If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Louisiana—whether in Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, or anywhere on the Northshore or in New Orleans—one of the most important first steps you can take is to obtain a copy of the official car accident report.
Why? Because that report may contain critical details that can help support your personal injury claim, prove fault, and protect your legal rights.
At Banck Law, we often speak with clients who weren’t sure if they needed an accident report or how to get one. This article will walk you through why it’s so important, how to obtain it, and how we can help you use it to your advantage if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Why the Car Accident Report Matters
An accident report—sometimes called a crash report or police report—is a written document filed by the law enforcement officer who responded to your car accident. In Louisiana, this report serves as official documentation of what occurred, including:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Information about the drivers and vehicles involved
- Witness statements and contact information
- The officer’s observations and sometimes their opinion on who was at fault
- Weather and road conditions
- Whether any citations were issued or laws were violated
Why is this important for your case?
If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Louisiana, the insurance company will look at the accident report to evaluate fault. It can validate your version of events, help your attorney build a stronger claim, and provide evidence to support your compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Louisiana
Here’s how you can request your report, depending on which law enforcement agency responded to your crash:
1. Louisiana State Police
If your accident was investigated by the Louisiana State Police, you can request your report online or by mail.
Online:
Visit the Louisiana State Police crash report website and enter the required information:
- Crash date
- Parish or Troop
- Last name of involved parties
A small processing fee (usually around $11–$15) applies.
By Mail:
Mail a written request with:
- Names of parties involved
- Date of crash
- Location
- Troop number (if known)
- Payment (check or money order)
Mail to:
Louisiana State Police
Public Records Request Section
P.O. Box 66614
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
2. Local Police Departments
If your accident occurred in a city like Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, or New Orleans, and local police handled the scene, contact that specific department. Most have online request forms, or you can call or visit in person.
Examples:
- Covington Police Department
covla.com | (985) 892-8500 - New Orleans Police Department (NOPD)
nola.gov/nopd | (504) 658-5455 - Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office
tpso.org | (985) 345-6150
Always be ready to provide:
- Full name
- Date of the accident
- Location of the crash
- Report number, if available
How Long Does It Take to Get the Report?
- Online reports are often available within 7 to 10 days after the crash.
- Paper requests by mail may take longer—up to 2 to 4 weeks depending on the agency’s backlog.
What If There’s an Error on the Accident Report?
It’s not uncommon for accident reports to include mistakes or missing details. If you spot an error:
- Notify the officer who completed the report, or
- Work with your attorney to file a statement or supplement with the correct information
Banck Law can help you review your report for accuracy and ensure the facts are presented in a way that supports your claim.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful. Between medical bills, vehicle repairs, and calls from insurance companies, the last thing you need is the added confusion of figuring out what paperwork is necessary.
That’s where we come in.
At Banck Law, we guide our clients through every step—from getting your accident report to building a powerful personal injury case. We’ll handle communication with insurers, gather the evidence you need, and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in Louisiana?
Whether it happened on Highway 190 in Covington, I-12 in Hammond, or anywhere across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, or New Orleans, don’t wait to take action. Time matters in personal injury cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Banck Law today. Call (985) 900-2440 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
