Whether you are involved in a major collision or a minor accident, it is a good idea to contact the police as soon as possible. In many cases, the police will investigate the accident, uncover evidence, and file a formal report about their findings. Your attorney should help you get a copy of this report for your legal claims.
The Westfield Police Department allows drivers to come to the police station in person to obtain a copy or submit a request online. Reports are usually ready a few weeks after an accident, although more complex or severe accidents may take longer to investigate. While the report itself is often inadmissible as evidence in court, it may contain information that can lead us to admissible evidence.
For a free case evaluation to begin, call our Westfield personal injury lawyers at Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report for a Car Accident in Westfield?
How we obtain a copy of the police report from your car accident depends on which police department handled the investigation and drafted the report. Many accidents are handled by the local authorities in Westfield or the state police.
Call the Officers Who Investigated Your Accident
If you are unsure how to get a copy of your accident report, or if an accident report even exists, our Westfield car accident lawyers will help you contact the officers in charge of your case.
Often, the investigating officers will provide drivers with contact information so they can follow up on matters such as accident reports. If you have any such information, share it with your lawyer.
When Your Report is Ready
Your report might not be quite ready yet. It often takes at least a few weeks to complete and file a report. The police may give us an idea of when we can expect your report to be ready, and we can submit a formal request for a copy.
Keep in mind that severe accidents involving injury or death may be investigated more thoroughly. As a result, the final report might not be read for a while longer.
Submit a Formal Request
Once we know the report is ready, we can make a formal request for an official copy. If the Westfield Police Department has your report, they may allow us to submit a request in person at the police station or online, and the report may be emailed to us.
If your accident occurred on a major highway, such as a state highway or interstate, the New Jersey State Police may have responded and completed a report. You can request a copy of the report from the state authorities online or through the mail. Keep in mind that certain reports may require a minor fee before your request is processed.
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Report from the Police?
The police report from a car accident may help you when it comes time to take legal action for compensation. It may be necessary when filing an insurance claim, or it could help us find evidence for a lawsuit.
Auto Insurance Claims
In New Jersey, drivers must carry no-fault insurance and usually file claims under their own coverage without proving fault. However, insurance companies still want some proof of the crash so they know your claim is not fraudulent. This is where the police report comes in handy.
The police report is an official document from law enforcement officials that proves your accident occurred. It may even explain some of the damage and injuries you sustained in the accident. It is not unusual for insurance companies to request or demand a copy of the police report before processing a claim, even a no-fault claim.
Settlement Negotiations
While settlements are somewhat informal and do not necessarily require anyone present evidence or meet a burden of proof, having evidence of the other driver’s negligence may help you leverage a better settlement.
Often, the police will include their own opinions and conclusions about how an accident happened in the police report. While this information is usually inadmissible in court because it violates the rule against hearsay evidence, it may be acceptable in a settlement negotiation.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
In New Jersey, your auto insurance may come with a limited or unlimited right to sue, depending on what you selected when you purchased coverage.
With a limited right to sue, you must prove you have a “serious injury” before your lawsuit can move forward. If you have an unlimited right to sue, you do not have to prove anything about your injuries when filing the case.
The police report is usually inadmissible in court, but it may contain evidence we can use. For example, the report might include information about witnesses and their contact information. We can then contact those witnesses, interview them ourselves, and ask them to testify in court.
FAQs About How to Obtain a Police Report for a Car Accident in Westfield
How Soon After a Car Accident Will a Police Report Be Available?
Generally, an accident report may be available several weeks after a crash. However, the police may need more time to investigate if the crash was especially complex or involved severe injuries or death. If you have waited a long time and there is still no report, ask your lawyer for help.
What Kind of Information is in a Car Accident Report from the Police?
The car accident report may contain information about the drivers and other people involved in the accident, the vehicles involved, damage, injuries, and the overall state of the accident scene. The police can even include their own opinions and conclusions about the accident, although this information is normally not admissible in court.
Are Police Reports Necessary for Every Car Accident Case?
Not necessarily. While the report can be helpful to many, it is not required for everyone. If your accident is relatively minor, you might not need a report to prove any crucial details. However, if the accident was severe and people were hurt, the police report may be more important for insurance claims and lawsuits.
How Can I Use the Police Report for My Car Accident Case?
You can sue the report in a number of ways when filing legal claims for compensation. It may be helpful or even necessary when filing an insurance claim. While the report is likely inadmissible as evidence in court, it may have details about evidence the police uncovered in their investigation that is admissible.
Can I Use a Police Report As Evidence of a Car Accident in Court?
Generally no. However, certain exceptions may allow portions of a police report to be admitted into evidence. For example, if a witness gave a statement to the police at the accident scene but gives conflicting testimony in court, specific portions of the report may be used to refresh their recollection or to impeach them if they are an opposing witness.
Contact Our Westfield Car Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case
For a free case evaluation to begin, call our West New York, NJ car accident lawyers at Agrapidis & Maroules, P.C. at (201) 777-1111.