If you’re in a car accident, it’s vital to request an accident report from the police. This document will provide key information about the incident if you want to file insurance claims and other legal proceedings. Here’s how to request an accident report from your local police department.
What You Need To Get A Car Accident Report
After a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call the police to file a report. This document can be critical in helping you recover damages from the at-fault party, and your insurance company may also require it. So how do you request a police report?
- Contact the police department that responded to your accident
- Provide your name, insurance information, and contact address
- The other driver’s name, insurance information, and contact address
- An explanation of how the accident happened, including the time, date, and location
- A description of the damage to both vehicles
- Witness information, if available
- Any citations or charges that were filed
After you’ve provided this information, the police department will send you a copy of the report. If you’re unsure how to get a police report, don’t hesitate to ask the responding officer for help, and they will be pleased to walk you through the process.
How Long Can You Wait To Get An Accident Report?
You have a limited time to get an accident report after a car accident in most states. The amount of time you have to get an accident report varies by state but is usually around ten days. Some states allow you to get an extension if you have a good reason, such as being in the hospital.