You can get an accident report in Clermont from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ online crash record database. You can also request a report in person from the Clermont PD. It may take a few weeks for a report to be processed and become available.
Police reports are an important source of evidence for car accident lawsuits, so you’ll want to procure one as soon as possible. You can talk to a Clermont car accident lawyer if you have more questions about obtaining police accident reports.
Getting a Police Report After an Accident in Clermont
According to FL Statutes 316.066, police are required to file a written report for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage. There are two main methods for obtaining a police report after a car accident in Clermont.
1. Request a Report from the FLHSMV
The simplest and most straightforward way to get an accident report is to request one online. Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) keeps an online database of crash reports filed by law enforcement agencies across the state.
You can request a report on the Traffic Crash Report lookup tool by:
- Going to the FLHSMV’s online portal
- Clicking on the link labeled “Buy a Crash Report”
- Searching for your accident report using the report number
- Paying the $10 statutory fee and a $2 processing fee
- Downloading the report from the email link within 48 hours
It typically takes about 10 days for a report to be processed. So, you may not see your report if you request a copy before then. For the first 60 days, only the people involved in the crash can access reports. You’ll have to show an ID that you are an authorized party. After the initial 60 days, anyone can access crash records.
2. Request a Report from the Clermont PD
The second option is to request a report directly from the Clermont PD. You can request one in person at the police station or online through Clermont’s online portal for public records requests. You may have to pay a fee to access reports.
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What Information Does a Police Accident Report Contain?
The police accident report is supposed to be an objective record of crash details and is made by the responding officer at the scene of the crash. According to the law, every police accident report must contain the following information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Descriptions of the vehicles, such as the make, model, color, etc.
- Names and addresses of all involved drivers and passengers
- Witness names and addresses
- Name, badge number, and agency of the responding officer
- Insurance info of involved parties
The police report will also contain a description of the accident and information about contributing factors, such as the weather and road conditions.
Why You Need a Police Accident Report After a Car Accident
You should always get an accident report in Clermont after a car crash. A police report is an important piece of evidence in car accident cases. It provides information about the accident scene, sustained injuries, and crash dynamics. This information can be used to prove the other motorist’s liability and your own lack of fault.
Although not legally required, you should submit a copy of the accident report when you file an insurance claim. The report can corroborate information from medical records and eyewitness testimony.
Even though Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, you can file a traditional at-fault claim if the cost of your injuries exceeds your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. A police report can help immensely if you file a claim against the liable driver.
What If the Accident Report Doesn’t Favor My Case?
Even if the accident report is unfavorable to you, you can still make a successful case. Police are trained to analyze accident details, but they can’t make binding factual statements in police reports about liability and fault. Police reports also cannot be used as evidence in jury trials, so they can’t be relied on in court if you initiate a lawsuit.
Even so, insurance companies will often rely on officer testimony and police reports to make claims about fault. A competent lawyer can overcome the negative effects of an unfavorable accident report by appealing to other types of evidence to show your lack of liability.
Bogin, Munns & Munns Can Help You Get an Accident Report in Clermont
Getting a police accident report is just one part of the car accident claims process. An experienced car accident lawyer can ensure you obtain your report in a timely manner and understand how it could impact the outcome of your case. A lawyer can also handle the other administrative aspects of filing a claim and represent you during insurance negotiations.
If you have more questions about how to get an accident report in Clermont, Bogin, Munns & Munns can help. We are a seasoned firm with more than 40 years in business. Schedule a consultation with our skilled team today.
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