NJ Car Accident Report: How to File It and Get Your Copy
Hurt in a car crash in New Jersey? Learn when you must file a report, how the police report and SR-1 form work, and how to get your copy. Free case review, no fee unless we win.
Do You Have to File a Car Accident Report in NJ?
Yes, in many cases. In New Jersey, a crash that causes an injury, a death, or more than $500 in property damage must be reported. The police usually file the report. If they do not, you must file a driver's report (the SR-1 form) within 10 days.
Police Report vs. SR-1 Form
The police crash report (NJTR-1) is written by the officer who comes to the scene. It lists the drivers, vehicles, injuries, and the officer's notes.
The SR-1 form is the driver's own report. You file it with the NJ Department of Transportation within 10 days if the police did not file a written report and the crash caused an injury or more than $500 in damage. Skipping it can put your license and registration at risk.
Questions about your accident report? Visit us in Rockaway.
Attorney Elizabeth Barreto will review your report for free and explain what it means for your claim. No fee unless we win. Hablamos español.
Collective Excellence
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![local police department car accident report NJ]()
Local police
Most crashes
Contact the records office of the police department that responded to your crash. Have your case number ready, and ask about the fee and how long it should take.
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![NJ State Police crash report Turnpike Parkway]()
NJ State Police
Turnpike and Parkway
Request it online with your case number. The fee is $5, and it can take up to 14 business days, so ask for your case number at the scene and request it early on.
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![Atlantic City Expressway accident report request]()
AC Expressway
Atlantic City Expressway
Send a written request to the Atlantic City Expressway Authority. Include the date, the location, and your name, so the right report can be located more quickly.
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![fatal car accident report OPRA request NJ]()
Fatal crashes
OPRA request
Reports for fatal crashes are usually requested through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request. Families can always ask our office to explain what comes next.
Clarity Backed by Expertise
Yes, if the crash causes an injury, a death, or more than $500 in property damage. The police usually file the crash report. If they do not file a written report, the driver must file an SR-1 form within 10 days.
Do I have to file a car accident report in NJ?
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Contact the police department that responded to your crash. For crashes on the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, request the report from the NJ State Police online with your case number. The fee is $5 and it can take up to 14 business days.
How do I get a copy of my NJ car accident report?
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It depends on the department. Local departments vary, and NJ State Police reports can take up to 14 business days. Ask the officer for your case number at the scene, so you can follow up.
How long does it take to get a police crash report in NJ?
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What is the SR-1 form in NJ?
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The SR-1 is the driver's crash report filed with the NJ Department of Transportation. You must file it within 10 days if the crash caused an injury or more than $500 in damage, and no police officer filed a written report.