You can get your crash report in Desoto from an online portal or by going to the police department office on East Belt Line Road. Crash reports, also known as police reports, provide essential information during the early stages of a car accident injury case. While you generally won’t use them as evidence at trial, these documents often help your attorney track down witnesses or build a negligence case.
Obtaining your crash report is the first of many steps that go into an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident. If you need help obtaining a crash report, a Desoto car accident lawyer could assist with the process.
How to Get a Crash Report in Desoto
For years, obtaining a report related to a motor vehicle collision was a hassle that involved finding the right office, waiting in line, and often returning repeatedly after being told the report was not ready yet.
However, things have simplified in recent years, with most jurisdictions (including the Desoto Police Department) offering reports online. For a $6 fee, you can request a copy of your accident report without ever setting foot inside a police station.
You can purchase accident reports after January 1, 2006, through their online portal. Older reports are only available when contacting Desoto police. The police recommend that you wait at least 48 hours after the accident to request a report, as it takes time for the officer to complete it.
Necessary Information to Request an Accident Report
When you request a report online, you will need three important pieces of information:
- Report or reference number (usually provided by the responding officers at the accident scene)
- Accident date
- Your last name
You can choose from two different reports. For the minimum fee, you can obtain a standard copy of the report, which is helpful for your attorney. However, if you intend to use the document in a legal proceeding, you might need a certified copy, which costs an additional $2. You might need a certified copy when negotiating with the insurance company.
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Crash Reports in Desoto Contain Details of Your Accident
Vehicle accident reports generally come with helpful information for your case. They start with basic information like the crash’s date, time, and location. Getting the specific street address or intersection allows your lawyer to visit the scene and get a feel for it first-hand.
The report can also provide insight into a potential cause of the crash. It notes the time, including whether it was daylight, dusk, or night. These documents also list any road or weather conditions common in a collision.
Other crucial details include:
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Insurance information for each driver
- Make and model of the vehicles
- Descriptions of the damage to each vehicle
The Officer’s Description Can Prove Critical to Your Claim
One of the most important aspects of a crash report is the narrative and scene diagram. The responding officers will typically prepare a simple, overhead-view illustration of the cars’ locations. The narrative is their explanation of their investigation. It often includes any statements or admissions made by the parties.
These accident reports are often crucial to negotiating settlements with insurance companies. These carriers often rely on the report details to determine whether to make an offer to resolve the case.
Avoid Any Delays in Obtaining the Report
Getting a copy of the crash report as soon as it is available is a good idea. That way, your attorney can review the report with you to determine if it contains any factual errors.
Officers are often in a hurry when preparing their reports. In some cases, they can misidentify drivers or incorrectly note the positions of the vehicles at the crash site. In a worst-case scenario, the report could reflect a statement or admission that you never made or was taken out of context. There is typically an opportunity to have the report corrected for this type of error.
The sooner you obtain the report, the more time your attorney has to build a case for negligence. You have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crash due to the statute of limitations. Any delay only further restricts how much time your legal counsel has to move your case forward.
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Other Documents Could Be Crucial to Your Case
The police report is important evidence, making it a great starting point in any car accident injury claim. That said, other evidence might prove more valuable, and you want to collect it as soon as possible following a crash. These include:
- Medical records showing the extent of your injuries
- Photos of your wounds or the crash site
- Statements from witnesses regarding what happened
- Reports from experts explaining how the accident occurred
- Employment records reflecting your lost income
- Medical bills demonstrating the cost of your care
- Dash camera footage that captured the accident
Moving quickly and providing these crucial details to your attorney increases your chances of a favorable outcome. This information could be what you need to identify a viable accident claim.
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Talk to an Attorney About Getting Your Crash Report After an Accident
Were you hurt in a car accident? If so, it is critical to understand how to get a crash report in Desoto. These documents are essential for developing a theory of negligence in your case, and they can be invaluable to your attorney in the initial stages of their investigation.
If you have questions on how to obtain a report, Clay Jenkins & Associates is here to help. Reach out right away for a free consultation to discuss your accident. Our team of attorneys understands how to maximize your recovery, and we work tirelessly to help you get the outcome you deserve.
Call or text (972) 938-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form