In the aftermath of a devastating collision in Hattiesburg, MS, it’s important that you get a copy of a police report so that your attorney can use it to support your compensation claim against a negligent driver. But how can you do that?
After a car accident in Hattiesburg, MS, victims can get a copy of their police reports in one of two ways. You can either visit the Hattiesburg Police Department or send an email request. Depending on the length of your report and the time it takes to locate it, there may be a small fee. Be sure to compile the necessary information before attempting to request your report, and know that it may take several days before it’s ready. Once your attorney reviews the information within a crash report, they can use it to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
We’re here to help victims throughout Hattiesburg, MS hold negligent drivers accountable. For a free case evaluation with the Hattiesburg car accident attorneys at Howe Law, call today at (844) 876-4357.
Ways to Get a Police Report After Your Hattiesburg, MS Car Accident
If you’ve recently sustained injuries in a car accident in Hattiesburg, MS, getting access to the police report for your collision can be crucial. For Hattiesburg, MS victims, there are several ways to achieve this. Victims and their attorneys can request a copy of a police report by visiting the Hattiesburg Police Department in person or sending an email.
In-Person Requests
If you live in the Hattiesburg area and would prefer to get a paper copy of a police report for your car accident, you can do so. Victims can visit the Hattiesburg Police Department any time Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 in the morning and 5:00 in the evening. If you’d like to get a paper copy of your report, but your injuries prevent you from going to the police department yourself, your Hattiesburg personal injury lawyer can help you.
Online Requests
Sometimes, injured car accident victims prefer an online option when retrieving a copy of their police report. While the Hattiesburg Police Department does not currently upload completed reports to an online platform for easy access, it will send you an emailed copy upon request. If you choose this option, you or your attorney must complete a form identifying yourself and the reason for the request. Then, simply email the completed form to the Hattiesburg Police Department’s records office.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Car Accident Report in Hattiesburg, MS?
Generally, copies of police reports aren’t free. It costs the Hattiesburg Police Department money and time to complete crash reports and locate them upon request. Because of this, car accident victims should be prepared for the potential cost of obtaining their police reports.
In Hattiesburg, MS, printed copies of police reports of fewer than 25 pages don’t come at a cost. Reports that are longer than 25 pages cost 15 cents per page.
Whether you choose to get a paper copy or a digital one sent via email, labor fees may apply. When the process of locating your MS police report takes longer than an hour, you may be charged a labor fee.
Tips for Getting a Police Report After a Car Accident in Hattiesburg, MS
Accessing a police report after a car accident in Hattiesburg, MS isn’t always easy. Because of this, it’s important to hire an attorney. Your Mississippi car accident lawyer will help you through the process and inform you of helpful tips, allowing you to obtain your police report easier.
Call the Police
In order to obtain a police report in the future, it’s important that you alert Hattiesburg law enforcement officials after a collision. If you don’t, police officers will be unable to create a police report, and there won’t be one for you to obtain later. No matter how minor an accident appears, call the police. Informing law enforcement officials is crucial, especially if you plan to sue a negligent driver for compensatory damages.
Gather Information
The less information you can provide when requesting a copy of a police report in Hattiesburg, MS, the longer it can take to locate your report. When this happens, car accident victims can face labor fees and difficulty obtaining their crash reports. So, ask your attorney about the details you’ll likely need to provide. As a general rule of thumb, have your driver’s license information and details about the accident’s date and time on hand. Having the report number for your specific police report can be the fastest way to locate it.
Be Patient
Generally, it can take several days before your Hattiesburg, MS police report becomes available. Police officers need to thoroughly complete each report and include the necessary information. This process takes time. After completion, reports need to be filed. When other car accidents occur near the time of yours, that can cause a delay. So, be patient and check in with the Hattiesburg Police Department periodically about your report’s status. If several days have passed since your accident and your report is still unavailable, your Mississippi personal injury attorney can inquire about the delay.
Hire an Attorney
Because accessing police reports after car accidents in Hattiesburg, MS isn’t always simple, it benefits victims to hire an attorney. Your lawyer can not only help you obtain a copy of a police report but can also use the information within that report to strengthen your claim against a negligent driver. While police reports aren’t considered evidence, the details they contain can point to evidence. By hiring a lawyer, car accident victims in Hattiesburg, MS can more easily obtain a copy of a police report and can recover compensatory damages against negligent drivers.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Get a Car Accident Report in Hattiesburg, MS Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hattiesburg, MS and need help getting a policed report, reach out to our lawyers. For a free case evaluation with the Gulfport personal injury attorneys at Howe Law, call today at (844) 876-4357.
Related Articles
