When there is an accident involving two or more vehicles and causes physical damage as well as other injuries to the victims, the police are supposed to be involved and report on what was affected and damaged during the Georgia car accident. This police report can assist you in filing a claim to recover damages, and indicate details of the scene and who was impacted, and how.
You can very easily find out if such a police report was filed or not, in case you do not have a copy of the police report of the accident.
Who Can Request a Crash Report in Georgia?
You should verify your eligibility according to the Georgia code, prior to requesting a Georgia car accident report through the Georgia Department of Public Safety. As per section 50-18-72 (a)(5) of the code, it specifies that the only people eligible for requesting such a report are those whose names are mentioned in the report or who demonstrate a need of viewing the report by making a written statement.
Following is a list of individuals who could be assumed to be in need of the report:
- A personal relationship with anyone involved in the accident or is in the report
- Owner of the vehicle or any other property damaged during the collision
- Professional or business relationship with the individual in the report
- An individual that has suffered damage in the incident.
- A witness of the crash
- Liable party in the Georgia car accident
- Insurance administrator of someone affected by the accident, or of the property damaged
The parties which are most likely to be relevant to your situation are the ones who could also write to obtain a copy of such a report. It should be easy for you to get a copy of the police report if you were damaged in the accident, spoke to the police or witnesses, or were a part of the incident in any other way. If not, then your car accident attorney can help you out.
How to Make a Car Crash Report Request after an Albany Car Accident:
When you have established that you are eligible to request a car accident report in Georgia, you may go ahead and make such a requisition. Moreover, you would have to make an open records request through the appropriate department that would have originally drafted the report.
If your car accident was investigated by Georgia State Patrol, you will need to reach out to your local post office or their open records unit. You will be required to properly fill out the form and submit it along with your request to the State Patrol Post. While open records request is not mandatory, it facilitates navigating your Georgia car accident report and accelerating the process.
In the case when Georgia Police Patrol did not investigate your case, the Georgia Department of Transportation can assist you with this. They have a requisition form that you can fill out and submit to them.
What Information Will I Need to Provide for My Georgia Car Accident?
Prior to filling out and submitting these requisition forms, it is essential that you are fully aware of what information you will be required to provide. You must get the request right the first time as you are likely filing the report to determine whether or not your car crash was reported, or you are requesting as you want copies of the police report.
When making an open records request to obtain a copy of your car accident report in Georgia, the following is a list of information you will be required to provide:
- Name
- Residential Address
- Contact Number
- The nature of records requested by you
- Names of victims or others involved in the car accident
- City or county in Georgia in which the crash took place
- Date and time of the incident
- Incident number or crash report number if there is one
You must be prepared to give the state any additional details required, along with these details in order to grant your request. Whether or not your car accident was reported, the state will let you know accordingly. You will receive a copy of the accident report in case it was reported.
About Joe Durham Jr. P.C.:
At Joe Durham Jr. P.C., our qualified Georgia accident lawyers will guide you throughout the legal process and also explain the legal framework so that you are well aware of your rights. Call us today and let us represent you in this case.