Car accidents are unfortunate events that can take place at any time and to anyone. After the initial shock, you then need to gather yourself and face what needs to be done next. This could be getting your car repaired or seeking medical leave or insurance.
Of all these tasks, the one document that will remain central across the board will be a police report.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Accident Police Report
For starters, you need to understand what a car accident police report is. Regardless of what damages your car has suffered, you will need the assistance of local law enforcement authorities. When the law enforcement officers arrive, they will conduct a quick investigation.
This investigation will take into consideration the cause, consequence, and outcome of the car accident. They will take down all of this information and generate an official police report. This is also called a crash report or a police accident report.
Though this may sound intimidating, it is a very standard procedure. The report includes the below details:
- All information regarding the time and location of the incident
- Names and information of all the people involved in the accident
- Description of all the vehicles involved
- Description of road and weather conditions at the time of the car accident.
- Details of the incident including the cause.
These are the most basic pieces of information that all police accident reports will have. Depending on different jurisdictions, more information can be added.
How to Find a Police Report for a Car Accident?
When the police officers arrive at the scene of the accident, make sure you tell them all and any important details relating to the event. Even minor observations about the incident can have a major impact on your claim.
You can get your police report for a car accident in three ways. The first option is to pick it up yourself from the police station that responded at the time of your accident. They can provide you with a copy for a small fee. It may however take several days before the police report will be ready.
The second option is to look for options online. There are official and private portals wherein you can add the reference number or car registration number to generate your copy of the report. Accident Records LLC helps you to find a police report for a car accident.
The third and easiest option is to consult a service provider who can help you get your police report as well as help you get professional medical and legal assistance. This is a good option if you don’t live in the city or location where the accident took place.
At such times, it will be harder for you to go to the police station of that jurisdiction time and again to obtain a police report. A legal attorney can help you get the police report quickly and efficiently. You will be able to save both money and time.
Why Is The Car Accident Report So Important?
Without a police accident report, you cannot file an insurance claim. If your car has suffered extensive damage or there is disagreement on who the at-fault party was, a police accident report will be required by your insurance company.
Your insurance company will need to know which party has been addressed as the at-fault party and how much damage actually took place. The accident report will cover all these aspects. Inability to provide this report can make your insurance claim slow or lesser.
If you got hit by another car, then the accident report will specify which driver broke the traffic rule and help define who was at fault. When it is proven that the other driver was at fault, your insurance payout is faster. Insurance companies will not payout on mere hearsay and without evidence.
What To Do If The Accident Report Is Inaccurate?
Car accidents tend to create stress for a long time for the victims. You already have to deal with the financial and physical stress after the accident. Your expenses may be rising. To help claim correct insurance or other legal claims, you must make sure all the information in the car accident police report is correct.
There are times when you will feel that the information entered is inaccurate. At such times you can dispute against it and get the necessary changes done. This is important if the report states you as the one at fault and you may have to face charges.
Taking the below steps to dispute the accident report due to inaccuracies.
Contact The Police
Get in touch with the police officer who filed the report for you. That officer will go through the report with you. This is a good option for people who are disputing inaccuracies relating to information like car model, make, time, or name of persons involved.
If the officer agrees to the inaccuracies, they may amend and correct the report.
Go To Local DMV
If you are unable to get in touch with the police officer who made your report you can visit your local DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles. There are different types of forms and waiting times in different states. Take along any witness who can prove that the information is inaccurate.
Hire An Attorney
A legal attorney who is an expert on accident-related reports can help you properly correct your report. If the situation is very severe, then this can be in your best interest. These attorneys can help you correct the inaccuracies as well as claim all your legal rights.
How to Obtain a Copy of Police Report Online?
In the end, it all boils down to getting your police report. This task is no fun and can be rather exhausting. Whether you need help finding your accident report or are looking for professional assistance to guide you through the case, Get Started with Accidents Records immediately.
You will be able to easily locate your accident report at a minimal cost. Also, you can get legal guidance from medical experts to help you get back on your feet soon. A dedicated team of legal experts can assist you to resolve any accident-related issues you may be facing. Whether you’re from California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, Tennessee, or Texas, we can help.