After a car accident, drivers typically contact the police to report it. Whether the accident is severe or minor, the police may investigate and uncover crucial evidence. A copy of the police report can be a great help to injured plaintiffs suing for damages, and an attorney can help you get a copy.
We first must determine which police department handled your accident. Often, the local authorities respond to accidents, although the state police might have responded if your accident had happened somewhere like an interstate highway. In most cases, it may be easier to request a copy of the report by submitting an online form through the appropriate digital portal. However, you may prefer to make this request in person or by mail.
Receive a free case assessment from our Fair Lawn, NJ car accident lawyers by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
Where Do I Get the Police Report After a Car Accident in Fair Lawn, NJ
As you probably guessed, police reports can be obtained from the police officers who investigated your accident. Determining which police department handled the case can be tricky, and you may need to ask a lawyer for help.
Local Authorities
In many accident cases, the local authorities handle the investigation and report. If you were involved in a car accident somewhere within the city limits of Fair Lawn, the Fair Lawn Police Department likely has your police report. More specifically, we can contact the Records Department to find a copy of your report.
State Police
If your accident happened on a state or interstate highway, there is a good chance that the state authorities responded to the accident call. As such, our Fair Lawn, NJ car accident attorneys may need to reach out to the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). State authorities tend to handle accidents on major highways, turnpikes, and expressways, as well as boating accident reports.
How Do I Request a Copy of a Car Accident Report from the Police?
There may be more than one way to request a copy of your accident report, and our legal team can help you decide the best path forward.
Online Requests
Most police departments today allow drivers to request copies of accident reports online. The NJSP makes a request form available through an online portal. The Fair Lawn Police Department does not appear to have an online portal, but you may email the records department.
Requests In Person
You can also go to the police station and request a copy of the accident report in person. Before you do this, check the hours of operation of the police station. Also, it is a good idea to call ahead and ask how you can request the report in person.
Requests by Mail
You may also be able to ask for a copy of the report through the mail. While many police departments make reports available electronically or through email, this is not the preferred method for all drivers. An attorney can help you get a hard copy of the report in the mail.
Why is the Police Report Important in My Car Accident Case?
Police reports may be important after an accident for multiple reasons, including obtaining fair compensation.
Insurance Claims
Many insurance companies want to see a copy of the police report before they process a car accident claim. If you do not have a report, for whatever reason, you should have a good reason why. Not having the report could seriously delay an insurance claim.
Lawsuits and Evidence
While police reports are inadmissible as evidence in court because they violate the hearsay rule, they may be useful in other ways. For example, if the police uncover important information or evidence we do not have, we can use the police report to find it and try to admit it into court.
FAQs About How to Obtain a Copy of the Police Report for a Car Accident in Fair Lawn, NJ
Why Do I Need a Copy of the Police Report from My Car Accident?
You likely need a copy of the police report to file an insurance claim after the accident. It may also come in handy if you choose to sue the other driver. How necessary the report is may vary based on your circumstances.
Are Police Reports Admissible in Court as Evidence?
Generally, police reports are inadmissible as evidence in court because they violate the rule against hearsay evidence. Even so, the report may help guide us to other admissible evidence that was uncovered by the police. In some cases, police reports may be used in court, but only under limited circumstances.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Accident Report?
You may obtain a copy of the report by contacting the police department that investigated your accident. They may make the report available online, or we may have to visit the police department in person.
What if I Do Not Report My Car Accident to the Police?
If you never report the accident to the police, there can be no report. This is not unusual in cases where accidents are relatively minor. Even so, contacting the police about an accident, no matter how small, may be a good idea.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Copy of a Police Accident Report?
It typically takes a few weeks from the accident to get a copy of the police report. This time may be much longer if the accident is severe and involves extensive damage, serious injuries, or death.
Do I Always Need a Copy of the Accident Report from the Police?
You do not always need a copy of the report, but it is often a good idea to get a copy, just in case. Some reports do not reveal any new information and are not crucial to your case. Even so, an official police report can help make the legal or insurance process smoother.
Contact Our Fair Lawn, NJ Car Accident Attorneys for Help
Get a free case review from our Fair Lawn, NJ personal injury attorneys by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.