How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident Online

After you’ve been involved in a car accident, filing a police report is an important step to ensure that all parties involved are protected. These accident reports serve as solid evidence for your claim, especially if you decide to file a lawsuit. At Morgan & Morgan, our car accident attorneys understand that sometimes obtaining a police report can be complicated, especially if you are looking to file or obtain one online. This is why we want to help you. Contact our car accident attorneys today for more information on how to file a police report online or what to do after you’ve been involved in a car accident.

How Do I Get an Online Car Accident Police Report?

Depending on your state or jurisdiction, after a car accident, you may be able to create and or access the police report online. For example, in New York, those who have filed a police report have 30 days to access their report directly from the precinct they filed in. From that point forward, they’ll need to request a collision report from the NYPD online to access a copy of their report. For more information on how you can access your police report online, please do not hesitate to contact one of our car accident specialists today.

What Requirements Do I Need for My Car Accident Police Report?

If you are involved in a car accident, after ensuring that you are unharmed or well-abled enough to be fully present at the scene, you'll need to take down all the information using a car accident form or a checklist. If you do not have access to one, we have listed the basic information required for your police report below. 

1. A record of the date, damages, and location
2. A description of the other party's account
3. Information of the involved, including driver's license, license plates, and insurance

Once you collect this information, you'll need to file your report with the police as soon as possible. Also, it is crucial for you to take down the name of the person you spoke to when reporting the accident; it will help you if needed later in court.

What Happens When the Police Are Involved?

After a car accident, make sure you call the police. Once on the scene, they'll be able to help by supporting the parties involved in the crash, interviewing witnesses, and gathering all necessary information about the accident. Depending on the accident, the police officer on the scene may perform some or all of the following actions:

• Prepare a  police report
• Collect basic information, such as names, license plates, insurance, etc. 
• Ensure the area is secure and safe for traffic and all those involved
• Call for emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks
• Speak to witnesses, third parties, or any parties involved
• Ticket or fine those involved if required for negligence on the road 

After an accident, it is always best to be honest and detailed with the police officer. Filing a clear and accurate report of your accident ensures that the insurance claim process will likely move smoothly. However, it is essential to note that in some states, police officers are not obligated to show up at the scene after an accident. In any case, it is still vital for you to call in your accident. When calling, list as many details about your accident, including concerns about injuries to you or the other party involved.

In the case that the police are still unable to arrive at the scene, you'll need to file your accident report. To do so, you'll need to head to the nearest police station and report the accident. Depending on the jurisdictions and the accident type, you'll be able to file a police report online. For more information on your state's laws regarding car accidents, we highly recommend you contact a car accident attorney.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Report?

After you have been involved in a car accident, you should file a report as soon as possible. This way, the information about your accident is fresh and as accurate as possible. However, specific states have time frames as to how long you have to file your report. For example, in New York, if you are involved in an accident where there is damage to the property of one individual exceeding more than $1,000, you are required by the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law to file an accident report within ten days. Check with your local authorities or with an attorney for an accurate timeline of when and how quickly you must report it.

What Are My Next Steps?

After a car accident, oftentimes, you may only recall specific details after you've had a chance to rest and calm down. These details can be essential, especially if the car accident claim snowballs into a lawsuit. After the accident report is filed online,  as previously mentioned, you'll need to ensure that you obtain a card or a way to contact the police officer who filed your accident report directly. The report will likely be linked to the officer who helped you file. If you find you have begun to recall key details after the accident report is filed, you need to contact the police officer who filed and see if you can add these details to the accident report. Then, if your car accident case turns into a lawsuit, we highly recommend that you contact a car accident attorney.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

After a car accident, the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan know how difficult it can be to get your life back on track, let alone go through the complicated process of filing a police report. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, we want to help you. For over 30 years, Morgan & Morgan has been helping victims just like you get the justice they deserve after an accident. To learn more about how car accident attorneys can help your case, contact us today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.