Getting a Car Accident Report in St. George
Request Free ConsultationOne of the first steps that you should take after a car accident is to call 911 and report the accident to the police. This is because the attending officers will create a detailed report, which serves as an authoritative record of the incident.
A car accident report provides essential information about what happened, who was involved, and any contributing factors—and all of these details are crucial if you choose to pursue a claim. Our St. George personal injury attorneys are here to tell you what you need to know about obtaining a copy of this report in St. George.
What Information Does a Car Accident Report Contain?
A car accident report provides a comprehensive overview of the accident, which can be instrumental when filing a claim. These reports typically include:
- The date and time of when the accident occurred, which can help establish a timeline
- Detailed information about the accident location, including road and weather conditions
- Names, addresses, and contact details of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- The insurance information of the drivers involved in the collision
- Descriptions of the vehicles involved, including make, model, and license plate numbers
- The attending officer’s observations about the scene, which may include statements from involved parties and witnesses
- Diagrams or photos of the accident scene showing vehicle positions and points of impact
- Any traffic violations or citations issued to the involved parties
How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in St. George, Utah
In Utah, the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) gives the public the right to access certain records, including car accident reports. To obtain a car accident report in St. George, you can follow these steps:
- Submit a GRAMA Request: You can submit a GRAMA request to the St. George Police Department online. The department has ten business days to respond to your request, providing the record, denying the request, or notifying you of a delay due to extraordinary circumstances. Visit the St. George Police Department’s website for more information and to submit your request online.
- Department of Public Safety’s Public Records Portal: Another option is to obtain the crash report through the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Public Records Portal. This online service allows you to request and purchase accident reports quickly, as long as they are available in the system.
How to Use a Police Report in Your Car Accident Claim
A police report is a valuable tool when pursuing a car accident claim. For example, this document contains details that can help determine who was at fault for the accident and prove your right to compensation. The report’s diagrams, photos, and statements serve as crucial evidence to support your version of events.
Insurance companies often rely on police reports to verify the details of the accident and make decisions about claims. Additionally, in the event of a lawsuit, the police report can be used as an official document to strengthen your case. If witnesses provided statements at the scene, these will be included in the report, helping to corroborate your account of the accident.
Trust We Win Injury Law to Help You Seek Justice
Obtaining your car accident report is a crucial step in your claim process, and We Win Injury Law can help. Our auto accident attorneys in St. George will guide you through every aspect of your case, from gathering necessary documents to negotiating with insurance companies. Contact us today at (435) 688-9558 for a free consultation and let us help you build a strong case.