Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic both physically and emotionally. As such, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. One critical aspect of dealing with the consequences is obtaining a copy of the accident report. Please continue reading to learn the significance of filing a police report after an accident and why connecting with our competent Manatee County Car Accident Lawyers is in your best interest.
Why Should I File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the other driver may convince you that you don’t need to call the police. They may suggest handling the matter without filing a police report. However, depending on the severity of the collision, you may be legally required to report the accident to the police. In Florida, drivers are required to report any car accident that results in property damage exceeding $500, injury, or death. Failure to contact the police can result in criminal consequences.
Regardless of whether you are legally obligated to report the accident, an accident report is a crucial document for your legal claim. It’s a valuable resource as it can help you settle disputes over liability. If you agree to work things out without filing a report, the negligent party may claim the accident never happened. This can leave you liable for the damages you have endured as a result of their negligent actions.
How Do I Obtain a Copy?
Generally, there are three ways in which an individual can obtain a police report in Florida: in person, by mail, or online. First, you can visit the local law enforcement agency that investigated the accident and request a copy of the report. Police reports usually become available for request within ten days of the accident. However, only the parties involved in the accident and other authorized parties can initially request the report. Statutorily authorized parties that can obtain the report include the legal counsel for those involved in the crash, the involved drivers’ insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies.
If you prefer, you can request a copy of the report by mail. You will need to send a written request to the law enforcement agency and include all relevant details of the incident, including the date of the accident, location, the case number, parties involved, and other pertinent facts. Additionally, you can request a copy of the report through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) online portal. Typically you will have to pay a small fee to obtain these records.
As you can see, filing a police report after a collision is vital to preserve your legal rights. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a skilled Manatee County car accident lawyer, who can effectively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Becker & Lindauer, LLC, we are prepared to guide you through each step of the claims process. Connect with our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.
