After an auto accident, drivers typically call for medical assistance and the police. When the police arrive, they can investigate the crash, and they may draft an official report of their findings. This report may help you get fair compensation, and we should get a copy as soon as possible.

A copy of the police report about your car accident will likely come from the police officers who investigated the accident. This may be local or state law enforcement, depending on where and how your accident occurred. While many police departments allow drivers to request copies of reports online, you may instead choose to go to the police station in person or make a request by mail.

Speak to our Phoenix, AZ car accident lawyers at the Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm by calling (480) 428-0816 and ask for a free case review to get started.

How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report After a Car Accident?

Getting a copy of the police report may be easier said than done, and your attorney can help you if you run into difficulty.

Contact the Police

Your first step toward getting a copy of the police report is to contact the police officers who investigated your car accident. Often, police officers responding to an accident will introduce themselves to drivers and explain how to obtain a copy of the report. However, if you were badly hurt, you might have been taken to a hospital before you could speak with the police. We can help you find out which police department handled your accident.

Submit a Formal Request

Once our Phoenix, AZ car accident lawyers know which police department has your report, we must determine how we can submit a formal request for a copy. Often, police departments make reports available online, and we can submit a request through their website. However, we can also go to the police station in person and ask about getting a copy.

Contact an Attorney

If you are unsure of how to proceed or whether a police report about your accident even exists, contact an attorney for help. Car accidents are common, and an experienced attorney should know how to get a copy of the report and use it to get you fair compensation.

When Will a Police Report for a Car Accident Be Available?

Police reports are not ready immediately. Depending on the accident and the extent of the police investigation, it can take some time before the report is ready.

Ordinary Car Accidents

For ordinary car accidents, you can expect the police report to be ready in a few weeks after the accident. If the accident is not very serious, the police will likely complete their investigation quickly. On top of that, non-serious accidents are usually not given priority, and the report could be placed on the back burner if more important things come up.

Severe Collisions

In cases of severe crashes where drivers are seriously injured or killed, the police will likely take much longer to investigate, especially if one of the drivers could be criminally charged. It is not uncommon for drivers in such accidents to wait a few months for a finished police report.

Why is the Police Report from My Car Accident Important?

While you might not need a copy of the police report to pursue fair compensation, it is still a good idea to have one if it is available.

Insurance Claims

Insurance companies almost always ask for a copy of the police report. While your claim may still be processed without one, it might take more time, especially if you do not have a lot of other evidence to support your claims.

Gathering Evidence

If you need evidence, the police report may contain valuable details about the evidence the police uncovered during their investigation. This can be especially useful when building a case for a lawsuit.

Personal Records

You should also get a copy for your personal records. If you buy auto insurance sometime in the future, insurance companies might inquire about your driving and accident history. Having the report can help you show that you did not cause the accident, and you might get a better insurance rate.

FAQs About Obtaining Copies of Police Reports for Car Accidents in Phoenix, AZ

Where Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report for a Car Accident?

Police reports are typically prepared by the officers who investigate accidents. We can contact the state or local police, depending on which one handled your case, to find out where your accident report is.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Copy of a Police Accident Report?

In many cases, an accident report is available a few weeks after the accident. However, if the police need more time to investigate, such as in cases involving serious injury or death, the report might take longer to prepare.

What Information is in a Police Car Accident Report

The police report may include details on where and how the accident occurred, as well as information about the drivers, their vehicles, weather conditions, and other pertinent details. Often, the police may include information about evidence they uncovered or witnesses they spoke to.

Do I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim for a Car Crash?

While insurance companies usually ask for a copy of the police report before processing a car accident claim, it might not be completely necessary, depending on your insurance provider. Minor accidents are often not reported to the police, but it is still a good idea to get a report if one is available.

Do I Have to Have a Copy of a Police Car Accident Report to File a Lawsuit?

No. While a police report may help guide us to evidence uncovered by the police that we can use in a lawsuit, the report itself is often inadmissible in court. You may file a lawsuit without having a copy of the report.

Can I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident Online?

Yes. Many police departments today make reports available online. You may need to submit a request with information about the accident so the police can find the right report, and you may access it online.

Call Our Phoenix, AZ Car Accident Lawyers Today

Speak to our Chandler, AZ car accident lawyers at the Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm by calling (480) 428-0816 and ask for a free case review to get started.