Updated for 2026 — Baton Rouge & Surrounding Parishes
Were you just in a car accident in Louisiana? One of the first things you will need is your accident report.
Your insurance company will ask for it. An attorney may need it. And it could affect how much money you get after the crash.
The problem? No one at the accident scene tells you how to get it.
This guide will walk you through every step. We will show you where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and what to do once you have it.
Table of Contents
- Who Creates Your Accident Report?
- How to Get Your Louisiana Accident Report Online
- What If LSP Did Not Handle Your Crash?
- How Long Does It Take to Get Your Report?
- What Is in Your Accident Report?
- What to Do After You Get Your Report
- Where to Get Your Report by Parish
- Common Questions About Louisiana Accident Reports
Who Creates Your Accident Report?
In Louisiana, the police officer who responds to your crash files the report. Which agency that is depends on where your accident happened.
| Agency | Where They Work |
| Louisiana State Police (LSP) | Highways, interstates, and rural roads |
| Baton Rouge Police Dept. (BRPD) | Inside the city of Baton Rouge |
| Parish Sheriff’s Office | Outside city limits |
| Local Town Police | City and town streets |
If you were in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, or West Baton Rouge, your report was most likely filed by the Louisiana State Police — especially if the crash happened on a highway or interstate.
Not sure who responded? Look at any paperwork you got at the scene. Or call your local sheriff’s office non-emergency line.
How to Get Your Louisiana Accident Report Online
Louisiana State Police uses an online system called BuyCrash to share crash reports. It is run by LexisNexis and is the easiest way to get your report fast.
Here is how to do it, step by step.
Step 1 — Wait a Few Days First
The officer who filed your report has up to 10 business days to submit it. Most reports show up within 3 to 7 days after your crash. Do not try to look up your report right after the accident. It will not be there yet.
Step 2 — Go to the BuyCrash Website
Visit lsp.org and click on “Crash Reports.” You can also go straight to the BuyCrash portal.
Step 3 — Search for Your Report
You will need some basic details to find your report. Have at least one of these ready:
- Report number (sometimes given at the scene)
- Driver’s license number
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- License plate number or vehicle details
Type in your information and hit search. The system will look for your report by agency and crash date.
Step 4 — Pay and Download
Most LSP crash reports cost $15. You can pay with a credit or debit card. Once you pay, you can download your report as a PDF right away.
Tip: If your insurance company asked for the report, they may be able to get it themselves. Ask your adjuster before you pay.
What If LSP Did Not Handle Your Crash?
If city police — like BRPD — responded to your accident, here is what to do:
- Online: Check the BRPD records portal or search BuyCrash. Some city reports are uploaded there too.
- In Person: Go to the BRPD Records Division on Airline Hwy in Baton Rouge. Bring your photo ID and crash details. Reports usually cost $5 to $10.
If your crash happened in Ascension, Livingston, or another nearby parish, call the sheriff’s office or police department that responded and ask for their records division.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Report?
| How You Request It | How Long It Takes |
| Online via BuyCrash (LSP) | 3–10 business days after the crash |
| In person at BRPD | Same day (if the report is ready) |
| By mail | 2–4 weeks |
If 10 business days have passed and your report is still not showing up online, call LSP’s Crash Records office at (225) 925-6006. They can confirm whether the report was filed.
What Is in Your Accident Report?
Your crash report has a lot of important information. Here is what you will find inside:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names, addresses, and license numbers of every driver
- Insurance information for all drivers
- Names and contact info of any witnesses
- A diagram of how the crash happened
- Causes noted by the officer (like speeding or running a red light)
- Injuries that were seen at the scene
- The officer’s written account of what happened
This report is the official record of your crash. It can make a big difference in what happens next with your insurance claim — or in court.
What to Do After You Get Your Report
Getting the report is step one. Here is what to do next.
1. Read It Carefully and Look for Mistakes
Officers make mistakes. A wrong name, a bad insurance number, or the wrong “cause of crash” code can hurt your case. If something is wrong, it can be fixed — but you have to catch it first.
2. Send It to Your Insurance Company
Your insurance adjuster will use the report to start their review. Send it quickly. But remember — you do not have to agree with how they read it.
3. See a Doctor Right Away
The crash report only lists injuries seen at the scene. Many injuries — like whiplash, back pain, or concussions — show up days later. See a doctor even if you feel okay. Your medical records and your crash report together are your best protection.
4. Do Not Sign Anything Yet
Insurance companies often try to settle fast — sometimes before you know how badly you were hurt. Do not sign any forms or accept any money until you know the full picture.
5. Talk to a Lawyer
If you were hurt, or if there is any question about who caused the crash, a Louisiana injury attorney can review your report for free and tell you what your options are.
Where to Get Your Report by Parish
| Parish | Who Filed the Report | Where to Get It |
| East Baton Rouge | LSP or BRPD | BuyCrash or BRPD Records |
| Ascension | LSP or Sheriff | BuyCrash |
| Livingston | LSP or Sheriff | BuyCrash |
| Iberville | LSP | BuyCrash |
| West Baton Rouge | LSP | BuyCrash |
| Pointe Coupee | LSP | BuyCrash |
| St. Helena | LSP | BuyCrash |
| Assumption | LSP | BuyCrash |
| St. Mary | LSP | BuyCrash |
Were You Hurt in a Louisiana Car Accident? Getting your crash report is a smart first move. But if you were injured, you should not go through the insurance process alone.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we will review your report at no charge and tell you honestly where you stand.
Fill out this short form to get started today.
Common Questions About Louisiana Accident Reports
Can anyone get a copy of an accident report in Louisiana?
Yes. Crash reports are public records in Louisiana. If you were in the crash, your insurance company or your attorney can also get a copy.
Does the report say who was at fault?
Not exactly. The report lists what the officer saw and what may have caused the crash. But it does not say who is legally responsible. That is decided by the insurance companies or a judge. Still, the report is a key piece of evidence.
What if no police report was filed?
If police did not come to the scene, there may not be a report. But Louisiana law says you must report an accident yourself if someone was hurt or if the damage is serious. You can file a Driver’s Report of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
My report has a mistake. What do I do?
Call or write to the agency that filed the report — LSP or your local police department. You may need to send a written request and show proof that something is wrong.
How much does a Louisiana accident report cost?
Through BuyCrash (for LSP reports), the cost is $15. Local police departments may charge $5 to $10 for in-person copies.
Can I get my report for free?
In most cases, no. However, your attorney can often request the report on your behalf and cover the cost.
About Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys
This guide was written with help from the legal team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, a personal injury law firm serving Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana.
Chris Corzo has represented hundreds of accident victims across East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, and surrounding parishes. Our team knows how the insurance system works — and how to protect you in it.
We offer free consultations with no pressure and no cost. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. For help with your specific situation, speak with a licensed Louisiana attorney.