If you have been involved in a car accident that the Maryland Highway Patrol responded to, it is essential to request a copy of the accident report. While your initial concerns may be the damage to your property, minor or serious injuries, or time lost at work, obtaining the report is essential for your injury claim.

These reports contain detailed information about the individuals involved, damage and injuries suffered, insurance information from the parties in the accident, and other details which you may need to recall when building a personal injury case.

In this article, we will explain how to obtain a copy of your Highway Patrol Report if you have been involved in an accident in Maryland. 

How to Request a Report

According to the Maryland Central Records Division website, an individual can acquire an official copy of an accident report in multiple ways: 

  1. Request a copy at the Maryland State Police Barrack that completed the report. For this option, you’ll need to wait at least ten days after the accident to make your request. Bring a check or money order (not cash) for the $4.00 fee, payable to Maryland State Police. The website recommends that you call the Barrack first ahead of arriving at the station to ensure that the report you are seeking is available for your copy.
  2. Access the Request for Motor Vehicle Accident Report form from the Central Records Division here. Print and complete the form. Then, mail it to the address listed on the form with a check for $4.00.
    • According to the webpage, when a copy of the report is made available, this official copy will be mailed directly to you. Be sure to list a return address that you can easily receive mail at to ensure the copy arrives to you. 
  3. You can also visit the Central Records Division during their regular business hours to obtain an official copy of your report in person. Consider calling ahead of time to ensure that you can retrieve a copy of the report when you visit. 

Can I Expedite Receipt of the Report I am Seeking?

According to the Central Records Division webpage, there is an option to expedite requests for accident reports. To submit your request, visit the Central Division site and fill out the form at the bottom of their page, linked here. This request will go directly to msp.crd@maryland.gov. A $4.00 search fee is still required.

Why Do You Need An MHP Report?

Accident reports are essential documents when individuals attempt to bring claims in court or with their insurance companies. If you have been injured in an accident, an official report from police will help you prove the facts and circumstances surrounding your injuries. 

Some injuries may be delayed in their presentation and may show up weeks or months after you have been in your accident. Having documentation will help you to prove the source of these injuries and can be presented when attempting to recover medical expenses, in addition to property damage claims. Where a fatality occurs, such reports can be used as evidence in bringing a wrongful death claim by the family of a decedent. 

What If My Accident Occurred in Baltimore? 

If your accident occurred in the City of Baltimore, you can contact the Central Records Division for the Baltimore Police Department by phone or visiting their website and submitting a records request online.

Contact an Attorney For Help Retrieving Your Accident Report 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, speak with one of our Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys today. We can help you obtain your accident report from the Maryland Highway Patrol. We can also help you pursue compensation from the party that caused your accident. 

Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information, contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 970-3080