How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report After A Car Accident?
Posted in Car Accidents on December 10, 2018
At The Dixon Firm, one of the most common questions we are asked about police reports is how long it will take to get the report after a car accident. In most cases, a car accident police report will be completed as part of the procedure. While this seems pretty standard, many people don’t realize that you should complete a police report even for minor accidents, or accidents causing only minor injuries. It is important to complete a police report because it verifies accident information for your insurance company, and also will be an important part of any civil claims arising out of the car accident.
A police report is part of a standard process completed by police officers when they respond to a car accident scene. This report provides a description of the accident, individuals and vehicles involved, injuries reported, and any tickets written.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report After A Car Accident?
Answering the question of how long it takes to get a police report requires a bit of background information about how police reports are processed. Many people feel frustrated that their report is not immediately available, but we must remember that there are procedures, and law enforcement must report the incident properly. Let’s review how police reports are processed in Georgia.
After the officer has completed the report, he or she will then need to complete the report within the guidelines of the agency. Next, the law enforcement agency is required to submit the report to the Department of Transportation.
Generally, police officers complete their portion of the police report within 3-5 business days. Of course, this can vary considerably depending on how busy the department is and when the accident occurred (weekend, holiday, etc.).
Because there is a process and certain Georgia laws regarding how police reports are handled, it may take a few weeks for your police report to be completed and be available to you. You can always check in with the appropriate law enforcement agency for updates on the status. It is recommended that you allow at least a week before contacting them. You should never call 911 to ask about a record. Find out the direct number to the agency, and ask to speak with someone in the records unit.
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How Can I Get My Car Accident Police Report?
Once your police report has been completed and it is ready for you, you have a few options about how you can get it. Depending on how you choose to get the police report, you may be charged a small fee. Generally, that fee ranges from $5 to $11. The most common options to get a police report include:
Pick it Up
Many people choose to get a copy of their police report by going to the police station in person. One of the benefits of getting the report in person is that you have the ability to review it and make sure you get the correct report. You must go to the station of the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident and completed the report. If you aren’t sure which agency responded to the accident, you can call each agency, or possibly look up the accident online.
Order a Copy Online
In today’s digital age, it is not surprising that an increasing number of people choose to obtain their police reports online. Most police officers and attorneys recommend using the site buycrash.com. This website allows you to look up and buy a copy of the police report. It also allows you to enter the date, location, or VIN of your vehicle (if applicable) to look up which agency completed the report.
Ask Your Attorney
If you are working with a personal injury attorney, you can always ask him or her to obtain a copy on your behalf. Your attorney’s office can easily obtain a copy of your police report so long as you provide them with the appropriate information to look it up.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Case
If you have been injured in a car accident and are feeling overwhelmed about what steps to take, contact The Dixon Firm today. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in helping car accident victims understand their legal rights and get the compensation they deserve. We can help you obtain a copy of your police report, communicate with insurance adjusters, and determine if you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our office today by chat, by calling our Atlanta office at 888-DIXON-11, or by filling out our online form.