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Our car accident lawyers in Fort Myers from Viles & Beckman explain how to obtain a police report and provide other essential information. Read on to learn more about getting police reports after a Florida crash.
When Can You Request a Police Report?
Most law enforcement agencies require a minimum period, such as 48-72 hours, to pass before you can request a report. This allows them time to complete the initial documentation.
However, the report should be available shortly after the statutory waiting period. You should request the report as soon as legally possible.
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How Do You Request a Copy of the Police Report?
In Florida, you can request a police report in two ways: through the mail or in person. According to The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, If you just need one copy of your police report, you can request it in person at the nearest Florida Highway Patrol office to you.
But for 10 or more crash reports, you’ll have to request copies through the mail and provide a letter about what crash you need a report for, a signed statement, and payment for each crash report.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
To request a copy of the police report for your accident, the law enforcement agency will require certain identifying details to locate the correct record in their system. You will need to supply:
- The date of the accident: Be as specific as possible about the month, day, and year.
- The approximate time it occurred: Note if it was morning, afternoon, or evening.
- The exact address or location where the crash took place: Give cross streets or landmarks if known.
- Your name and contact information: Provide your full name, current address, phone number, and email.
- Vehicle details: Give the year, make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle you occupied.
- Driver’s license information: Provide your driver’s license number and state of issue if you were driving.
- Insurance information: Note your insurance carrier and policy number that was active at the time.
The agency may ask for additional context to verify your involvement in the specific accident under their report. Some departments also require payment of a small administrative fee, usually $5-10, to process the records request and provide you with a copy of the official documentation.
Click To ContactWhat Details Will the Report Contain?
A police report has a lot of information. This information will be helpful should you decide to file a personal injury claim against the liable party. The police report contains:
Collision Narrative And Diagrams
The narrative section outlines the sequence of events through descriptive text regarding what happened in your accident. It may also include basic hand-drawn maps and diagrams showing the positioning of vehicles, roadways, objects, and estimated travel paths involved before, during, and after your accident occurred.
Driver And Witness Statements
Any relevant statements collected from those present at your accident, including yourself if you were a driver, passengers, and outside witnesses, regarding how it transpired based on their observations and perspectives.
Vehicle and Driver Identification
The report notes license plate numbers, VINs, makes and models, driver’s licenses, and insurance policy information for all vehicles and their operators involved in the accident. This can be especially helpful if the at-fault driver isn’t cooperating.
Traffic Conditions At the Time of Crash
Environmental factors like road conditions, speed limits, signage, signals, weather, and lighting are documented. Notes may also include distractions or roadway design concerns.
Injuries and Medical Care Received
Any injuries observed or reported by those involved are detailed. Additionally, treatment given by emergency responders and facilities where injured parties were transported will be listed.
Violations and Contributing Actions
If applicable, the officer lists all traffic violations issued and indicates contributing actions identified through the investigation that may have led to or affected the accident.
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How Can a Lawyer Help You Interpret the Report?
Our team of car accident attorneys in Fort Myers can help you understand the information on the report. At Viles & Beckman, we know that trying to read a police report after an accident can be difficult. Here are some of the ways we can help you:
Analyzing the Factors and Events
Our experienced car accident attorney is highly skilled at carefully examining all aspects of the police report. This includes dissecting the collision narrative, reviewing statements, inspecting diagrams, and fully analyzing any contributing actions or violations noted. We will identify all important details about what allegedly occurred before, during, and after your accident.
Evaluating Liability Issues
Through our comprehensive analysis, we can assess which parties or non-parties may have been responsible for causing or contributing to the crash based on the information and evidence contained in the report. This helps us determine if you have a viable legal claim.
Insurance Claims Guidance
We understand the insurance claims process inside and out. A consultation with us can guide the strength of your claim, what insurers may pay out for, and how to deal with any denials or obstacles with their evaluation of liability and coverage decisions regarding your reported accident injuries and damages.
Pursuing Further Legal Options
If the full circumstances of the crash reported indicate you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, we will discuss pursuing compensation through litigation as a potential option. Our legal team can help seek justice and full remuneration for your losses and pain and suffering beyond what insurance may provide.
By bringing accident reconstruction experts, they can carefully analyze the official documentation of your specific incident. We aim to explain the report’s significance fully. Our goal is to equip you with a clear understanding of the best path forward regarding liability decisions, claims, and consideration of additional remedies, if warranted, based on the facts of your case.
Learn More About Obtaining a Police Report After Your Car Accident
The police report provides essential documented facts about what happened in your accident. Having this official record can make a big difference in establishing liability and supporting any claims or legal cases.
If you have any questions about requesting or understanding the contents of your report, our car accident lawyer in Fort Myers at Viles & Beckman is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let’s ensure you secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.
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