The aftermath of a car accident is a chaotic time, with many aspects of the accident to consider—especially if you or others suffered injuries. One of the most important steps to take after an accident is filing a police report and requesting a copy of the report later. The accident report becomes a critical component of a claim to recover damages. After a car accident in New Haven, many claimants ask, “How do I get a copy of my New Haven car accident report?”
A car accident report is generated at the scene of a car accident when the police arrive. It contains important information about the accident, including the following:
A written summary of the accident
Photos of the accident scene
Each driver’s name and contact information
Information about the injuries they observed
Any enforcement actions taken at the scene
The make, model, and registration information of the vehicles
Eyewitness statements and the contact information of eyewitnesses
All of the information gathered at the scene appears on the accident report and becomes essential to a car accident claim to recover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. An expert personal injury lawyer in New Haven can help you gather the necessary evidence and fight for you against insurance companies.
Filing a Connecticut Car Accident Report in New Haven
Connecticut drivers must call the police to the car accident scene if there are any injuries, fatalities, or damages that appear to exceed $1,000. For very minor accidents, they may exchange contact and insurance information and file a report later.
When the police are called to the scene, they begin collecting critical information for the accident report, including the names and contact information of the involved drivers. They also take photographs of the accident scene from several angles—all important evidence in a car accident claim to recover damages later. Whether or not the police arrive at the scene, it’s necessary to file an official report through your local law enforcement agency within five days of the accident and inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Connecticut Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports take several days to process, but most Connecticut car accident reports are available within ten days of the accident. If the accident is complex and involves any criminality, it may take longer. The police do not release the accident report until after they’ve completed their investigation. There are several ways to obtain a copy, including the following:
Contact the officer in charge of the investigation and ask for a copy once the report is complete
Contact the police department that responded to the accident
Submit a request through the Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection at their Freedom of Information portal
Car accident victims have to pay a small fee for a copy of their accident report.
What Is an Accident Information Summary?
If the police investigation is still pending completion and the report isn’t yet available, car accident victims can request an Accident Information Summary. This includes any preliminary data gathered at the scene and lists the involved drivers and their insurance companies. The Accident Information Summary is available for 30 days after a Connecticut car accident.
How Can a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Hiring an attorney after a car accident allows an accident victim to focus on their recovery, leaving the investigation and communication with the insurance company in the hands of their lawyer. This process includes obtaining a car accident report, investigating liability, and submitting a claim with the best possible chance of recovering the maximum compensation available.
Call Weber & Rubano at (203) 888-8888 or contact us online after a car accident in Connecticut so we can take action.