To get a police report for a car accident in Florida, you can request it online through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website, visit the local police department, or submit a request by mail.
As part of handling your case, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can request the report on your behalf, saving you time and effort. We can obtain this report to help build evidence and support your claim for compensation after an accident.
Why Do You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident Occurs in Florida?
A police report provides an official record of the car accident in Florida, including key details like the time, date, and location of the crash. Police reports also contain witness statements and any observations the officer made at the scene.
These details can help resolve any disputes about how the accident happened. Because the police are viewed as an impartial third party, their perspective can provide an unbiased account of the incident.
Having a police report can also help you when you file an insurance claim. Insurers often rely on these reports to assess what happened and determine who was at fault. Without a police report, it may be harder to prove your case or get the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Getting a Police Report After a Florida Crash
In Florida, getting a police report after a car accident is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide on how to obtain one:
- Visit the FLHSMV website: You can request the police report online through the FLHSMV’s Crash Report Portal. Reports are usually available 10 days after the accident.
- Go to your local police department: If a local police department handled the accident, you can visit or call it to get the report. Bring identification and any details about the accident, like the date and location.
- Submit a request through mail: You can mail a request to the agency that handled the accident. Include your contact information, accident details, and any required fees.
- Provide proof of identity: Police reports are available only to parties involved in the accident, their lawyers, or insurance companies. Be ready to provide identification when requesting the report.
- Most reports come with a small fee: Keep in mind that the report will include important information about the accident, which could help your insurance claim or legal case.
Can an Attorney Get Your Car Accident Police Report for You in Florida?
If you choose to hire our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer to handle your accident case, we can request the report for you. Our attorneys often do this as part of their investigation into the accident, gathering all the necessary evidence to build your case.
By allowing our firm to retrieve the report, you can save time and ensure that all legal documents are collected and reviewed correctly. The report can be a key part of our strategy to prove liability and help you seek compensation for damages.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Car Accident Report?
If you don’t get a car accident report after an accident in Florida, it can make the claims process more difficult.
Without a police report, there’s no official record of the accident. This can make it harder to prove what happened, especially if there are disagreements between the drivers involved.
If you don’t have the report, your claim may not be as strong, and you might have trouble receiving compensation for your injuries or vehicle damage. You also may have trouble proving the other driver was at fault, which could hurt your case.
In Florida, Motorists Must Report Certain Accidents
Florida law requires you to report certain accidents, such as those involving injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. If you don’t report the accident, you might face penalties or fines.
Getting a police report ensures that you have a clear record of the accident, which can protect your rights and help in the claims or legal process.
Can I Dispute a Florida Car Accident Report?
You can dispute a car accident police report in Florida, but it can be a complex process. Police reports are official documents, so any changes or disputes require valid reasons and proper procedures. Here’s how you can dispute a report:
Identify Errors
Carefully review the report for inaccuracies. Disputable aspects might include factual errors (like the wrong license plate number, names, or location) or subjective conclusions (such as who was at fault). Factual errors are generally easier to correct than subjective statements.
Contact the Police Officer Who Filed the Report
Reach out to the police officer who wrote the report. Provide evidence to support your claim (like photos, videos, or witness statements) and request a correction. The officer may be willing to amend the report if the error is factual and you have supporting proof.
File a Supplemental Report
If the officer does not amend the report or if the dispute involves subjective information (like fault determination), you may be able to file a supplemental report. This allows you to formally document your version of events and add it to the accident file.
Work With a Car Accident Attorney
If the dispute affects your insurance claim or potential legal case, our attorney can help. We can gather additional evidence and advocate for your case with law enforcement or in court.
Challenge in Court
If the police report affects a legal dispute or insurance claim, you may need to challenge its findings in court. Your attorney can present evidence, call witnesses, and argue on your behalf to dispute the contents of the report.
While disputing a report may not guarantee a change, it allows you to present your side of the story, which could help your insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Call Us for Help With a Police Report After a Car Crash in Florida
If you’re unsure how to get a police report for a car accident in Florida or need help navigating the legal process after your accident, our attorneys are here to help. A police report can play a key role in building your case, and having legal support can make the process smoother.
Call the Winston Law Firm today to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you in taking steps after a car accident and seeking compensation for your losses.
