How Do I Obtain a Police Report for My Car Accident Claim?
If you are involved in a car accident that resulted in property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities, the accident must be reported to the police. When the responding officer arrives at the accident scene, they will fill out a police report, including important details about the accident. Often, the report will help identify the motorist who was responsible for causing the accident. If you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, it is crucial that you obtain a copy of the police report, as this may provide a valuable piece of evidence to support your claim. There are several ways that you can secure a copy of the police report.
In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) manages the accident reports for all accidents that occur on state-owned roadways and highways. If you need a copy of the police report for an insurance claim, you can do so in the following ways:
- Go to the nearest DOT office.
- Request a police report by mail.
- Request a police report online.
What Information Is Included in a Police Report?
A Georgia police report is a valuable piece of evidence as it contains important information about the accident, including:
- The specific location of the accident and the date and time that the accident occurred.
- The names, addresses, and contact information of all parties involved.
- Detailed information about the vehicles involved, including make, model, and license plate numbers.
- A graphic representation of how the accident occurred.
- A written description of the accident.
- Whether any citations were issued.
- Details about injuries and property damage caused by the accident.
Are Police Reports Always Admissible in Car Accident Cases in Georgia?
Police reports provide key evidence about the details of a car accident. In some cases, the report may identify which motorist was responsible for causing the accident. While many other states do not allow police reports to be included as evidence because they contain statements from police officers considered hearsay, certain parts of a police report may be admitted as evidence if they fall under one of the exceptions to Georgia’s hearsay rule.
Is it Possible to Dispute Information Included in a Police Report?
The scene of a car accident can be very chaotic, and it is possible that the responding police officer could include information on the police report that is not entirely accurate. Depending on the incorrect information, this could hurt your claim. Unfortunately, once the report has been filed, it is difficult to challenge it or make changes unless the police officer is willing to change their report. If the officer refuses, it will have to be challenged in court. An experienced car accident lawyer will assist you with this process and protect your legal rights.
Our Springfield Car Accident Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Assist Clients With Every Phase of the Claims Process
If you are filing a personal injury claim after being injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield car accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law. We will help you navigate every step of the claims process, including obtaining a copy of the police report and other important evidence necessary to support your claim. Our dedicated legal team will protect your rights and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients in Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.