How to Get a Copy of a Police Report

The police report is not the only form of evidence that can help prove your insurance claim or lawsuit. Other vital evidence can include:  

• Witness statements
• Photos and video footage of the accident scene
• Your account of the collision
• Expert witness testimony
• Your medical records

Your car accident lawyer can help to gather and organize relevant evidence for your case.

A police report is an official document recording the incident and can establish the facts of the crash. For example, if a victim is injured in a car accident, the report could be used in court to show that the accident occurred and that the victim was injured. However, a police report is not always admissible as evidence in court and may not carry much weight in a legal case, especially if the officer can testify in person.

That said, a police report can help pursue compensation from an insurance company or the at-fault party. Insurance companies typically require a police report before they pay out a claim. A police report can also help establish fault for the accident and determine who is liable for your damages.

While a police report can be an essential piece of evidence and could help you recover compensation, you should not rely on the document alone. If you suffered severe injuries in an accident, getting a skilled car accident lawyer in your corner can be critical for winning the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

It is always best to get a copy of a police report as soon as it becomes available, which could be a week or two after the accident. A police report can help jog your memory of the crash and assist in accurately reporting it to your insurance company. Obtaining the police report as soon as possible can help avoid delays in the insurance claim process.

However, if you cannot get the police report immediately after the accident due to medical or personal reasons, there is no need to rush. There is typically no hard deadline for obtaining a police report. Therefore, you can recover the document as soon as you feel better. You could also ask your attorney to get the police report and provide you with a copy for your records.

Failing to report a crash can have negative legal and financial consequences, depending on the severity of your accident and the applicable state laws. When an accident results in property damage or injury to another person, the law generally requires you to report it to the police and your insurance company. Failing to do so could result in fines, penalties, and even criminal charges.

If the accident involved only minor car damage and no one was injured, you do not necessarily have to report it to law enforcement. However, consider that failing to file a report can make it challenging to receive an insurance payout. Moreover, if the other driver in your crash decides to file a claim, you may be held liable for damages, and your insurance company could refuse to cover them if you failed to report the accident.

Therefore, it is usually advisable to report a car accident, regardless of how minor it seems, and avoid potential legal and financial consequences for failing to report the crash.

Car accidents can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm to those involved. Victims of car accidents often deal with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that can quickly add up. A car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help victims and families recover compensation and alleviate financial stress. Here are some ways our dedicated lawyers can help:

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We can investigate your car crash to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support your claim. This can include collecting witness statements, reviewing police reports, and examining the accident scene. We can also liaise with your medical providers to obtain reports documenting your injuries.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than the well-being of accident victims. Our car accident lawyers can aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for maximum compensation.

Calculating Damages

A car accident lawyer can evaluate an injury’s impact on your entire life and calculate the full extent of your damages, such as:

• Healthcare costs
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Reduced life quality

Litigation

While most car accident claims are resolved in out-of-court settlements, some cases may need to be litigated in court. Our trial-experienced car accident lawyers can skillfully argue your case and leave no stone unturned in fighting for the best possible outcome.

The rules for who can obtain a police car accident report vary by state and jurisdiction. However, generally, those who can request a police car accident report include:

The involved parties: Drivers or passengers involved in a collision may request a copy of the police report.

Insurance companies: Insurers representing one of the parties involved in the accident may request a copy of the police report in order to investigate a claim.

Car Accident Attorneys: Lawyers representing the persons involved in a collision may obtain a copy of the police report.

Law enforcement agencies: Other police departments can request an accident report for investigative purposes.

Government agencies: Certain agencies may request a copy of the police report for official reasons.

Members of the public: Some states allow individuals to obtain police reports, although they may need to demonstrate a legitimate reason for requesting it.

If you do not know where to turn or how to get a copy of a police report after getting hurt in a car accident, Morgan & Morgan can help.  Our dedicated attorneys can handle all aspects of your legal case, allowing you to heal and move forward. Hiring us is free, quick, and straightforward. Contact us now to discover your options in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.