Most drivers know that you should call the cops when you get into a car crash. While they are there, they will fill out a police report that contains details about the accident and everyone involved in it. This useful document can help you if you decide to make an insurance claim or sue another driver for damages. Our Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyers can tell you why getting your own copy of this report should be a priority.
How Do I Get My Police Report?
If you get into an accident in Washington, D.C. you can get a copy of a police report by contacting the Public Documents Unit. You can email or mail a request for a copy of your report, or you can visit the office in person and make your request. Your request should contain information about when the accident happened and where it happened. You should also have a six-digit report number given to you by the officer who responded to the scene.
For accidents that happened in Virginia or Maryland, the process for claiming a copy of a police report will differ slightly. Our lawyers can help you figure out how to get a copy of your report.
What If I Don’t Call the Cops to the Accident Scene?
Technically, you only have to call the cops to a car accident scene if certain criteria are met. If there are no injuries and the damage to the involved vehicles is minor, you are not required to call the cops. However, it’s a good idea to contact the police anyway.
The damage you see could be costlier to repair than you would expect. You could also be injured and not realize it yet. If you don’t have a police report and try to make a claim later, it can be difficult to get an insurer to listen.
What’s in a Police Report?
The police report summarizes the accident, who was involved, and how it seems to have occurred. This document will usually contain info like:
- Where the crash occurred
- A diagram of the crash
- Names of drivers involved in the crash
- Insurance info for all drivers involved
- Descriptions of vehicles involved in crash
- Whether anyone was injured
- Whether traffic citations were issued to any of the drivers in the crash
Can a Police Report Be Evidence in a Personal Injury Case?
Yes, a police report contains a lot of useful information that can be used in your case. It is rarely enough to prove negligence on its own though, even if it mentions a driver receiving a ticket or being arrested at the scene. Our lawyers can help you gather the evidence you need to build a convincing case.
Talk to Our Lawyers Today
If you’re ready to learn more about your legal options, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. If you were hurt in a crash, we can schedule a consultation and tell you more about how our lawyers can help you claim the compensation that you deserve.
