In Georgia, you should call the police after any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage worth more than $500. After arriving at the scene of a harmful crash, an officer will create their official accident report. This report may offer information that helps attorneys and insurance companies identify who is at fault for the collision.
You can obtain a copy of your accident report online, by mail, or in person at a local police station. Afterwards, you can use your report to identify useful sources of evidence and begin building your case against the driver who caused your crash.
In the aftermath of a car accident in South Fulton, GA, seek guidance from our experienced South Fulton car accident attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free evaluation of your potential claim.
Getting a Copy of Your Police Report After a Car Crash in South Fulton, GA
There are a few ways you may be able to obtain a copy of your police report after a crash in South Fulton. Our car accident lawyers can assist with each of the following processes:
Requesting Your Report in Person
First, you may be able to pick up a copy of your report in person. To do so, you must visit the specific sheriff station, police department, or Georgia Highway Patrol post that handled your crash report. Car crashes can be traumatic, and it is understandable that you may not remember if local or state police officers responded to your collision. In that case, you could call the various law enforcement agencies to inquire about who processed your police report.
Requesting Your Report Online
Second, you may acquire a copy of your police report online. You must visit this link to BuyCrash.com and follow the prompts to request a copy of your report. It should be noted that this is a private service, not a government-owned website.
You will begin this process by selecting the state where your accident occurred and identifying why you need to access your report. If you were hurt because of your crash, then you should select the option that states, “I was injured in the accident.” When finalizing your request, you should be prepared to pay a $5 fee.
After your request has been successfully submitted, you can search the database to look up a copy of your report. When searching for your report, you will need to provide the date your accident happened and the location where it occurred. Also, in some cases, you will have to enter your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Requesting Your Report by Mail
Finally, you can also request a copy of your police report by mail. To request your report by mail, you must fill out this form and send it to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The address is listed at the top of your form.
You will have to pay the $5 processing fee by attaching a money order or cashier’s check to your request form. This process will also take longer than the process for acquiring your report online.
What is Included in Your Police Report After a Car Accident in South Fulton, GA?
There is a lot that can be included in your police report. First, your report offers a great deal of background information related to your accident. The date and location of your crash will be provided as well as a description of the vehicle damage caused by your collision. Furthermore, the weather and road conditions present at the time of your crash may be reported.
You can also look to your report to find contact information and insurance information for other drivers involved in your crash. If there were any eyewitnesses present at the scene of your accident, their contact information may also be recorded.
Finally, your report may offer a wide range of information that helps identify the at-fault driver. For instance, a drawn diagram of your crash may be provided. These diagrams are often very useful to attorneys and insurers when seeking to understand how or why a collision happened. Additionally, statements from eyewitnesses and notes from the drafting officer may also be included in your police report. These personal observations may be very useful when building your case against the at-fault driver.
Will Car Insurance Companies Look at Police Reports After Accidents in South Fulton, GA?
Your police report is often one of the first things analyzed by an insurance company when assessing your accident to determine who is at fault. The insurer reviewing your report will likely perform their own, independent investigation of your crash. Still, the information from your report can substantially impact their findings.
Is a Police Report Necessary to Recover Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you do not have a police report, you can still recover compensation for your car accident injuries. However, the process may be more difficult. Your report can help explain how your accident happened and may point to useful sources of evidence. Additionally, the information from your report may be used to refresh certain parties’ recollections pertaining to the circumstances surrounding your crash.
Can You Fix Incorrect Information from Your Police Report in South Fulton, GA?
Unfortunately, some information provided in police reports can be inaccurate. Thankfully, these mistakes may be corrected. For example, an officer may make a transcription error when recording a driver’s statement. Furthermore, an accident report may exclude a fact that should have been recorded. To change information from your police report, you must politely ask the drafting officer to make the correction. They may be reluctant to do so. If the officer who created your report declines to make the amendment, then you may be able to attach a written statement to your report that clarifies your issue.
After Being Injured Because of a Car Accident in South Fulton, GA, Call Our Attorneys for Support
Get help from our experienced Georgia car accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357 today.
Related Articles
