Write Down Information About Weather Road Conditions Along With Time And Place Of The Accident As Soon As Possible
You want to be able to provide as much information about the conditions surrounding your accident as possible. The sooner you do this, the more likely it is that you will remember more details. This helps your broker or insurance company, and the police, to understand the circumstances around the car crash.
Get Your Hands On A Traffic Accident Report
Need one? Here’s what to do:
- Contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the auto accident. If you don’t recall the investigating officer’s department, use this handy tip: For accidents within a town or city, call the municipal police department for accidents outside of a town or city call either the Sheriff’s Department or the State Highway Patrol.
- In most cases the department will ask you to complete a Record Request Form. Some departments may offer this form online. You might have the option to submit by mail or in person.
- Some departments charge. Prices vary. Usually there’s one flat rate, but some agencies base the charge on page numbers.
- Most agencies will deliver the accident report by mail or e-mail .
Some Department of Motor Vehicle offices also provide accident reports. In South Carolina, for instance, you can request a copy of the car accident report from the DMV after it has been received from the police.
Check with your DMV to see if this service is available.
Tips On Reporting A Car Accident To The Police
When reporting a car accident to the police, either at the scene or after the fact, follow these guidelines:
- Dont panic or lose your temper
- Dont admit fault, accept blame, or apologize for the collision
- Dont exaggerate or approximate details
- Dont make statements about the severity of your injuries
Keep these tips in mind as you speak to law enforcement. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate similar conversations with insurance agents and other lawyers.
Recommended Reading: When’s The Next Police Auction
What Will The Police Do At The Scene Of A Car Accident
The police are there to help. They will be able to provide support to the parties involved in the crash, interview witnesses, and gather all necessary information about the accident. The cops will do some or all of the following:
- Take down basic information.
- Make sure the area is secure and safe for traffic and all people involved.
- Give tickets if this is required due to violations or negligence.
- Speak to witnesses, third parties, or any other people involved.
- Evaluate the situation to help avoid scams or other issues.
- Prepare a report you can later use to file your insurance claim or use in court if needed.
If The Police Do Not Come To The Accident
There may be times that a police officer can’t come to the scene of the accident. Here are a few reasons why that might happen:
- In some states, the police are not required to go to the scene of an accident if the property damage value is too low. If you are concerned about injuries or other issues, make the police aware when you call it in. Having more details can help them decide whether they will come.
- The police may decide not to come if there are no injuries.
- If there is a public emergency or disaster underway, they may be too busy to make it to the scene of your crash.
You should always make a call to the police and let them decide whether they’ll come out. If the police do not come to the scene, then make sure you record all the details of the accident and any damages yourself.
Read Also: How Many Police Officers Killed In 2021
Obtaining Copies Of Police Accident Reports In Pennsylvania And New Jersey
Under Pennsylvania and New Jersey law, anyone involved in an accident has the right to obtain copies of the police accident report. The public can also access police accident reports, subject to limitations that protect the privacy of individuals involved in accidents.
Here are the basic guidelines for obtaining copies of a police accident report as an accident victim, from two state and two local police departments. If you do not see the police department that investigated your accident listed below, call the general information number at that department and ask for instructions. Every police department should have a relatively simple procedure for obtaining a police accident report.
How To Get A Police Report After A Car Accident In Lawrenceville
Its important to report an accident to a police officer that comes to the scene and creates a report containing the details of the crash. As a car accident law firm in Lawrenceville, we can tell you that there are several ways to obtain the accident report after you have been involved in a car accident. Remember, it will take several days for the report to be ready so do not worry if there is a delay in being able to obtain the report.
You May Like: How To Be A Special Police Officer
Can You Get An Accident Report If You Didnt Call The Police
No. If the police did not respond at the time of the incident, they cannot and will not complete an accident report. This can complicate matters with the insurance company, which may try to blame you for the accident. But you can complete your own personal accident report, which may help. This is essentially a formal way to document everything that happened as you saw it, as soon after the accident as possible. Give the completed report to your lawyer and they may be able to draw on it when dealing with the insurance company.
