A car accident report is an important piece of information in regard to a car accident that has happened. Police officers have the responsibility of filling out the document when they arrive at the scene of an accident. The police report is then sent to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV).
If you were involved in a car accident recently, then you can usually get a copy of the police report by requesting it from the law enforcement agency that filed it in the State of Florida. The type of process to obtain the police report will vary by agency. There are some agencies that offer downloads on the internet, while there are other agencies that require you to send your request by mail or appear in person at the station.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to protecting the legal rights of clients who have been involved in car accidents throughout the State of Florida. Our law firm will help you to obtain the police report of your car crash and develop a personal injury claim that will recover the compensation that you deserve.
Call our office to speak to a car accident lawyer now. Our phone lines are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.
What You Need to Get a Car Accident Report
If you are looking to obtain car accident reports in the State of Florida, then you will need to have the following information in order to locate the right crash report:
- The case number.
- The date and time of the car accident.
- The location of the car accident.
- The names of the drivers involved.
You do not necessarily need all of the information listed above, but it will help to speed up the process of locating the auto accident report.
What Is the First Step to Obtaining My Car Accident Report?
You will first need to know the agency that filed your auto accident report. Different agencies do not have access to reports from other agencies. It is essential that you know the name of the agency that responded to your car accident or the department that you called to file the report at the time.
In most cases, a police officer will usually give out business cards or another type of document which will tell you who to contact in order to obtain a copy of your car accident report before they leave the scene of a car crash.
If your auto accident occurred on a state highway or interstate, then the Florida Highway Patrol may have jurisdiction. In this case, you can find a crash report online.
What Do Crash Reports Include?
You must file a car accident report by calling the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days of a car crash. All types of accident reports will have to include specific details that explain the accident. A crash report is useful in the courtroom due to the fact that they are a reliable source of facts and information. The type of information that is included in a crash report includes:
- The location, date, and time of the car accident.
- The personal information and contact details of the people involved in the car accident, along with any eyewitnesses.
- The statements from the eyewitnesses and parties involved.
- The description of property damage that was caused in the car accident.
- The opinions of the police officers at the scene of the accident.
Who Can Request a Report in Florida?
Car accident reports are not public records until 60 days after the accident occurred. If you are looking for a copy of the car crash report, then you will need to fill out an affidavit that declares you were involved in the accident. However, anyone will be able to request a copy of the car crash report after 60 days have passed.
The affidavit is available at a police department and the sheriff’s office. You also have the option of filling it out online at the Florida Highway Patrol website.
Do I Need to File a Crash Report?
Florida Statute 316.066 declares that you have to remain at the scene of the car accident and call 911 to summon the police in the following situations and more:
- The car accident caused an injury or death.
- The car accident was a hit and run.
- One of the drivers involved in the car accident was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The car accident resulted in property damage that is worth over $500.
It is imperative that you call the police to the scene of an accident. The police report that they will write is also an important piece of evidence for your case, especially if you want to pursue compensation later.
How Can I Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer About My Claim?
The car accident lawyers at The Law Place are highly trained to deal with all types of car accidents in the State of Florida. We have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle your claim and help you to win the compensation that you are owed.
Our law firm will explore all possibilities and methods of pursuing financial compensation on your behalf. We will negotiate with your insurance company and also with the other driver’s insurance company. If you put your trust in us, we will be sure to win the maximum amount of compensation that will cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Call our office to schedule a free consultation now.
Compensation We Can Help You to Recover
A car accident lawyer from The Law Place will help you to seek compensation for all of your losses after a car accident, such as:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future).
- Lost wages, a loss of future earnings, and a reduced earning capacity.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death.
We Can Help You File Your Case on Time
The statute of limitations explains that you only have four years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim in the State of Florida. However, if someone you love died, then you will only have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim in the State of Florida.
A car accident lawyer from The Law Place will help you to file your personal injury claim or wrongful death claim in due time to make sure that you receive the compensation that you are owed.
Look into Florida Statute 95.11 for more information on the statute of limitations.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you or someone you know are looking to access a car accident report following a crash, then you should seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer in the State of Florida. A car accident lawyer will be at your side to guide you through the legal system.
At The Law Place, we have over seventy-five years of combined experience and knowledge in assisting clients in obtaining car accident reports all over the State of Florida. Our law firm has a deep understanding of traffic law, and we will explain all that you need to know following an accident.
If you have questions or concerns about a car accident report, then you should call our office now. Our phone lines are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation today.