After a car accident, your path to recovery and compensation often begins with a crucial piece of documentation: the police report. This official account of the incident is foundational to your claims process, providing a detailed record of what happened and who was involved. Whether you choose to file an insurance claim or pursue a car accident lawsuit, securing this report from the Atlanta Police Department is one of the first and most important steps you can take.
How to Secure a Police Report from the Atlanta Police Department
Obtaining a car accident report in Atlanta can be done either in person or through a formal request to the proper authorities. If you prefer to collect the report yourself, you can visit the Central Records Unit of the Atlanta Police Department. You can also purchase a report online via an online platform called BuyCrash.
Located at the Atlanta Public Safety Annex (3493 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30331), the Central Records Unit is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. It’s important to note that there might be a waiting period of a few days before the report is ready for pickup after the accident.
What Type of Information Can I Find in a Car Accident Report?
A car accident report from the Atlanta Police Department includes several crucial details that you can leverage when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Ultimately, this report not only strengthens your position during negotiations or litigation but also ensures that all parties have access to the same factual information.
The information contained in a car accident report may include:
- The date, time, and exact location of the crash
- The names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved
- The reporting officer’s notes and sketches of the accident scene
- The officer’s preliminary assessment of fault
- Accounts and contact information of witnesses
How Can I Use a Car Accident Report in My Insurance Claim or Lawsuit?
The police report plays a key role in legal proceedings by offering an objective account of the events. It can help establish the facts of your case, especially if there are disputes about what happened. Moreover, the report contains information on any traffic citations or criminal charges issued at the scene, which can also help establish negligence or misconduct.
In terms of insurance claims, the report provides the insurer with a reliable record of the incident, aiding them in their assessment of liability, damages, and coverage. Without this report, it may be more challenging to prove the extent of your damages and link them directly to the accident.
Additionally, memories of the accident can fade over time, but the police report remains a fixed record that can be referred to for accurate details. This can be particularly important if injuries are disputed or if the other party changes their story.
Contact Monge & Associates for Assistance
If you’re navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Atlanta, obtaining an accident report is a critical step in protecting your legal rights. However, it is only the first step of the car accident claims process.
At Monge & Associates, we know how to leverage these reports to help secure fair compensation following a motor vehicle collision. Contact us today at (888) 477-0597 to learn how our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help.