Getting ahold of the police report written after your car accident is a crucial step in ensuring you can manage the aftermath of a crash. The report serves many purposes and is vital in any legal action you may take after the accident. Continue reading to learn how you can obtain a copy of the police report after your car accident and speak with a Pike County, KY car accident attorney for more information on your legal options.
What is a Police Report?
When a car accident, or really any incident that requires law enforcement to intervene, occurs, a detailed report will be written outlining the circumstances of the event. This is known as a police report. The responding police officer will fill out this official document to ensure a professional and official account of the situation is stored. A car accident police report will generally include the following information.
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- The names, personal information, and contact details of all drivers and individuals involved
- A detailed description of what happened
- Statements from all parties involved
- An account of any evidence found at the scene
- The officer’s observations and perspective
How Can I Get a Copy of the Police Report After My Car Accident?
Access to accident reports is only available to the individuals involved, the parents of minor individuals involved, relevant insurance companies, or attorneys representing the drivers. Once you have determined that you need a copy of the report, figure out which jurisdiction the accident occurred in and the department that the responding officer works for. Contact the relevant department to request a copy of the report. Depending on the jurisdiction you may need to fill out a formal request form which can be found at the police department or on their website.
You can also navigate to www.buycrash.com to retrieve a copy of the report online.
Why is a Police Report Important?
Getting a copy of your police report is important for several reasons. The document is vital, especially when considering legal action you may wish to take after your accident. Because the police report provides a third-party, objective account of the accident, it is often used in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
An insurance company can use the report to determine liability and assess damages. If the accident leads to a lawsuit, the report can also be used as an important piece of evidence. Because it establishes the facts of the case and includes details about the cause and contributing factors of the accident, it can be used to support your case.
Obtaining a copy of the police report after a car accident is crucial as it can play a significant role in the outcome of any post-accident claims or disputes. Contact an injury lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options after a collision.
