When property damage and injuries result from a car crash, police officers, EMTs, and ambulances often respond at the scene. For your records, medical information, and future legal proceedings, it is important that you understand how to get a copy of the police report after being involved in a car accident. To discuss your rights and legal options, reach out to a Memphis auto accident lawyer today.
What is a Police Report?
A police report is an official document that the responding police officer fills out after an incident. When a car accident occurs the drivers involved with generally call 911 and the officer at the scene will document important details about the accident including the following.
- The names, addresses, contact information, and vehicle information of all individuals involved
- Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Information about the location of the accident as well as the weather and conditions of the road
- The officer’s perspective of what happened
- Information on any evidence collected at the scene of the crash
The information provided on the police report is often important later on, so it is crucial that you understand how you can obtain a copy.
How Can I Get a Copy of the Police Report After My Car Accident?
In Tennessee, there are a few different ways that you can obtain a copy of your car accident report. The following information can be found on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website.
- Online: You can request your crash report online with a payment of $10
- THP Office: If the Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated your accident, you can visit their office in person or request a copy of the report through the mail for a fee of $4
- Local agency: If a local police department or other agency investigated your accident, you can contact that agency to request a copy of the report
- Mail: You can mail a request for your police report along with a $4 fee to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Financial Responsibility Division P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202
What Purpose Does a Police Report Serve?
Police reports are vital documents for several reasons, the most important being your pursuit of compensation and justice after your accident. If you wish to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent party then you need evidence to prove your side of the story.
The police report will offer an objective description of the way the crash unfolded, including evidence pointing to who the liable party is and the extent of the damages sustained. An insurance company or court will require this evidence before making an educated decision on how much compensation to offer for your damages. The document will detail the officer’s perspective, the damage and injuries resulting from the collision, and other information to prevent disputes or conflict later on.
Reach out to an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options and the ways in which the police report can help act as evidence in a claim or lawsuit.
