report if you are an involved party or your legal representative.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we often request the report on behalf of our clients because we meet the legal thresholds and have experience in navigating the bureaucratic process.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Police Report in Richmond
Below are the practical steps to obtain a “police report in Richmond” after an accident. We use “you” for your perspective, and “we” for our firm’s role when we assist you.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Reporting Agency
First ask: Did the accident occur on city streets or a highway? If it was within the City of Richmond and the local police responded, the agency is the Richmond Police Department (RPD). The RPD headquarters is located at 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220.
If the crash occurred on a state highway or was severe, investigations could be handled by the Virginia State Police (VSP) or submitted to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Our firm ensures we identify the correct agency promptly.
Step 2: Gather Key Information for the Request
Before submitting your request, make sure you have:
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- The names of all drivers involved, and vehicle license numbers, if possible
- A report number (if you received one)
- Your own personal identification and contact info
Well-prepared requests lead to faster processing. At The Johnson Injury Firm, we collect this information when you first contact us.
Step 3: Submit the Request and Pay Any Fee
For the Richmond Police Department, the process for a copy of a police report involves visiting RPD headquarters and paying a $5 fee (cash or money order) for local accident reports.
If the crash report was submitted to the DMV (especially for state-road accidents), you may use the DMV’s designated form, such as “Form CRD 93” for crash/accident information, or submit through the DMV’s reporting system.
We recommend you keep copies of your payment receipt and any tracking number.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by agency and whether the report is still under investigation. Some requests are fulfilled within 72 hours; others may take up to 14 days.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we monitor the status of your request so there is no delay in moving your case forward.
Step 5: Review the Report and Look for Errors
Once you receive your copy of the report, review it carefully. Check that details such as your name, vehicle, and a brief description of the incident are correct. If you spot clear errors, you may need to request a correction or clarification.
Our team will review the report and discuss whether any corrections are needed and whether that information supports your case strategy.
Step 6: Use the Report in Your Case
After obtaining the document, you will provide it to your insurance company or legal counsel. It may play a role in:
- Demonstrating fault or negligence
- Helping medical providers link the incident to your treatment
- Negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial
At The Johnson Injury Firm, our attorneys use your police report in conjunction with other evidence, medical bills, witness statements, expert opinions to craft your case effectively.
Common Questions Victims Ask
What if the crash report is “lost” or not available?
If an accident was not reported or the responding agency did not submit the crash to the DMV, you may still file a report voluntarily. Under Virginia law, you may use Form FR 200 to report a crash voluntarily to the DMV.
We help guide clients in this scenario so that no time is wasted.
Do I need to wait until I hire a lawyer to request the police report?
No. You are entitled to request the report yourself anytime. However, hiring a personal injury lawyer in Richmond like ours means you have an advocate in making the request properly and interpreting the content.
We move quickly to request the report so no evidence is overlooked.
Will the insurance company get the report at the same time?
Often yes. Insurance companies may receive the same report from the querying agency, especially if they represent a party involved. However, by having your own copy and legal review you avoid surprises and protect your rights.
At The Johnson Injury Firm we treat the report as part of our comprehensive case file.
Can I get a full “crime” police report or only a crash report?
If the incident involved criminal elements such as DUI, reckless driving, or hit and run, some sections of the police report may be withheld under FOIA exemptions.
If your case is strictly an accident claim with injuries, the crash report is the key document. We guide clients in understanding which version of the report they need.
Why Choose The Johnson Injury Firm to Assist You
At The Johnson Injury Firm we understand that after an accident you face more than just medical bills and lost wages your life may be turned upside down. You need a team that fights for you, and here is why we stand apart:
- We are a locally based Richmond accident lawyer team who know the terrain, the courts, and the local processes.
- We have decades of experience. Founding partner Ed Johnson has practiced personal injury law for more than 45 years.
- Our lead attorney Connor Johnson is skilled in personal injury law and dedicated to each client’s case.
- We operate on a contingency-fee basis: you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- When we take your case, we request critical documents like your police report early, so nothing falls through the cracks.
As one satisfied client noted: “The team at Johnson Injury is amazing. They are genuinely concerned about you as a person and getting a good settlement.”
We are not just a law firm. We are your legal partner.
What Happens After You Get the Police Report
Once you have the police report, these are the steps our firm often takes with you:
- We review the report for accuracy, check the officer’s narrative and cited fault (if any), and compare it with your version of events.
- We obtain and review your medical records and treatment history, linking your injuries to the accident.
- We interview witnesses listed in the police report and gather any additional evidence such as photographs, video, and expert opinions.
- We negotiate with insurance companies using the report and accumulated evidence to support your claim for compensation.
- If no fair settlement is reached, we prepare for trial, leveraging the police report as part of our case strategy.
Throughout this process, we guide you, explain what is happening, and work to secure your recovery so you can focus on healing.
Timing: When Should You Request the Report
As soon as you are able, you should request the police report. Early acquisition is important because:
- The longer you wait, the more likely evidence or witnesses may become harder to locate.
- You want enough time for your attorney to review the report and build your case.
- Insurance companies may press for quick resolution; you want your team well prepared.
At The Johnson Injury Firm we recommend you contact us immediately after your accident. That way we can begin the process, request the report, and initiate the investigation while memories and evidence are fresh.
How Much Does It Cost?
For reports from the Richmond Police Department, the standard fee is $5 (cash or money order) at the Information Desk. For other agencies or state-level DMV-submitted reports, fees may vary and may include processing or mailing costs.
When you work with The Johnson Injury Firm, you do not pay us upfront for requesting the police report — we include it in your case investigation at no cost to you until we secure recovery.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
If you were injured in an accident and you are wondering:
- “How do I get a police report in Richmond?”
- “Will this report help me hold the other party responsible?”
- “Do I need a Richmond, Virginia accident lawyer to make sure my rights are protected?”
The answer is yes and we encourage you to act promptly. At The Johnson Injury Firm our team is ready to assist you in obtaining the vital police report, reviewing it thoroughly, and building a strong case around it.
As Attorney Connor Johnson says: “We take the time to truly know you, understand your challenges, and stand by you at every turn.”
We believe you should feel supported not just treated like a file number. When you reach out to us, you will speak directly with a skilled attorney who knows how to get results for clients.
Ready to Talk?
If you need help getting your police report or want a free consultation regarding your accident claim, contact The Johnson Injury Firm today.
We are here for you.
