How to Access and Understand Alabama Accident Reports
The burden of proof in personal injury and car insurance claims is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means your Birmingham car accident lawyer from Drake Injury Lawyers is going to need compelling evidence to prove the defendant is more than likely responsible for causing your injuries. With that being said, testimony from responding officers and a copy of your car accident report could provide valuable insight and evidence that can be used to establish culpability.
However, accessing and understanding Alabama reports may be more challenging than you expected. Fortunately, your legal advocate can secure a copy of your accident report on your behalf and explain the various elements detailed in your crash report. Here is more about how to obtain a copy of your accident report after a collision and what types of information may have been detailed on your crash report.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Alabama Car Accident Report
Your Birmingham truck accident attorney with Drake Injury Lawyers can help you obtain a copy of your Alabama uniform traffic accident report from the Alabama Department of Public Safety. All motorists are required to report accidents that involve injuries or death as described under Code of Alabama § 32-7-5.
If your collision involved only property damages, you are not legally required to call law enforcement officials. You have the right to fill out form SR-31 to document the collision and your losses, we strongly encourage you to contact the police, as responding officers may be able to provide valuable insight and testimony on your behalf in court. There are several ways you can request a copy of your accident report, including online, by phone, or in person.
Online
You can request a copy of your crash report with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). When you do, you should be able to purchase a copy of your report from the Alabama State Police or the ALEA website for $17. It can take up to five days from the date of the accident for the crash report to be available according to ALEA.
By Phone
If you would rather contact the Alabama Highway Patrol by phone, you can reach the office at (334) 242-4241. They will be able to tell you which agency to contact based on the jurisdiction of your accident.
In-Person
You can also visit your local Alabama State Police post and request a copy of your accident report from the Alabama State Police. There will be a fee to obtain a copy of your crash report. If your accident occurred within local city limits, instead of visiting the Alabama State Police post, you can visit your local police department.
Information Included on Your Crash Report
When you get a copy of your crash report, you may feel overwhelmed trying to read it and understand what information has been included. Some of the most important details that should have been included on your accident report include information from all involved parties, such as:
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Addresses and phone numbers
- License numbers
- Vehicle identification numbers
- Insurance company information
- Location of the accident
- The severity of the damages
- Full names and physical condition of anyone involved after the accident
- When the accident occurred
- How many people were involved
- Weather and traffic conditions
- A diagram of how the accident happened
- Numeric codes that specify how the accident may have occurred
Connect With a Trial-Tested Car Accident Lawyer in Alabama for Help Today
Accessing and understanding the information contained in your Alabama car accident report can be stressful when you are still recuperating from your injuries. Have your dedicated Birmingham personal injury attorney from Drake Injury Lawyers take the weight of the world off of your shoulders by taking on your case. We can get a copy of your crash report and go over it with you line by line so you understand how the responding officers have documented the collision.
Your crash report is only one piece of evidence that we can use to help prove the defendant’s liability. Our comprehensive investigation into the cause of your car accident should provide additional valuable evidence that we can use when we negotiate with the insurance company or bring your car accident case to trial. Learn more about what is next for your insurance and civil claims when you call our office or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.