You can get a car accident report in person or by submitting a request to the Georgia Department of Highway Safety (GDOT).
If you were involved in an accident, a car accident report could be helpful in your pursuit of compensation. This document could contain useful information about the circumstances of the crash.
Picking Up a Report From the Atlanta Police Department
You can visit the Central Records Unit of the Atlanta Police Department if you would like to pick up a copy of an accident report in person. This location is:
- Found at the Atlanta Public Safety Annex (3493 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30331)
- Open weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 8:30 am to 3:30pm
Keep in mind that it may take a couple of days for your report to become available after the accident.
It is a good idea to have a copy of the accident report for your own case file. However, we can help you get this documentation, along with other important evidence for your case.
Car Accident Reports Contain Important Details
The specific details recorded in car accident reports vary across jurisdictions. Not only do the forms differ from one state to another, but law enforcement agencies operating within the same geographical area typically use their own formats.
Despite these differences, all car accident reports include important data. These reports are primarily completed by the police at the scene of a crash, and they include as much information relevant to an accident as possible.
What Car Accident Reports Include
These reports identify:
- The drivers of each vehicle
- The passengers in each vehicle
- A diagram of the accident scene
- The contact information of any eyewitnesses
- The makes, models, and colors of the vehicles involved
- The extent of the damage to each vehicle
- The location of the accident
- What citations were issued, if any
- What arrests were made, if any
- The weather conditions at the time of the crash (if applicable)
- The roadway’s conditions
- The time and date of the collision
- A short narrative of what occurred
Your car accident report may contain other pieces of information than what is described here.
The Car Accident Report Could Contain Errors
Most of the information included in a car accident report is verifiable. However, the attending law enforcement officer may have provided their own insight into the circumstances of the collision. In some cases, the police will draw the wrong conclusion about how an accident occurred.
The police officer’s opinion of what happened does not necessarily bar you from recovering compensation. We can determine whether you have the basis of a valid claim.
It is also possible for the police to make errors when putting together their reports. It is not uncommon for the police to misidentify which driver was in which vehicle, misspell a name, or even get the date wrong. For that reason, it is important to check these reports for accuracy. If there is a mistake, law enforcement has an obligation to address it.
Your Car Accident Report Is an Important Piece of Evidence
A car accident report is an important piece of evidence for many reasons. It could give your Atlanta car accident lawyer a place to start with their investigation. It could identify witnesses or mention admissions of fault made by the other driver at the scene of the crash.
These reports are especially important when negotiating with insurance companies. The insurance company may be more likely to make a settlement offer if the report clearly shows their client was at fault. If the report is unclear on liability, the insurance carrier has less reason to make a settlement offer.
We Can Gather Evidence to Build Your Case
A car accident report is just one piece of evidence that could help you advance your personal injury case. To secure compensation, you will need to present evidence about how the accident happened, who was responsible, and the kinds of damages you have incurred.
Not only can we get a car accident report for you, but we can also supplement your case with other pieces of information, such as:
- Photos of your vehicle’s damage, your injuries, and the accident scene
- Traffic camera footage
- Testimony from witnesses
- Statements from accident reconstruction specialists
- Your medical treatment records
- Written correspondence from the insurer or at-fault party
A lawyer from our team may be able to utilize other pieces of information than those listed above.
Other Important Steps to Take in the Days Following an Accident
Getting your accident report is one important step to take after you’ve been in a crash. In the days to come after the accident, you may also want to consider taking other important actions to support your case.
Seek Medical Care
Follow through on your doctor’s recommendations. Not only is it important for your health to seek the care you need, but it will help document your injuries and link them to the accident, which will be important for any claim or lawsuit you may pursue.
Avoid Accepting Any Early Offers From Insurance Companies
Early offers may be low offers. We advise that you only accept an offer once you understand your injuries, any ongoing care they may require, and all damages you qualify to seek.
Speak With Our Team for a Free Case Review
We can tell you more about how much your case may be worth. If you choose to work with us, we can ensure that you don’t leave money on the table.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Can Build Your Personal Injury Case
A car accident report could play an important role in building your personal injury case. If you are ready to pursue compensation for your injuries after a crash, reach out to Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today.
You may want to consider our team because:
- We have won million-dollar settlements for our past clients.
- We earned the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, which attests to our lawyers’ high ethical standards.
- We work based on contingency, meaning that you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Our car accident lawyers are committed to helping injured people recover compensation for their losses.
Call Us Today for Help With Your Case and Police Report
We offer a free case review where you can ask us more about how we can serve you. You don’t have to be alone in seeking compensation. We can help.
To talk to a member of our Georgia law firm, call (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