For a free legal consultation, call
Rules For Reporting Alberta Accidents In The Traffic Safety Act
Section 69 of the Traffic Safety Act states the duty of drivers involved in a traffic accident in Alberta :
69 Where an accident in which a vehicle is involved occurs on a highway, the driver or other person in charge of any vehicle that was directly or indirectly involved in the accident shall :
remain at the scene of the accident or, if the person has left the scene of the accident, immediately return to the scene of the accident unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, render all reasonable assistance, and produce in writing to anyone sustaining loss or injury, to any peace officer and to any witness all or such of the following information as is requested :
that persons name and address the number of that persons operators licence the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle the licence plate number of the vehicle a financial responsibility card issued in respect of that vehicle.
Also Check: Does Crisis Text Line Call The Police
If You Are Involved In An Accident
Stop your car – Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car was involved. No matter how slight the collision, if your fail to stop, you could be convicted of “hit and run” and be subject to criminal prosecution even if the accident was not your fault. If you are blocking a lane of travel and your car is still operable, move your vehicle to the side of the road.Get aid for the injured – If anyone is hurt, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Do not attempt first aid unless you are qualified to give it, as you could make matters worse instead of better. – Call 911 for the police even if there are no injuries.Remain in your vehicle – Put your hazard lights on to indicate that your car is not moving and stay in the car until emergency personnel have arrived.
Why Would I Need To Amend A Police Report After A Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident, you know the first step is to exchange insurance information with the other party involved and to call the police so they can file an accident report. But as we know, people make mistakes and errors are sometimes included within the report. In some cases, there is even information missing.
Changes can be made to the report otherwise known as amending the police report. Amending a police report is simple, yet changes will only be made if provided with strong concrete evidence to support your claim. There are many reasons you might need to amend a police report including:
- Any missing information
- Wrong name, birth date, license plate number, make/model of car
- Insurance forms
- Registration records
- Incorrect testimony
- Error in the witness statement
- If you think there is something wrong with disputable information in the report, you will have a harder time getting it changed. The best you can do in most cases is to write your version of the details you are disputing and hope it can be added as a report supplement.
Also Check: What Is The Best Police Radar Detector
Legal Help For Accident Victims
If you need help making necessary changes, consider reaching out to a local car accident attorney. They can assist you with finding evidence to disprove the error and get the police to cooperate with your request. We can connect you with an experienced, knowledgeable attorney in your area today.
Our free service helps those who have been hurt in car accidents all over the country. We can give you insight into how much your claim could be worth, and offer professional help. Reach out today to seek the justice you deserve in the wake of an accident.
Police Reports And Personal Injuries
No one is at their best after a car accident. You will likely be shaken up and not able to clearly judge how you are doing. Police can spot potential issues and help. They will also deal with the other party for you, which will provide some objectivity and relieve a lot of stress. The police will question all involved parties and fill in the details of the report.
Sometimes injuries don’t show up until a day or two after the accident. If you didn’t file a police report and there is no record of the crash, it may make it harder for you in the long run. For instance, it could be harder to get coverage for your medical expenses.
Recommended Reading: Can The Police Track A Phone That Is Turned Off
Report Your Accident To Your Broker Or Insurance Company As Soon As You Can
Your broker or agent is there to help you. They will need some basic information about the accident to begin to process your insurance claim. Be ready to provide :
- Insurance Policy Information : The policy owners name and policy number.
- Information On The Car : Have the year, make and model of your vehicle ready.
- Details About The Accident : Provide all the information that you have written down or can remember.
- Information About Car And Driver Of The Other Vehicle : Have on hand the other persons drivers license information, insurance info, license plate info.
- Reporting Office Information : Have the name and badge of the reporting office if there was one.
All of this information will be on the form you fill out at the accident reporting centre.
What Not To Do At The Accident Scene
Getting into a car accident can be a shock. Its important for you to stay calm, avoid arguing with the other driver, and handle the situation properly. Don’t do this :
- Take responsibility or assume liability in any way
- Agree to pay for the damages
- Agree to forget about the accident
- Accept money or any form of settlement
Don’t Miss: How To File Police Report Car Accident
Accidents With Less Than $2000 Damage But Still Are Required To Be Reported
There are certain instances where you are still need to report an accident, even if there is less than $2,000 damage :
- A crime was committed impaired driving, stolen vehicle, etc.
