If you have been involved in a car accident in Montgomery, your first thoughts may be about your health and the damage to your vehicle. While those concerns are important, the unfortunate reality is that you also need to prepare for the legal and insurance process that follows. Our Montgomery car accident lawyers understand that the road to recovery begins with the Alabama accident report.
After a car wreck, the accident report that Alabama police officers create is essential. This document is an objective, third-party summary of the incident and contains details that insurance adjusters will rely on to assign liability. For example, witness statements, the officer’s opinion on the cause of the crash, scene diagrams, and confirmation of injuries and vehicle damage.
Unfortunately, the process of obtaining the police report can be time-consuming, and using the details from an accident report to help build your case is tricky. These are often the last things you want to be dealing with when struggling with the aftermath of a car wreck.
The team at Hunter | Everage can help. Call today at 704-377-9157 for a free initial consultation.
Why You Need an Official Accident Report After a Crash
The official Alabama accident report is the unbiased account of the crash as recorded by a trained law enforcement officer. Insurance companies treat it as the most reliable record of what happened, making it necessary for any personal injury claim.
Here is why this official report is so important:
1. Establishes the Facts
The report captures key details while the crash scene and witnesses’ memories are still fresh. This prevents the other driver from changing their story later. It includes the date, time, location, road conditions, and vehicle details.
2. Identifies Involved Parties and Witnesses
The report officially lists the names, contact information, and insurance details for all drivers and vehicle owners. It also includes the contact information for any independent witnesses who saw the crash. Without this information, you may not be able to locate a key witness later.
3. Aids in Determining Fault
The responding officer often makes observations and may include an opinion on which driver violated a traffic law or caused the wreck. They may also note any citations issued. While this determination of fault is not binding in court, it strongly influences the insurance company’s initial decision about who is liable for damages.
4. Speeds Up Your Insurance Claim
When you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, they will request the accident report that the Alabama police prepared. A clear report that supports your claim can streamline and expedite the claims process, leading to a faster resolution and settlement. Without the report, the insurance company may delay or deny your claim, forcing you into a prolonged dispute.
5. Provides Evidence for Litigation
If your case cannot be settled and moves to a lawsuit, the detailed information in the police accident reports, including the officer’s diagrams and notes on damage and scene evidence, can be used by your attorney to build a strong legal argument on your behalf.
The Alabama accident report is the starting point for seeking fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Securing a copy quickly helps you pursue a successful claim.
Where to Request Your Alabama Crash Report
In Montgomery, the police department that responded to the scene will file the report. You can request a crash report by mail by downloading the form from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website, filling it out, and sending it in. Be sure to include a cashier’s check, certified check, or money order, made payable to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
You can also request a crash report online by visiting the ALEA website. Go to the traffic services or crash reports section and follow the steps provided. You may need the accident reference number to complete your request.
If you prefer to request a report in person, contact the police department where the accident happened to learn their procedure. In many cases, you can visit the department’s Records Unit to submit your request and pay the required fee.
Information You’ll Need to Access the Report
When requesting your police accident reports from the ALEA or the local Montgomery Police Department, you need specific details to locate and verify your involvement in the crash. Without this information, the agency may not be able to find the report or release it to you.
Gather as much of the following information as possible:
- Your name and contact information
- The date of the accident
- The county of the accident
- The name of an involved driver
- The agency case/report number
- Driver’s license number (optional but helpful)
- The reporting officer’s last name (optional but helpful)
What to Do if the Report Contains Errors
If you review the police accident reports and notice an error, especially one regarding the facts of the crash or the names of the parties, you may be able to request a correction.
You should contact the Montgomery Police Department and speak to the officer or their supervisor. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim that the report contains inaccurate information. This is often easier to do with the help of a car accident lawyer.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Report After a Wreck?
In Alabama, the standard timeframe of eight business days is an estimate based on common practice, and the exact timing can vary depending on the agency handling the report and how complicated the accident was.
Delays can happen for several reasons. If the accident is complex or requires a detailed investigation, it may take more time to complete the report. Missing information (such as a driver’s license number or exact location) can also slow down the process. In addition, law enforcement must review and finalize the report before it is released, which can add to the waiting period.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer
Obtaining your Alabama accident report is just the first step in seeking compensation after a Montgomery wreck. Dealing with insurance adjusters and understanding how to apply the information in the report to your injury claim can be complex.
The attorneys at Hunter | Everage have the experience needed to help you get the full value of your claim. We can help you secure the accident report in Alabama and ensure the information it contains is used effectively to protect your interests.
Contact Hunter | Everage at 704-377-9157 for a free initial consultation about your car accident case.