Obtaining a police report for a car accident in Florida generally entails the following:
- Determining which law enforcement agency responded to your accident
- Contacting that agency and requesting a report
- Providing any information the agency requests to find your report
- Picking up the report in person or request that it be sent to your mailing address
You may also purchase a crash report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Your lawyer can also obtain your accident report for you.
What Information Will You Need to Obtain an Accident Report?
Accident victims have many questions about how to pursue compensation, and obtaining a police report can be one of the first steps towards a financial recovery.
Whether you are seeking a crash report from a law enforcement agency or the FLHSMV, you may need to provide:
- The date your accident occurred
- The approximate time of your accident
- The location of the collision
- Your name
- Any other requested information
This information may help the responding party locate your accident report.
What If a Police Report for Your Accident Does Not Exist?
A law enforcement officer does not always respond to an accident scene. In this case, you may self-report your accident. The FLHSMV provides details for reporting an accident through an online portal or by mail. You may have to wait for authorities to process the report once you have reported your accident. After the processing time is over, your lawyer will explain how to obtain a copy of the report for your car accident.
Reporting protocols are not always clear. Having a lawyer obtain your report could be the easiest option.
How Long do You Have to Obtain an Accident Report?
If you were involved in a car accident in Florida, you could recover an accident report anytime after the collision. If you were not in the accident, you must generally wait 60 days after filing the report to obtain a copy, per Florida § 316.066.
Does It Cost Money to Obtain an Accident Report?
The FLHSMV charges $10 for each crash report that you obtain. Additional service fees may apply, especially if you receive a report by mail.
When you consider that a crash report can be valuable evidence in a car accident claim or lawsuit, it is generally worth paying the price to obtain the report.
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Why do You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident?
A police report may provide useful documentation from an objective source—a police officer with no apparent reason to misrepresent the facts of the accident. A responding officer should have no bias towards either party in an accident. Their account of your accident may carry great weight.
A police report may provide important information about the collision, including:
- Where and when your accident occurred
- A list of witnesses to the accident
- The responding officer’s account of the accident
- Implications about who is at fault for the accident
- Drivers license information
- Other important details about your accident
A crash report creates a record for law enforcement agencies and is useful for insurance purposes. These details generally matter when you seek compensation for a car accident. Your lawyer may cite the officer’s report during negotiations, whether during an insurance claim or lawsuit.
What Other Evidence Can Be Useful to Your Case?
The police report is only one form of evidence that your accident attorney may use. Your attorney may also obtain:
- Eyewitness accounts of your accident
- Your own account of the accident
- Video footage of your accident (from dash cameras, traffic cameras, security cameras, and other sources)
- Photographic evidence of property damage and injuries
- Expert testimony providing insight into your accident
- Any other useful evidence or documentation
Your lawyer will collect all relevant evidence for your case. They will also document your losses using medical records, bills, income reports, and other sources that indicate your accident-related damages.
Can You Recover Compensation for a Car Accident in Florida?
You may file a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death lawsuit, or insurance claim after your accident. If successful, one of these actions may provide compensation for:
Healthcare Expenses
Any medical cost related to your accident may be recoverable. This includes:
- Medical imaging
- Surgery
- Emergency treatment
- Ambulance transport
- Medications
- Hospitalization
Our team will seek compensation for all of your accident-related medical expenses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering may refer to several non-economic losses from your accident. Pain and suffering can include traumatic memories, lost quality of life, psychological conditions, and other types of harm.
Lost Income and Earning Power
Liable parties may cover any wages you lose from injury. You may also receive coverage for a decline in your earning power. Lost earning power may come from:
- Diminished hours
- A change in jobs to accommodate your injury symptoms
- Loss of physical or cognitive abilities
Our personal injury attorneys will work with economists to value the cost of your professional damages.
Property Damage
Liable parties may pay for vehicle repairs. They may have to replace your vehicle and any other property damaged during the collision.
A Wrongful Death
Traffic deaths in Florida cost as much as $55 billion annually, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your loved one’s passing may take a financial and non-financial toll, and you may receive coverage for:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of a spouse
- Loss of a parent
- Pain and suffering
- Economic losses incurred before your loved one’s death (medical care, property damage)
The personal injury lawyers at Bogin, Munns & Munns will identify your recoverable damages and explain your legal options for seeking compensation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Lead My Car Accident Case in Florida?
We generally advise accident victims to consider hiring a car accident lawyer, as an attorney from our team will:
- Ensure that no insurance company, civil defense lawyer, or other party can violate your rights or compromise your case
- Manage every detail of your claim or lawsuit
- Advise you about any questions or concerns you have
- Review any settlement offers you receive and provide our opinion about the fairness of those offers
- Provide financial support for your case, as we require no upfront fee and will pay the cost of completing your case
We will review your insurance policy, calculate the cost of your damages, and lead your fight for a fair financial recovery.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns Today for a Free Consultation About Your Car Accident Case
Bogin, Munns & Munns has represented car accident victims since 1979. Our attorneys will fight for you and your loved ones while you recover. Call Bogin, Munns & Munns today for a free consultation about your car accident case in Florida.
Do not wait to contact our team, as we may face a strict filing deadline.
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