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How to Report?
Car Accident in the State of Montana
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Montana, obtaining a copy of the official police report is a crucial step toward filing insurance claims, protecting your legal rights, or simply documenting the incident. In Montana, crash reports are completed by the investigating law enforcement agency and may be accessed through either the Montana Highway Patrol or local police or sheriff’s departments.
This guide walks you through how to obtain a Montana car accident report, who is eligible to access one, and what’s typically included in the report.
Who Can Access a Car Accident Report in Montana?
Montana crash reports are generally public records, but some reports—especially those involving juveniles, fatalities, or active investigations—may be restricted or redacted. The following individuals and entities are commonly eligible to request a report:
Drivers or passengers involved in the accident
Vehicle owners
Legal representatives or attorneys
Insurance companies handling claims
Law enforcement and investigative agencies
Other individuals with a direct interest in the report
What Agency Filed the Report?
The law enforcement agency that responded to the accident will file and maintain the report. In Montana, this can include:
Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) – for state highways and interstates
City or Municipal Police Departments – for crashes within city limits
County Sheriff’s Offices – for rural or unincorporated areas
Determining which agency handled your crash is important when submitting your request.
Guide To Report
How to Report Accident in Montana
There are three official ways to request your Montana car accident report:
1. Online via Montana Highway Patrol (MHP)
The Montana Highway Patrol offers online access to crash reports.
To request an MHP report:
Visit: https://dojmt.gov/driving/crash-reports/
Download and complete the “Crash Report Request Form”
Include details such as:
Crash date and location
Names of involved drivers
Report number (if available)
Enclose a check or money order for $2.00 per report, made payable to “Montana Highway Patrol”
Reports are typically available within 7–10 business days of the incident.
2. Requesting from Local Police or Sheriff’s Departments
If your crash was handled by a city or county law enforcement agency:
Contact the agency’s records division directly
Submit a written or in-person request with crash details
Include:
Names of drivers
Date and location of the crash
Report number (if known)
Proof of your relationship to the case
Pay the report fee (usually between $2–$10)
Some local agencies may also offer online access through platforms like CrashDocs or LexisNexis.
3. Through Your Attorney or Insurance Company
Legal professionals and insurance providers routinely request crash reports as part of their claim handling process. If you are already working with one, ask if they can retrieve the report on your behalf.
What’s Included in a Montana Crash Report?
A standard crash report in Montana typically includes:
Date, time, and location of the crash
Names and contact information of involved drivers
Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
Insurance details for all parties
Road, weather, and visibility conditions
Officer’s written narrative and diagram
Injuries and fatalities, if any
Witness statements
Citations or contributing violations
This document is often critical in determining fault and supporting legal or insurance claims.
FAQS
About Report
When Will the Report Be Available?
Montana Highway Patrol reports: Typically available within 7–10 business days
Local police/sheriff reports: Usually available in 5–10 business days
Serious or fatal crashes: May take longer due to extended investigation
Important Considerations
Crash reports are not automatically sent to involved parties—you must request them
Ensure you provide accurate information and payment to avoid delays
Contact the investigating agency if you’re unsure of report availability
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