About the Boca Raton Police Department

Location: 100 NW Boca Raton Blvd Phone: (561) 338-1344 Jurisdiction: City of Boca Raton

The Boca Raton Police Department (BRPD) responds to most crashes within city limits. If your accident occurred in the city, not the unincorporated county, you can expect BRPD to be the agency handling your investigation and creating your official report.

When to Call Police After an Accident

Florida Law Requirements

You are legally required to call police after a crash involving:

  • Injuries
  • Death
  • A driver who flees the scene
  • DUI suspicion
  • Property damage over $500
  • A vehicle so damaged it must be towed

Why You Should Always Call, Even for Minor Accidents

Even if the crash appears minor, calling BRPD protects you by:

  • Creating an official, time-stamped record
  • Documenting visible injuries
  • Identifying all drivers and passengers
  • Preserving witness statements
  • Preventing later disputes about fault

Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports to determine liability, so having an officer respond is almost always in your best interest.

What Happens When Police Respond

When an officer arrives at the scene, you can expect them to:

  • Secure the area and ensure safety
  • Interview all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
  • Photograph or document visible damage
  • Review roadway conditions
  • Note traffic violations
  • Determine whether citations should be issued
  • Prepare an official crash report
  • Provide you with a case or report number

This number allows you to request the full accident report once it becomes available.

If Police Did Not Come to the Scene

Sometimes officers are unavailable, especially during storms, peak traffic hours, or when resources are stretched.

Florida's 10-Day Self-Reporting Requirement

If police do not respond, you must file a crash report yourself within 10 days. You can complete this:

  • Online through the state's self-report portal
  • At the Boca Raton Police Department
  • Through a mail-in form

Self-reporting still creates an official record, which is essential for your claim.

How to File at the Police Station

Bring:

  • Driver's license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance information
  • Photos of the scene and vehicle damage
  • Names and contact information of any witnesses

BRPD staff can guide you through the self-reporting process.

Getting a Copy of Your Accident Report

When Reports Are Available

While often ready sooner, law enforcement agencies are permitted up to 10 days to submit crash reports.

Request Options

In Person Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Cost: fees are typically charged per page

Online or By Mail BRPD accepts online requests through the state-authorized crash portal or via mail with a case number and payment.

Gold & Gold, P.A., can obtain the report for you at no upfront cost, you simply provide the case number and date of your crash.

What Information Is in the Report

A police report typically includes:

  • Accident details (time, location, road conditions)
  • Driver and passenger information
  • Vehicle damage descriptions
  • Witness names and statements
  • Officer's narrative explaining how the crash occurred
  • Crash diagram showing vehicle positions
  • Citations or contributing factors such as speeding or distraction

These details are often critical when insurance companies attempt to shift blame or minimize your injuries.

Using the Report for Your Injury Claim

You or your attorney will use the report to:

  • Provide information to insurance companies: It helps establish fault early and reduces the chance of disputes.
  • Review for accuracy: If details are missing or incorrect, Gold & Gold, P.A., can help request corrections or supplemental reports.
  • Address disputed liability: Officer observations and diagrams often serve as persuasive evidence when the other driver denies fault.

Alternative Reporting Agencies

Depending on where the crash occurred, another agency may handle your report:

  • Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) – for unincorporated Boca areas
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) – for Turnpike or I-95 collisions

Gold & Gold, P.A., can determine which agency is responsible and secure your report accordingly.

How Gold & Gold, P.A. Uses Police Reports

Police reports play a central role in strengthening your case. Our team uses them to:

  • Establish liability using officer findings and crash diagrams
  • Identify witnesses and secure statements before memories fade
  • Negotiate with insurance companies using objective, third-party documentation
  • Prepare litigation strategy, if needed
  • Request supplemental reports when information is missing
  • Correct reporting errors that might impact your claim

We also handle obtaining your report from BRPD or any other agency, so you don't have to navigate the process alone.

Finding Boca Raton Police Department from Gold & Gold, P.A.

The BRPD headquarters is located just 1.5 miles from the Gold & Gold, P.A. office. We're incredibly close, making it easy for us to pick up reports or file supporting documents on your behalf.

FAQs

Do I really need a police report for a minor accident?
Yes, insurance carriers often deny claims without one.
How long does it take to get my report?
While often ready sooner, law enforcement agencies are permitted up to 10 days to submit crash reports.
Can I correct a mistake in the accident report?
Often, yes. Gold & Gold, P.A., can help request corrections or additions.
Will the officer's report determine who is at fault?
The officer's findings are influential but not final. We use their observations along with additional evidence to establish liability.
Can your firm get my report for me?
Absolutely. We routinely obtain reports for clients at no upfront cost.