# What should you do after a crash in Salem, VA?

Title: Crash in Salem, VA: Police Report & Next Steps
URL: https://roanokecrashhelp.com/salem-va-crash/
Last reviewed: October 13, 2026
Site: Roanoke Crash Help

> For a crash inside Salem city limits, the Salem Police Department takes the report. Call the records office to check that it is ready before you go. Then see a doctor, tell your insurer, and check your claim deadline.

You're safe now. If your crash happened in Salem, here is where to go and what to do next.

## How do you get a Salem crash report?

Under normal circumstances, a crash report is available 24 to 48 hours after the officer completes it, according to the [City of Salem](https://salemva.gov/m/faq?cat=33). The fee is $10.

1. Call (540) 375-3083 and ask for a Records Clerk.
2. Confirm the report is ready.
3. Have the date, time, location and names of the people involved.
4. Ask what to bring and how to pay.

The city's police FAQ also lists a non-emergency number, (540) 375-3078. The city's form page lists a different one, so check before you rely on either. For emergencies, call 911.

Not sure what to do next? A three-question quiz on https://roanokecrashhelp.com/accident-lawyers/ points you to the right pages and a short list of Roanoke-area firms.

## Where is the Salem Police Department?

The [Salem Police Department](https://salemva.gov/540/Police) is at 36 East Calhoun Street, Salem, VA 24153. The Records and Detective Division phone is (540) 375-3083.

### Contact table

| Need | Contact |
| --- | --- |
| Crash report | Records and Detective Division, (540) 375-3083 |
| Address | 36 East Calhoun Street, Salem, VA 24153 |
| Non-emergency (per the FAQ) | (540) 375-3078 |
| Emergency | 911 |

## Where do you go for care?

In an emergency, call 911. The Virginia Department of Health lists LewisGale Medical Center as a Level II trauma center and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a Level I trauma center ([VDH](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/trauma-critical-care/virginia-trauma-centers), updated September 3, 2026). Responders will tell you where to go. For non-urgent care, a doctor or urgent care visit soon after the crash is a good idea. This is a practical suggestion, not medical advice.

## What are your next steps?

- [ ] Get checked by a doctor.
- [ ] Take photos and write down what happened.
- [ ] Tell your own insurer.
- [ ] Call the records office, then pick up your report.
- [ ] Keep a folder. See the [first 72 hours checklist](https://roanokecrashhelp.com/first-72-hours/).
- [ ] Check your dates in the [deadline checker](https://roanokecrashhelp.com/claim-deadline-checker/).

Not sure which agency has your report? See [how to get a crash report](https://roanokecrashhelp.com/roanoke-crash-report/) or the [Roanoke County page](https://roanokecrashhelp.com/roanoke-county-crash/).

Not sure what to do next? A three-question quiz on https://roanokecrashhelp.com/accident-lawyers/ points you to the right pages and a short list of Roanoke-area firms.

## Common questions

### How much is a Salem police report?

Salem Police lists a fee of $10 for a crash report. To request one, call (540) 375-3083 and ask for a Records Clerk. Fees can change, so ask when you call. Compare this with the other local agencies in our crash report guide before you head out.

### How long until the report is ready?

The city says that under normal circumstances a crash report is available 24 to 48 hours after the officer completes it. Because that can vary, call the records office to confirm the report is ready before you make the trip. Have the date, location and names ready.

### Can I request it online?

Salem asks you to call (540) 375-3083 and speak with a Records Clerk. If you want an online option, ask the clerk, or request the report through the Virginia DMV if that applies to your crash. Have the date, location and names ready when you call.

### Is Salem part of Roanoke County?

Salem is an independent city with its own police department. Crashes outside Salem city limits in Roanoke County are handled by Roanoke County Police or another agency. Look at the agency named on the card or report number the officer gave you, and see our Roanoke County page.

## Sources

- [City of Salem police FAQ](https://salemva.gov/m/faq?cat=33)
- [City of Salem police department](https://salemva.gov/540/Police)
- [Virginia Department of Health, trauma centers](https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/trauma-critical-care/virginia-trauma-centers)
- [Virginia DMV, request a police crash report](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/request-police-crash-report)