The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, and you may need help filing legal claims for financial compensation. One thing you may need is a copy of the police report from the accident. Depending on what is in the report, it may be a serious help to your case.
How we get a copy of the report depends on which police department has it and how they prefer to receive requests. The Rahway Police Department and the New Jersey State Police may take requests for reports online. However, certain reports, like those involving serious injuries or death, may need to be requested in writing. Depending on how the police investigated, they may include various details about the accident in the report, such as information about the drivers, vehicle damage, physical injuries, and more.
Call our Rahway car accident lawyers for help getting a copy of your accident report by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
Where Do I Get a Copy of a Police Report for a Rahway Car Accident?
Where we can find copies of the accident report depends on which law enforcement agency was in charge of the accident and how that agency accepts requests. Generally, requests can be made online, though you may have the option to submit them by regular mail.
Online Requests
Local and state authorities often prefer that drivers submit accident report requests online. The department that handled your case and wrote the report may have a specific online portal to use, and your attorney can help you determine where to go to submit a request.
The Rahway Police Department makes reports available through CrashDocs, although you may also call the records bureau to see if you can obtain a copy another way.
State authorities, like the New Jersey State Police or the Turnpike Authority, also make reports available through online requests. However, certain accident reports, like those for fatal accidents, may need to be requested through regular mail in writing.
Information Needed to Request a Report
The police do not just give out accident reports to anyone who asks for them. While certain reports are part of public records and publicly available, full copies of car accident reports might not be. As such, you may need certain details about the accident when submitting a request.
You likely need a report number, which may have been provided by the police officers investigating the accident. You also likely need details about the accident location, the make and model of the cars involved, the names of the drivers, and other information from the accident.
Contact the Police Directly
If you are unsure where or how to request a copy of the report, or what information you need to submit a request, our Rahway personal injury lawyers can contact the police directly. While they likely will not get us a report over the phone, they may explain the process of requesting a report, when it will be ready, and what information we need to provide when we submit a request.
What Kind of Information May Be in a Police Car Accident Report?
Police reports may contain various details based on what the police found during their investigation. Remember, not all accidents require extensive reports, and some reports contain only cursory information we might already know. More serious accidents usually result in more detailed reports.
Driver Details
The police report should contain details about the drivers involved in the accident at the very least. The police should speak to each driver, and their name and basic personal details may be included in the report. This information can be crucial if you never got the other driver’s name and want to take legal action against them.
Accident Scene Diagrams
In some cases, the police may actually include diagrams of the accident scene in the report. This may be more likely if the accident scene is particularly complex and requires more intensive investigation and documentation.
These diagrams can help shed light on how the accident occurred, who is at fault, and any evidence the police uncovered that may help us prove your claims.
Police Conclusions and Opinions
The police are trained professionals who often have extensive experience in investigating accidents. In cases involving severe injuries, death, or criminal charges, the police may draw their own conclusions and opinions based on the evidence they collect. These conclusions and opinions may be included in the report.
While the investigating officer’s opinions in the report about the accident are inadmissible in court as hearsay evidence, they may still shed light on the case. We may review these conclusions to inform our own legal strategies and find more evidence.
FAQs About Police Reports for Car Accidents in Rahway
Can I Sue for a Car Accident if I Have No-Fault Car Insurance?
Possibly. In New Jersey, drivers must elect a limited or unlimited right to sue when they purchase auto insurance. With a limited right to sue, you must prove you have a “serious injury” for your case to be permitted to proceed. With an unlimited right to sue, you do not have to jump this legal hurdle.
How Do I Know if I Should Sue for Damages After a Car Accident?
Whether you pursue a lawsuit is up to you, but you may consider this option if insurance is unavailable, your claims are denied, or if your damages exceed insurance policy limits. Talk to your lawyer to see if there is another way you can receive full compensation for your damages.
What is a Car Accident Lawsuit Worth in Rahway?
A car accident lawsuit may be worth substantial compensation if your damages and injuries are severe. Serious injuries may require costly medical care, and extensive vehicle damage is also expensive to repair. Many injured drivers claim tens of thousands of dollars in damages. In more severe cases, a claim may exceed six figures.
What if the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene?
If the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene before the police arrive, they may face criminal charges for a hit and run. If this happens, contact the police immediately and explain that the other driver ran. If you can provide a description of the other driver’s vehicle, the police may find them quickly, and you can hold them responsible for your damages.
What Do I Do if the Other Driver Claims I Caused the Accident?
If the other driver argues that you contributed to the accident, you may still sue them and possibly recover damages. However, your damages may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault as determined by the jury. If you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may not recover any damages.
Get Compensation After a Crash with Help from Our Rahway Car Accident Lawyers
Call our New Jersey car accident lawyers for help getting a copy of your accident report by calling Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.