Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Snellville? You should contact law enforcement right away. One of the key pieces of evidence that you will need for your car accident claim is the police report. It is crucial that you get a copy after a crash. Here, our Snellville auto accident attorney explains the importance of getting a police report after a crash in Georgia.
Know the Law: Most Crashes Must Be Reported to the Police in Georgia
First and foremost, drivers should know their responsibilities under state law. Under Georgia law (GA Code § 40-6-273), a crash must be reported if it results in injury, death, or apparent property damage exceeding the statutory threshold. That threshold is just $500. In other words, most crashes that happen on public roads need to be reported to state or local law enforcement. To be clear, the duty applies regardless of who caused the collision. It is not just the at-fault driver’s responsibility to report the collision. Failing to report a qualifying crash can complicate any later insurance or injury claim. The responding officer prepares an official accident report that becomes part of the public record. That report often serves as the starting point for an analysis of the crash.
Why You Need to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident
A police report is evidence. That is the big reason why you need it after a car accident. It provides independent documentation of what occurred. Among other things, a police report will help to anchor the claim in facts recorded by a neutral third party. Adjusters rely on it to assess liability, confirm coverage, and evaluate damages. Further, your car accident lawyer can use it to frame the investigation and any insurance negotiations. Here are some of the key things that you will typically find in a police report in Snellville, Georgia:
- Identifying Information: Seemingly basic identifying information can be very valuable. You will find things like names, addresses, license numbers, and insurance details for all drivers involved. It can help to prevent disputes over identity and coverage.
- Date, Time, and Location: Some other key information is crash details that establish jurisdiction, timing, and roadway conditions. These details matter when reconstructing events. Your attorney will likely use them as part of your claim.
- The Officer’s Narrative: A written summary describing how the crash occurred based on observations and statements. While not determinative, it carries weight. A narrative that supports your version of events can be helpful for your car accident injury claim.
- A Diagram that Includes Vehicle Positions: A visual depiction of lanes, points of impact, and direction of travel. That diagram can often help clarify conflicting accounts.
- Witness Information: Names and contact details for third parties who observed the crash. Independent witnesses strengthen liability proof.
- Citations Issued: Any traffic violations noted against a driver. A citation supports negligence arguments, even if it is later contested. Of course, traffic citations are not issued for every crash. Still, if they were, it is important to know about them.
How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Snellville
Involved in a motor vehicle collision in Snellville? You may have questions about how to get a copy of the police report. In Snellville, automobile accident reports are typically handled by the responding law enforcement agency. Among others, this may include the local police department or Gwinnett County authorities, depending on where the crash occurred. Reports are not available immediately. It usually takes several days for the officer to complete and file the report. Once available, you can request a copy online through the appropriate records portal, in person at the records division, or by mail. You will need basic information such as the crash date, location, and names of involved parties. There is usually a small fee. If you are represented by counsel, your attorney can obtain the report and review it for accuracy. Indeed, if you are not sure what to do to get the police report, our Snellville, GA car accident attorney is more than ready to track it down.
What Should I Do if There Is an Error in the Car Accident Police Report?
If you find an error in a car accident police report, act quickly. Review the report carefully and identify each factual mistake. Contact the responding law enforcement agency and request a correction or supplemental report. Officers typically will not change opinions, but they may correct objective errors such as names, vehicle information, locations, or insurance details. Gather documents that prove the mistake, including photographs, medical records, or witness statements. Do not ignore inaccuracies. Insurers rely heavily on police reports when evaluating claims. An uncorrected error. If the police department will not correct it, your Snellville, GA car accident lawyer can help you take action to challenge it.
How Our Snellville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a bad car wreck is challenging. It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and what comes next. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we put injured victims first. Our client testimonials and case results show what we can do for you after a serious collision. Getting a copy of the police report is just one of a number of important steps that you need to take. Our Snellville, GA car accident attorney will walk you through each and every step of the claims process. We are proactive, solutions-focused, and we offer free initial consultations.
Contact Our Snellville, GA Car Crash Lawyer Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville auto accident attorney invests time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case. If you were hurt in a crash and you have any questions about getting the police report, we can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With a law office in the 30078 zip code of Snellville, we handle motor vehicle accident injury cases throughout the entire region, including in the 30039 zip code.