Georgia law requires drivers to contact the police for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. In most cases, police will dispatch one or more officers to the crash scene to help clear the area, provide assistance, and create an accident report. Getting the report may take a few days, but it will be an important part of any future insurance claim you wish to file. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s in a Police Accident Report?
Law enforcement officers create a police accident report after they investigate a crash. Official accident reports are typically far more detailed than driver-submitted crash reports.
Here are some common types of information included in Albany police accident reports:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact information for everyone involved
- Insurance information for all drivers
- Statements and contact details from eyewitnesses
- Statements from the investigating officer(s)
- Weather, lighting, visibility, and road conditions
- Any citations issued for traffic violations in relation to the accident
- Notes from detectives and scanned images
- A diagram illustrating how the collision occurred
Who Can Get a Police Report?
Generally speaking, any of the following parties can get a copy of a police report in Albany, GA:
- Accident victims – Anyone injured in a motor vehicle crash can access police reports regarding the incident. Victims can typically obtain these reports directly from the police department that filed the report.
- At-fault parties – Defendants involved in or accused of causing a car accident can also view police reports because these parties have the right to understand the allegations against them. Defendants can obtain car accident reports from police departments, through their attorneys, or through the District Attorney’s office (if criminal charges were filed).
- Third parties – Some third parties have a legitimate need to view others’ accident reports. If someone who was not involved in the crash wishes to request an accident report in Albany, they must submit a “written statement of need” explaining the reason for the request.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Police Report?
Official police reports are usually not available until officers formally complete their investigations. According to the Dougherty County Police Department, most reports are available within three to five days of the crash.
The crash report can help a car accident attorney understand how the wreck happened and see the officer’s documentation about the scene. Though police reports are not required to begin the insurance claims process, many adjusters request them.
I Can’t Get an Accident Report. Why?
The most common reason people cannot access copies of a police accident report is simply that the report isn’t ready yet. If law enforcement officers are still conducting an ongoing investigation, their report won’t be available until the case is closed.
If you are denied access to a police report you believe you should be able to obtain, ask your attorney to contact the police directly. Some records may be sealed to protect the privacy of juveniles or other victims, but there is almost always a way to access accident reports with a valid reason.
How Do Insurance Companies Use Police Reports?
When you notify the insurance company after an accident, one of the first things the adjuster will do is request a copy of the police report. Although insurance companies typically conduct their own investigations, they also rely on the detailed information in police crash reports to confirm or deny their assumptions.
Car accident cases can get complicated quickly, especially when there’s not much evidence beyond “he said, she said.” A police crash report can be a valuable addition to your claim if any of the details you provide are called into question.
Are Police Reports Admissible in Court?
It depends. If you file a lawsuit in small claims court, the judge will typically allow you to submit police accident reports as evidence. If your case ends up going to trial in a superior court or circuit court with general jurisdiction in Georgia, you will likely be held to different standards.
Some courts may decide that police accident reports count as hearsay evidence, which may be inadmissible. Others may decide the report is a matter of public record and therefore admissible. An attorney will identify the standards in your local court system and determine whether you can use a police report as evidence.
Getting Your Police Accident Report in Albany
Thankfully, requesting a police accident report in Albany, GA is a simple process. The
Once you know the correct number, you can request a copy of the report in one of two ways:
- Visit the Dougherty County Police Department at 2106 Habersham Road in Albany.
- Call to request a copy of the report by mail. Costs could range from $5.00 per report or $0.10 per page.
The Dougherty County Police Department is separate from the Albany Police Department. To obtain a copy of the crash report from the Albany Police Department, visit the Law Enforcement Center at 201 W. Oglethorpe Blvd., Albany, GA 31701. Copies are $0.25 per page.
Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation With Our Attorneys
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we understand how overwhelming and stressful life can be in the aftermath of an accident. We can change that by providing trusted legal guidance and support when you need it most.
When you work with us, our legal team can obtain all the documentation needed to support your case, including the police report. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an Albany car accident lawyer.
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