How Do I Get My Accident Report After a Car Crash?

One of the first steps to take if you are involved in a car accident is to call 911 and report it. Dispatch will send a police officer and emergency medical technicians to the accident scene if injuries are involved. Once the police officer arrives, they will complete a police report containing essential details about the accident.

The responding officer will talk to both parties involved in the accident and any witnesses who saw the accident happen to obtain as much information as possible about the events leading up to the crash, how the accident occurred, and whether negligence was a factor. Examples of negligent behavior include speeding, drunk driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving. It is crucial that you obtain a copy of the report.

In most cases, the police report will not be available right away. It generally takes between three and four days to process the report, at which time you can obtain a copy of the report in one of the following three ways:

• Go to the police department, sheriff’s station, or Georgia Highway Patrol post to respond to the accident. There is a small fee for obtaining a copy of the report.
• Order a copy of the report online.
• Have your car accident lawyer do it for you.

In order to get a copy of the report, you will need to provide the following:

• Last name of at least one of the motorists involved in the accident.
• Date and location of the accident.
• VIN of at least one of the vehicles involved.
• Accident report number or the driver’s license of at least one of the drivers.

Often, the police officer will provide a card with your accident report number, which you can use to request a copy of the report.

Can I Get an Accident Report if Police Were Not Called to the Scene?

Unfortunately, if you or the other motorist did not call the police, a police officer will not complete an accident report after the fact. However, you can complete a personal accident report, allowing you to document everything that happened to the best of your recollection. You should do this as soon as possible after the accident while the details are still fresh in your head.

What Evidence Will Help My Case?

It is recommended that you collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including the following:

• Photographs of the crash site, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries
• Witness statements
• Footage from video surveillance cameras
• Copies of your medical records if you were injured

Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident, contact our Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.