If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the chances are that you know what a police report is. For clarity, a police report is a document that police officers file when they visit a crash scene. It’s also called a crash report or an incident report.
Georgia law mandates drivers of an ill-fated vehicle to call the police after an auto accident. That’s especially if the accident results in a death, injury, or property damage over $500. Failure to do the above can result in a hit-and-run or failure-to-report charge, both carrying harsh penalties.
Apart from the legal implications, not having a police report for certain accidents can be detrimental to your compensatory claims. However, calling the police to the crash scene is one thing; getting a copy of the police report is another. Our car accident lawyers understand the importance of both.
If you’d like to know how to obtain a police report, you will find this article very useful.
Why Is Obtaining a Crash Report Necessary?
Car accidents can result in excruciating pain and heavy financial losses. If you want damages to cover those costs and extra, you need ample evidence to back up your claims. One of the most convincing pieces of evidence you can produce in those cases is a police report.
An incident report is credible evidence because it acts as testimony from an unbiased party. More so, it contains the following information that can help you prove your claims:
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Driver’s Personal Information
As a car accident victim, it can be hard to get the at-fault drivers’ personal information at the crash scene. However, you’ve got that covered with a police report. The law enforcement officer will collect information like the drivers’ names, addresses, insurance, etc., without hassles.
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Witnesses Accounts
The officers will record on-scene accounts of the accident from witnesses, drivers, and passengers. Again, the police officers can document their description of the accident. That will help to prove liability when you file a compensation claim.
- Injuries and Property Damage
You can use a police report as evidence that the auto crash caused your injuries. That’s because the officers will record obvious injuries at the scene. They will also take records of any damage to your car or property at the time.
How Can I Get a Police Report?
There are three ways to obtain an incident report in Georgia after a car accident:
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The Police Department
You can pick up a copy of your incident report by visiting the police department that handled your car accident. If the sheriff station, Georgia Highway Patrol post, or other law enforcement agencies dealt with your case, go to them.
However, obtaining a police report all by yourself can prove to be a daunting task. First, you have to find the specific agency that responded to the crash scene. Next, you call to make inquiries about availability. Then you go to their records unit to get it after paying a sum and undergoing other processes. It’s a lot!
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Over the Internet
A second option is to obtain the police report online. With simple research on the internet, you can find a private-owned site that offers such services. Of course, it’s not free. You’d have to part with some amount of money per report.
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Through a Car Accident Attorney
One of the most stress-free ways of obtaining police reports is through a car accident lawyer. An attorney is used to the process and knows precisely what to do to get one in an instant. Auto crash lawyers have legal assistants that can get the report to help you build your evidence portfolio.
What To Do if You’re Unsure of the Agency To Contact
Recall that you must visit the specific agency that responded at the scene to get your report. If you’re not sure of the agency, it’s hard but not impossible to get the information.
All you need to do is call either the police department, highway patrol, or sheriff in charge of the crash location. Usually, it’s either of the three agencies who attended to you at the accident scene.
Get Help Now! Call a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
Did you sustain injuries or suffer car damages in a Georgia car accident? If yes, then it’s best to hire an attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Calvin Smith Law, our personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you in your claims from start to finish. From getting police reports to compiling other pieces of evidence for your case, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a free consultation now!
