Louisiana · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in Louisiana: police, state report and crash report copies
When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.
Short answer
If anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $500, you must tell the police right away. No separate driver report to the state is required by this law.
- Damage that requires a report
- $500
- Law
- La. R.S. 32:398(A)-(C)
When to call the police in Louisiana
Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.
- When to call the police
- If anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $500, you must tell the police right away. Inside a city or town, call the city police. Outside, call the nearest sheriff's office or State Police station. You must also give your name, address and plate number to the other people involved and show your license if asked. In an evacuation area or declared emergency, you have 72 hours.
- Damage amount
- $500
- Law
- La. R.S. 32:398(A)-(C)
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Louisiana
- Your own report
- No separate driver report to the state is required by this law. The police agency that investigates sends the report (or its data) to the Department of Transportation and Development within 48 hours after finishing the investigation.
How to get a copy of the crash report in Louisiana
- Ask the agency that investigated: Louisiana State Police, the sheriff's office or the city police.
- By law they must give you a copy and may charge no more than $5 for a report of up to 2 pages, or $20 (all fees included) for a longer report (La. R.S. 32:398(D)).
- Photos and video cost a 'reasonable fee.'
Our data shows no confirmed online way to order crash reports in Louisiana, so you can ask the agency by mail with our free request letter.
More facts for Louisiana
- Officers must tell each driver to give the other parties the owner and driver names, plate number, and the liability insurer and agent's contact details (La. R.S. 32:398(B)).
Step by step after a crash in Louisiana
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Louisiana law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $500, you must tell the police right away.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report to the state is required by this law.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Ask the agency that investigated: Louisiana State Police, the sheriff's office or the city police.
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Louisiana
Questions about reporting a crash in Louisiana
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Louisiana?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $500, you must tell the police right away. Inside a city or town, call the city police. Outside, call the nearest sheriff's office or State Police station. You must also give your name, address and plate number to the other people involved and show your license if asked. In an evacuation area or declared emergency, you have 72 hours.
How much damage has to be reported in Louisiana?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or property damage is over $500, you must tell the police right away.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Louisiana?
No separate driver report to the state is required by this law. The police agency that investigates sends the report (or its data) to the Department of Transportation and Development within 48 hours after finishing the investigation.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Louisiana?
Ask the agency that investigated: Louisiana State Police, the sheriff's office or the city police. By law they must give you a copy and may charge no more than $5 for a report of up to 2 pages, or $20 (all fees included) for a longer report (La. R.S. 32:398(D)). Photos and video cost a 'reasonable fee.'
More for Louisiana drivers
- All car accident rules in Louisiana
- Comparative fault
- Uninsured driver
- Deadline to sue
- Accident reporting requirements in every state
- What to do after a car accident
- Fault and payout explainer
- Deadline calculator
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
- La. R.S. 32:398(A)-(C)
- La. Civ. Code art. 2323 (comparative fault)
- La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (two-year prescription)
- La. R.S. 32:900 (motor vehicle liability policy, 15/30/25)
- La. R.S. 32:866 (No Pay, No Play)
- La. R.S. 22:1295 (uninsured motorist coverage)
- La. R.S. 22:1892 (payment and adjustment of claims)
- Acts 2025, No. 15 (HB 431), enrolled text (comparative fault)
- Acts 2025, No. 16 (HB 434), résumé digest (No Pay, No Play)
- Acts 2024, No. 423 (two-year prescription)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.