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In the aftermath of a car accident, obtaining a police report can help with determining negligence, a crucial part of any injury claim. A police report serves as an official document that can account for specific details of the accident, including the parties involved, any witness statements, and the observations made by the police officer, which altogether can indicate the cause of the accident.

For these reasons, it is important to obtain a police report following a car accident – even for something seemingly “minor,” such as a fender bender. Having this information is important for protecting your own legal rights and supporting any future legal claims. Continue reading as we guide you through the process of obtaining a police report after an accident and important things to consider along the way.

Immediate Steps Following the Accident

The top priority after a car accident should be to make sure all involved parties are safe. If your injuries allow, you will want to get to a safe spot, contact local law enforcement, and ask them to come to the scene of the crash. The police should arrive quickly to assess the situation for their report, which may include asking questions about what happened. It is important to not admit fault or offer any apologetic words that may admit fault. Instead, stick to describing the facts of the case, such as vehicle information and weather conditions at the time of the crash.

After the police report is wrapped up, you can ask for the names and badge numbers of the officers, as well as the report number. Having this information on hand will be helpful if you later need to request a copy.

Requesting a Copy of the Police Report

You can request a copy of a police report from the local law enforcement agency that came to the scene. This is where information about the accident will come in handy, as the traffic division can use this information to identify your report and send you a copy. Alternatively, your insurance company may have already obtained the report, so you can also seek out this information through them.

There may be a section on your agency’s website designated for accessing reports. You may be able to access your report fully online, but you will still need the same information as you would in person. Other intricacies of obtaining copies of police reports may vary based on your jurisdiction, so it is important to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer who can aid you through this difficult process.

An Injury Attorney Can Help Gather Evidence After an Accident

The personal injury team at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys, is here to help you understand and enforce your rights after a traffic accident. With years of experience on our side, our lawyers can advocate for the compensation you are entitled to from a negligent driver. Call today to speak with a member of our team.