In Utah, there is no single statewide waiting period before every police accident report becomes available. Processing times depend on the investigating agency and complexity of the crash, but some Utah police departments advise allowing approximately 5–10 business days after an accident before requesting a report.
Utah law also requires an investigating officer to electronically file certain accident reports with the state within 10 days after completing the investigation.
Why Might a Utah Car Accident Report Take Several Days?
A police report may not be immediately available because the investigating officer must complete and review information about the collision.
Depending on the accident, the report may contain:
- Names and information for drivers involved
- Vehicle and insurance information
- Witness information
- The location, date, and time of the crash
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- A description or diagram of the collision
- Information about injuries or property damage
More complicated crashes can require additional investigation. Utah law specifically allows an accident report to be prepared at the scene or later through interviews with participants and witnesses.
How Do You Get a Police Report After a Utah Car Accident?
You generally request the accident report from the law enforcement agency that investigated your crash. Utah restricts access to accident reports, so they are not simply open to anyone who requests them.
Under Utah Code § 41-6a-404, authorized people include individuals involved in the accident, certain representatives, insurers, attorneys representing an involved person, and other specifically identified parties.
For a written request from someone entitled to the report, the responsible law enforcement agency generally must disclose the report and accompanying data within 10 business days after receiving the request. The agency may withhold it if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution.
What if the Police Report Is Not Ready Yet?
If your report is not available, ask the investigating agency when it expects the report to be completed and whether you need to submit a formal records request.
You should not wait for the report before taking other steps to protect yourself after a crash—in the meantime, you can preserve:
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Contact information for witnesses
- Medical records and bills
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Insurance correspondence
- Receipts for accident-related expenses
A police report can be valuable evidence, but it is only one part of an accident investigation.
Why Is a Police Report Important for a Utah Car Accident Claim?
A police report can provide an independent record of important facts about the crash. Insurance companies and attorneys may use information in the report when investigating how an accident happened and evaluating a claim.
However, the report does not necessarily determine who is legally responsible. Other evidence, including photographs, video footage, witness testimony, medical records, and vehicle damage, may also be important.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers has more than 40 years of combined experience and has recovered over $500 million for injured clients. Our attorneys can obtain and review accident reports while gathering other evidence needed to determine how a collision occurred.
What if There Is a Mistake in My Utah Accident Report?
If you notice incorrect information in a police report, contact the agency that prepared it. Whether information can be changed or supplemented depends on the nature of the mistake and the agency’s procedures.
Keep documents that support your position, such as photographs, insurance information, medical records, or witness contact information. An attorney can also review discrepancies between the police report and other evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anyone Get a Utah Car Accident Report?
No. Utah law restricts access to accident reports to specified individuals and entities, including people involved in the crash and their authorized attorneys or insurers.
Can I File an Insurance Claim Before the Police Report Is Ready?
Yes. You do not generally have to wait for the police report to notify an insurer about an accident. You can provide additional documentation when it becomes available.
What if Police Did Not Come to My Accident?
Preserve your own evidence, including photographs, witness information, insurance details, and medical records. Depending on the circumstances, Utah may also require an accident report to be filed.
Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Utah Car Accident Lawyer
Waiting for a police report should not prevent you from documenting your injuries and protecting evidence after a Utah car accident. The report can later provide useful information when investigating the collision and pursuing compensation.
If you were injured in a crash, contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Utah car accident lawyer.
We proudly serve clients throughout Austin, TX in Travis County, as well as Salt Lake City, UT in Salt Lake County.
McMinn Law Firm – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Law Firm – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
