A Guide on Police Reports in Florida
Even if you’ve never been in a car accident, you’ve probably heard of police reports. But, do you know what these reports are? How you get a copy? Why the insurance company cares? And, whether police reports are admissible in court? Read on for the answers to these questions and more.
A police report contains a police officer’s account of the accident, including contributing causes that may reveal negligence. Many clients tell us they want to know exactly what the investigating police officer reported about their accident or the accident of a loved one. Here’s a guide on how to request a police report and the most important things to look for once you obtain it.
How to Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
Obtaining a copy of a police report is one of the most important steps to take following a car accident in Florida. Specifically, a police report will help support your claims for compensation after an accident. Florida Statute § 316.066 provides that parties involved in a car accident have the right to obtain a report prior to the sixty (60) day waiting period that non-parties must otherwise wait. Therefore, you will be able to request a copy of the police report from the police department where your report was filed. In some cases, you can request the report online if the police department has the option.
How to Read and Understand the Police Report
Once you obtain the police report, it’s important to look through it to make sure everything is correct. Every Florida accident report begins by documenting the basics of your accident which includes:
- Date of Crash
- Time of Crash
- City or Town and Street, Road or Highway
- Time law enforcement was notified and arrived at the accident scene
- Type of road on which the accident occurred.
The next section in an accident report will list details about the drivers and vehicles involved in the crash including: License Number, Motor Vehicle Insurance Company and Policy Number, as well as the Vehicle Identification Number for each vehicle. In addition, police officers document the speed limit, injuries to vehicle occupants or pedestrians, estimated vehicle damages and, if applicable, alcohol and drug test results.
The next section in an accident report will document contributing causes to the accident. For instance, drunk driving or disregarding a stop sign. Police can record details at the scene of the accident in this section, including vehicle defects, vehicle movement, road conditions, accident location (such as an intersection or exit ramp), and whether traffic played a role in the accident. Review this information carefully. An officer’s observations at the accident scene may be essential in proving fault.
If you have questions or need help interpreting your report and want to see how it can be used to support of your claim, the car accident attorneys at Suarez & Montero are ready to help!
Contact us today at 786 Lawyers for a FREE Consultation!
