If you notified the police of your car accident and cooperated with their investigation, then there is an accident report on file that you can request. However, law enforcement agencies will typically charge one or more fees when you request an accident report. It is important to know how to get a free accident report so you can secure compensation without added stress.
What Is an Accident Report?
An accident report is an official document that contains details about the collision. These include:
- The date, time and location of the accident
- The identities of the parties involved
- Statements from the involved drivers and any witnesses
- Contributing factors such as weather or road conditions
- The investigating officer’s opinions and documentation regarding the accident
Having a car accident report is important because it helps you secure a favorable outcome when filing an insurance claim. The report serves as proof of the accident and provides the law enforcement’s perspective of who is at fault. The more detailed the report is, the stronger it is as evidence demonstrating how much compensation you should receive.
Are Police Accident Reports Free?
When you directly request a police accident report, it is rarely ever free. Arizona legal statute 39-127 states that a person who suffers from a criminal offense may receive one copy of the incident report. If your car accident did not involve a criminal offense against you, or if you are requesting additional copies of the report, then law enforcement agencies will likely charge a fee for the accident report.
In Maricopa County, requesting a copy of the vehicle accident report from the Sherrif’s Office entails a $5 charge in addition to any related convenience fees. There is also no guarantee that your local authorities will respond to your request as quickly as you would like. Instead, consider learning how to get a free accident report in a more timely manner.
Can You Find Accident Reports Free Online?
There are online services that make it quick and easy to find and receive a copy of your accident report entirely for free. Those who experience an accident in Arizona, California or Texas can find accident reports free online from the Car Accident Report website.
Requesting an accident report online just requires filling out some basic information about your accident. The exact information needed may differ by state, but typically includes:
- Your name, phone number and email address
- The type of accident (car accident, truck accident, etc.)
- Whether you were at fault for the accident
- The state the accident occurred in
It is always a good idea to consult with your attorney before requesting a car accident report through an online service. Some services require you to indicate whether you were at fault for the accident. This may go against the common rule of thumb of not admitting guilt after an accident, so consider talking to your attorney if you have any doubts about how to proceed.
Why Do You Need an Accident Report?
In addition to presenting your accident report as part of the insurance claim process, there are other reasons you may need an accident report as well. If a heightened legal dispute arises regarding your car accident, the accident report can be valuable evidence in your favor. The report provides a clear and nigh-indisputable account of the facts surrounding the incident.
An accident report also establishes a clear link between the accident and any resulting injuries. Not only is this important in the context of auto insurance claims but it also streamlines the process of seeking medical coverage through your health insurance policy. This is especially significant if you or a passenger needs urgent medical attention while you wait for an auto insurance settlement.
It is also worthwhile to have a copy of the accident report for your own personal record in the long term. Even after securing a settlement and returning to your daily life after the incident, it is impossible to know when future complications might come to light. Having thorough records will help you maintain peace of mind through prudent preparedness.
Can Your Lawyer Help You Get an Accident Report?
Your lawyer can certainly help you get an accident report from the police. They can also help you understand how to use free online resources to access accident reports. Even with easily accessible resources, it is completely understandable to feel out of your element when dealing with accident reports.
Having a reliable legal team on your side will ensure you have helpful guidance every step of the way. They can help you understand how to get an accident report, explain every aspect of the report in detail and outline how the report will be useful in building a stronger claim.
There are several reasons why it is worthwhile to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Not only can a lawyer request the accident report for you and ensure you get it in a timely manner but they also:
- Investigate the cause of the action to determine each party’s degree of fault
- Collect evidence that can strengthen your claim for compensation
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
The Phoenix car accident attorneys at Sargon Law Group strive to exhibit dedication toward getting the best results for individuals involved in damaging accidents. We thoroughly compile all documents and evidence relevant to the case, including accident reports.
Contact Our Phoenix Personal Injury Attorneys After Your Accident
If you sustain injuries or property damage in a car accident, you need a legal team that you can trust to handle your case while you focus on rest and recovery. Our team at Sargon Law Group works with you at every step, from helping you understand how to get a free accident report all the way to securing a favorable settlement from the insurance company.
We proudly represent injured drivers in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.