- There is an injury
- A vehicle is transporting dangerous goods
- The accident involves a government vehicle
- The driver is uninsured or doesnt have a license
- There is damage to private property
- The accident involved a pedestrian or cyclist
Police Reports: A Quick Overview
Pennsylvania and New Jersey laws require citizens to notify law enforcement immediately of any traffic accident involving a fatality or personal injury. The laws of both states also require any law enforcement officer who investigates the scene of a fatal/injury accident to prepare and submit a written report of the investigation to the police department and other relevant authorities. The laws place short time limits on the preparation of preliminary reports . Officers can submit supplemental reports if necessary.
The standard police accident reports in Pennsylvania and New Jersey contain a wide variety of information about an accident, including:
- The county and municipality where the crash occurred
- The time of day the crash occurred
- The number of vehicles/pedestrians involved in the accident
- The number of people involved in the crash
- The number of people injured or killed in the crash
- The presence of damage to the road or roadway features
- Whether the reported crash was a primary or secondary incident
- The roadway location of the crash
- Details about the roadway where the crash happened
- Details about the surroundings of the crash
- Details about the people involved in the crash
- The results of alcohol/drug tests of drivers
- A narrative description of how the crash happened, including its first harmful event, most harmful event, and prime contributing factors and
- A diagram of the accident.
Also Check: What Do You Have To Become A Police Officer
Atlantic City Police Department
To obtain a crash report from the Atlantic City Police Department, purchase a copy online here or visit the Accident Investigation Unit at the Atlantic City Public Safety Building, 2715 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fees apply and you must show proper ID.
City Of Philadelphia Police Department
To obtain a copy of a crash report prepared by a city of Philadelphia law enforcement officer, submit a request form in person at the City of Philadelphia Records Department in City Hall, Room 170, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 2 PM, or by mail to Records Department, Room 170, Philadelphia PA. 19107, ATTN: Accident Reports. You must pay a $25 fee for accident reports, and a separate $27 fee for any photographs taken at the accident scene .
Recommended Reading: How To Get Police Records Online
Need An Experienced Attorney To Assist In Your Claim Call Us
After a vehicle collision, it is understandable to feel anxious. You might have difficulty thinking clearly due to stress, or possibly the physical effects of shock if you sustained an injury. But it is critical that you notify law enforcement. Not only is this your legal responsibility, but it can have a big impact on your ability to file a claim for repairs to your vehicle or other vehicles involved in the crash.
For any questions concerning your rights and responsibilities after avehicle crash,please contact the attorneys at the Rhine Law Firm, P.C., by calling.
Auto Insurance Richmond Hill
In Richmond Hill Once you have points adding to your recored or charges to your driving abstract, your insurance would go up. Save yourself headache, consulte a professional before attending court if you choose to fight your tickets in Ajax. If your insurance dose go up, you can always find a cheaper insurance on our insurance page. Do you consider yourself as a safe driver? then you deserve a fair or fairly cheap insurance in Richmond Hill.
You May Like: How To Become A Police Officer Step By Step
When Supplemental Reports Cannot Be Used
Police departments across the country typically dont allow the filing of supplemental police reports in any of the following circumstances:
- Evidence has yet to be collected
- The situation is still an actively dangerous one
- If the info is in relation to the location of the suspect
- If the filing is being used to report gunshots
- Vehicle theft
- Domestic violence
- Significant property loss
A supplemental police report is an important document that many police departments use in various situations. As with regular police reports its possible for a member of the public to request a copy of such a report when necessary.
New Jersey State Police
The steps for obtaining a crash report for an accident to which a New Jersey State Trooper responded vary depending on where the accident occurred. For a crash report on a non-toll road, follow this link and request an uncertified copy of the report or, to obtain a certified copy, mail this request form to Division of State Police, Criminal Justice Records Bureau, P.O. Box 7068, West Trenton NJ 08628-0068 along with a check or money order for $10.
For crashes that happened on either the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway, purchase a copy online here or call the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Operations Department at 442-8600 ext. 2431 for instructions.
For crashes that happened on the Atlantic City Expressway, mail the linked form above to the Atlantic City Expressway Authority at P.O. Box 389 Hammonton, NJ 08037 along with a certified check or money order for $10 made payable to the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
Additional fees apply for purchasing photographs.
Don’t Miss: What Do You Do In The Police Academy