How to Get Your Washington State Patrol Accident Report

The Easy Way: Let Freeman Law Firm Handle It for You

Ordering a Washington State Patrol accident report can be frustrating after an auto accident. The online system isn’t always intuitive, and processing times can stretch longer than expected. If you need your report quickly and want to avoid delays, Freeman Law Firm can request it on your behalf. We handle accident reports regularly and know how to get them without the hassle. Contact us today, and we’ll take care of it for you.

If you prefer to get the report yourself, here’s how the process works.

What Is a Washington State Patrol Accident Report?

Washington State Patrol (WSP) keeps records of accident reports filed by law enforcement officers and drivers. The reports document the details of a crash, including:

• Date, time, and location
• Names and contact information for drivers and vehicles involved
• Vehicle descriptions and damage assessments
• Insurance information
• Road and weather conditions
• Injuries and medical response details
• Officer observations and statements
• Citations issued, if any

Insurance companies, attorneys, and others use these reports to assess claims and determine liability. Even when fault seems obvious, insurers rely on the report’s details when making decisions. If it contains mistakes, those errors could create problems in the claims process that need to be addressed before they affect your case.

Who Needs to File a Washington Collision Report?

A report is required if the accident resulted in bodily injury or at least $1,000 in property damage. If a police officer responded to the scene, they will file the report. If no officer was present, each driver involved has to submit a report within four days. The requirement applies to car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists.

When an Officer Files the Report

Police file a report when a crash involves injuries, significant damage, or a suspected DUI. The report includes their observations, any citations issued, and an assessment of what may have caused the crash. Insurance companies and attorneys rely on these details when determining liability.

When You Have to File a Report

If there was no police response, drivers are responsible for filing a report if the crash caused injuries or more than $1,000 in damage. Even in smaller collisions, Washington law requires that it be submitted within four days. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties or complications with insurance claims.

How to Get a Copy of Your Washington State Patrol Accident Report

If a report was filed, you can request a copy through the Washington State Patrol. There are a few ways to do this.

Option 1: Request Online (Fastest Method)

The easiest way to obtain a collision report is through the Washington Requests for Electronic Collision Reports (WRECR) system.

1. Go to the WRECR website (Washington State Patrol’s official portal).
2. Enter the required information: You can search by name, report number, or date the collision occurred.
3. Pay the $10.50 fee using a debit or credit card.
4. Download the report as a PDF.

Processing time: Reports usually take 2–4 weeks to become available. If you can’t find your report, check back later.

What If You Can’t Find Your Report Online?

If the system doesn’t return any results, there may be a few reasons:

• The report hasn’t been processed yet. Officers take time to finalize reports before they are uploaded. Try again in a few days.
• Your search details may not match exactly. Names and dates need to be entered correctly. Try variations if needed.
• No report was filed. If police did not respond and no driver submitted a report, it won’t be in the system.
• Restricted access. Some reports have privacy restrictions. If you’re having trouble accessing a report you believe you should have, contact WSP directly.

Option 2: Request by Mail

If you prefer a printed copy, you can order one by mail.

1. Fill out the "Request for Copy of Collision Report" form (available on the WSP website).
2. Write a check or money order for $10.50 payable to "Washington State Patrol."
3. Mail everything to:
   Collision Records Section
   Washington State Patrol
   P.O. Box 42628
   Olympia, WA 98504-2628

Processing time: Mail requests take longer than online requests, typically a few weeks.

Option 3: Request In Person

You can visit the WSP office in Tumwater, WA, to request a report in person. The office has a public kiosk where you can search for your report and pay the fee using a card.

Address: 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM (closed on holidays)

What If You Need to Correct an Error in the Report?

If your accident report contains incorrect information, you may need to request a correction.

• If the officer made a mistake, contact the law enforcement agency that created the report. Only the original officer can amend it.
• If you disagree with the officer’s conclusions, you may not be able to change the report itself, but you can provide additional evidence to your insurance company or attorney.
• Freeman Law Firm can help you determine the best way to challenge inaccurate information ad to be sure your case is not affected by a flawed report.

How Freeman Law Firm Can Help

If you’ve been in an accident, obtaining a report is just one step in protecting yourself. We can help you request your report, review it for errors, and use it to strengthen your claim. If you were injured, we’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.

How an Attorney Can Help After an Accident

• Insurance companies rely on accident reports. If a report incorrectly assigns fault, it could cost you thousands in lost compensation.
• A strong case requires strong evidence. An attorney can use the report along with other evidence to support your claim.
• Deadlines are Key. Missing the reporting deadline can complicate your claim. We can handle it on your behalf.

Talk to a Lawyer Today

Call Freeman Law Firm today at (253) 383-4500 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. We’ll handle the paperwork so you can focus on moving forward.