Have you been involved in a car accident in Georgia?
If the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) responded to the scene of your collision, you may be wondering how to obtain a copy of the official GSP accident report prepared by the responding officer. There are a few different ways to obtain a crash report from the Georgia State Patrol. You can submit an open records request online, by mail, or in person.
To learn how our experienced Georgia auto accident lawyers can assist you, please call 770-988-5252 or reach us online today for a free consultation.
Who Should I Contact for My Accident Report?
Not sure whether to reach out to the Georgia State Patrol or the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) about your accident report? Here’s a quick way to figure it out:
- If your accident involved a highway or required emergency response—such as medical attention or immediate law enforcement assistance—the Georgia State Patrol is usually the agency that responded and prepared the initial report. In those cases, you’ll generally need to request your accident report from GSP.
- On the other hand, if you’re looking for a copy of a crash report after the fact, or have questions about reporting requirements, vehicle paperwork, or other traffic-related administrative matters, the Georgia Department of Public Safety umbrella handles those requests. GDPS oversees the GSP, but also manages records, licensing, and administrative functions statewide.
- In short: For emergency response and accident investigations, GSP is your point of contact. For records and most paperwork regarding the report, you’ll typically go through GDPS. Knowing which agency to start with can help you get your paperwork without any unnecessary detours.
Purchase It Online
Georgia State Patrol accident reports are available on Buycrash.com. The website charges a fee, but this is the fastest way to get your report. Payments can be made conveniently by credit card or debit card.
You will need to provide the following information:
- Last name of any person involved, and
- Date of incident.
You will also need one of the following:
- Report number,
- Vehicle VIN, or
- Driver’s license number.
You will be able to instantly download your report after paying for it.
Submitting an Open Records Request Online
The easiest way to obtain a crash report is to submit an open records request online. The Georgia State Patrol has a website where you can submit your request and pay the required fee. The fee for a crash report is $5.
To submit a Georgia State Patrol open records request online, you will need to provide the following information:
- The date of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The names of the people involved in the accident
- The case number (if you know it)
Once you have submitted your request, you will receive a confirmation email. The crash report will be emailed to you within 5 business days.
Submitting an Open Records Request by Mail
You can also submit an open records request by mail. Send your Georgia State Patrol crash report request to the following address:
Georgia State Patrol
Open Records Unit
P.O. Box 1889
Atlanta, GA 30301
Be sure to include the same information in your request as you would if you were submitting it online. You can also pay the $5 fee by mail.
Submitting an Open Records Request in Person
You can also submit an open records request in person at the Georgia State Patrol headquarters in Atlanta. The address is:
Georgia State Patrol Headquarters
2540 Forsyth Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
The Open Records Unit is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will My Crash Report Be Ready?
Georgia State Patrol must prepare the crash report after the accident.
This usually takes three to five business days. State Patrol may need more time to complete reports for multi-vehicle crashes and those resulting in serious injury.
Who Can Request a Georgia State Patrol Accident Report?
Anyone can obtain Georgia highway patrol accident reports because they are public records.
The government doesn’t require you to prove you are connected, but that doesn’t mean reports are free to browse. You will need to know several details about the accident and the parties to find the report.
How Do I Decipher the Report?
What are all those codes?! Review the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crash Report Overlay here. The overlay provides information about the various codes and data fields that are found on the crash report.
What Kind of Information Can Be Found in the Officer’s Narrative and Diagram?
Both the narrative and diagram sections of a Georgia State Patrol crash report pack a punch when it comes to details.
The officer’s narrative lays out the sequence of events leading up to the accident in clear, descriptive language. This section explains who was involved, how the crash unfolded, the weather and road conditions, statements from drivers or witnesses, and any relevant observations the officer made at the scene. Think of it as the story of the accident from the perspective of the investigating trooper.
The diagram gives you a bird’s-eye view of the collision itself. Here you’ll see a drawing that marks the positions of vehicles, the direction of travel, points of impact, skid marks, traffic controls, and other physical features like intersections or road signs. This visual snapshot helps clarify exactly where and how everything happened, making it invaluable for understanding the bigger picture.
Together, these sections offer a comprehensive look at the accident—combining facts and visuals to help untangle what really happened.
Why Does My Attorney Want to See the Crash Report?
Crash reports are the best way for your lawyer to recreate the accident. Your attorney needs the crash report to assess liability, gather evidence, and develop a legal strategy. It has all the essential information needed to file a claim.
A typical Georgia State Patrol accident report contains a wealth of critical details, including:
- Accident specifics: Date, time, and exact location of the crash.
- Driver details: Names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers of everyone involved.
- Vehicle information: Make, model, registration, and insurance details for each vehicle.
- Witness statements: Observations from people who saw what happened.
- Diagram of the scene: A visual layout showing the positions of vehicles and relevant road features.
- Officer’s narrative: The investigating officer’s written account describing how the accident unfolded.
- Citations and charges: Any tickets or criminal charges issued.
- Injury and property damage info: Documentation of injuries and a summary of damage to vehicles or other property.
- Officer information: Name and badge number of the responding officer.
Having access to all this information is essential—not just for your attorney, but also for insurance claims, potential legal proceedings, and your own records.
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Report?
How you request your report will determine how long it takes to receive it. If you use Buycrash.com, it should be ready instantly. If you request a report in person or by email, it may be ready that same day or within a few days. If you request a report via mail, it may take several weeks to receive it.
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and other circumstances can affect these timelines.
What Should I Do If I Have Trouble Getting My Georgia State Patrol Accident Report?
If you run into technical issues while accessing your crash report online, don’t panic—there are a few ways to get help:
- Contact the Georgia State Patrol Open Records Unit: They can assist with problems related to submitting or retrieving your report.
- Try a Different Method: If the online portal isn’t working, you can always submit your request by mail or visit the headquarters in person (see instructions above). Sometimes a quick phone call to the Open Records Unit can resolve minor issues.
- Check the Status: Double-check your email inbox (including spam folders) for your confirmation email or any communication about delays. Remember, reports for complex accidents can take longer to process.
Having your accident details handy—like the case number, date, and location—will make it easier for staff to locate your report quickly for you.
Speak with a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have the accident report, speak with the attorneys at MG Law.
We focus on all types of traffic accidents and know the best ways to pursue compensation for our clients. Our relentless advocacy has helped our clients recover millions of dollars in damages due to car and truck accidents.
Call (770) 988-5252 or send us an online message today to schedule your free consultation.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.