There are many reasons why you need a police report after your car accident. You may not be able to move your car following the accident. The other driver may be intoxicated or uninsured. The driver may have even left the scene of the accident. Whatever the case, a police report can benefit your accident in so many ways. Read on to find out how long it will take to file a police report for your car accident from the car accident lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law.
How police reports affect your claim
Police officers are used to filing reports for car accidents. They know how to record the necessary evidence that you’ll need to file your insurance claim. One of the most common issues with car accident claims is proving liability. The other driver may argue that you were the at-fault driver of your accident. The details in a police report can be used to determine who was truly responsible for the accident.
There is additional information that your lawyer could use to help you seek compensation for your accident. That information could be the damage done to your car and the injuries you sustained at the accident scene. This information can help make your injuries more credible to insurance agents.
How insurance companies use police reports
Following your accident, your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company will conduct their investigations. Part of their investigation will involve reviewing your police report.
Insurance agents will use the information in your police report to determine whether your claim should be approved. That is why you want to ensure that all the information in your police report is accurate. The last thing you want is to be denied compensation because of errors found in your police report.
Parts of a police report
A police report contains four parts:
- The front page. This page contains some of the most important facts about the accident. This is where you’ll find the other drivers’ names, their insurance companies, and any citations that were issued.
- The second page. This page includes the police officers’ details about the crash. It may also include additional evidence like photographs, diagrams of the accident, and any property damage.
- The supplemental report form. This page includes any additional facts about the crash that the officer deems necessary to include. If any airbags were deployed or passengers were ejected from the car, that information would be included on this page.
- The overlay page. This page is where police officers will include different codes and data fields found on the report. This information is used as a “key” to help law enforcement officials read the report correctly.
How long will it take to obtain a police report?
Georgia police officers use electronic means to create and submit police reports. It often takes three to five business days before a police report is ready. If you are one of the parties involved in the accident, you can request a copy of the police report for free. You can pick up your copy in person at the police station. You can also request a copy online for a small fee by using a third-party website. You can also send a request for a copy through the mail.
Correcting inaccurate information on a police report
Sometimes you’ll discover inaccurate information on your police report. When you discover this information, you want to amend it as soon as possible. The inaccurate information can affect your insurance claim in so many ways.
It can be used against you and affect your ability to receive compensation. You are the only person that can amend the information on your police report. There are a couple of ways that you can amend the information in your police report. You can visit the police station in person and ask that the report be amended. You can also give a statement to the reporting officer.
Getting help from Spaulding Injury Law
Dealing with a car accident can cause additional stress. Even something as simple as waiting for a police report can become difficult. When you want to ensure that you receive the right compensation for your accident, you need a personal injury lawyer.
Your lawyer will be able to obtain a copy of your police report and make sure that it is accurate. There are portions of the police report that may be complex and easy to overlook. After reviewing your police report, your lawyer can assess your case and determine the best way to receive compensation. We can help negotiate a settlement and fight for your rights if necessary.
Call a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Today
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident? Do you require a copy of a police report? Call the car accident lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law to schedule a consultation today.
