How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Police Department is responsible for creating reports about car accidents that happen within the city. However, they might not be immediately available after an accident. Learning how to get a police report after a car accident in New Orleans can help you gather more evidence for a personal injury claim.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans

Blake Jones Law Firm knows what it takes to get victims what they deserve. Our compassion for our clients makes us treat them like family. We want to offer a helping hand to those who are going through a stressful time after a car accident.

How Do You Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in New Orleans?

It is estimated that 8,175 people were injured due to collisions with a vehicle in 2024 in Orleans Parish. In many of these injuries, a police report is created to document the accident and include relevant details.

Many people rely on these reports as evidence when deciding to file a personal injury claim. However, some people do not understand that these reports exist or where to find them.

The New Orleans Police Department might take a few weeks to process the police report, depending on their current caseload. To request the report, you can visit their website or their office in person.

To request a copy online, you need to know certain details about the crash, such as where it happened and the names of the people involved. If you request the records in person, you need to bring a form of identification.

It’s important to file a police report by contacting emergency services or the public records department, even if the accident was minor. This helps law enforcement and provides accurate information for insurance companies.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Although you can retrieve a police report on your own, it is still a good idea to work with an attorney after a car accident. They can help you with things like:

• Explaining legal concepts to you. Most people do not understand the details of the law governing car accidents in New Orleans. An attorney can explain your rights and identify the relevant parties in the accident. This can help you decide whom to file a claim against.
• Dealing with paperwork. One of the most difficult things for victims to handle on their own is the excessive paperwork and the need to communicate with insurance companies. An attorney can do these tasks for you so that you can focus on getting your life back in order after an accident.
• Settlement negotiations. Insurance companies frequently offer low settlements to get victims to settle out of desperation. Attorneys know this tactic and can help you counter with a settlement that is more appropriate for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
• Filing a claim. Sometimes negotiating a settlement is unsuccessful, and the case has to go to court. In these situations, your attorney can handle the entire process, from filing the initial paperwork to presenting evidence and calling witnesses and professionals to testify.
• Receiving support. Most importantly, an attorney can offer moral support during the challenging settlement or court process. Having someone you can reach out to with questions or frustrations is incredibly helpful and can make you feel more confident about your situation.

There were 244 alcohol-related accidents in Louisiana in 2023. If this applies to your accident claim, there could be additional factors like criminal charges at play. This can complicate your claim without an attorney’s help.

Why Choose Us?

Blake Jones Law Firm has recovered six-figure and even seven-figure settlements for clients who have been victims of others’ actions. These wins took dedication and commitment to our clients to work in their interests.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report in New Orleans?

How long it takes to get a police report in New Orleans varies based on the time of year and the number of reports created. Generally, it takes a few weeks to receive a report. However, if you have additional details, such as the other vehicle’s license plate number, this process might go faster with an attorney’s help.

How Do I Get a Copy of an Accident Report in New Orleans?

To get a copy of an accident report in New Orleans, visit their website and request an accident report. There is normally a small fee required to obtain the report. You can also request the report in person at 715 South Broad Street. If you are unsure of how to do this, your attorney can retrieve the report for you.

Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in New Orleans?

You have to report a car accident in New Orleans if the accident caused any injuries or fatalities. This also applies to accidents resulting in $500 or more in property damage. It is generally safer to report an accident than not report it and face a penalty. This also creates a police report, an important form of evidence in a future case.

What Is on a Police Report in New Orleans?

What is on a police report in New Orleans includes the information of the people involved in the accident, as well as when and where the accident took place. Any information from witnesses or police officer judgments can also be included if available. Finally, other details, such as the cars involved and insurance information, can be found in the police report.

Be Proactive in Seeking Damages

According to the New Orleans Police Department, there were 18% fewer accidents in the city in September 2025 than there were in September 2024. This is a trend in the right direction, but accidents still happen that cause lifelong damage. For help with your car accident claim, schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm. Our legal team can help you explore your options and make a sound decision.