If you were in a car accident in Huntsville, you must report the accident to authorities, especially if the crash involved injuries or significant property damage. A responding officer will investigate the accident, interview witnesses, and generate an accident report that details important information about the crash, including the officer’s opinion as to who caused it.
An official accident report will serve as valuable evidence in your car accident injury claim, but you may not know how to get an accident report in Huntsville. The following article addresses the ways you can obtain a copy of the accident report. If you need assistance or have questions, reach out to an experienced Huntsville car accident lawyer for help.
Getting a Huntsville Accident Report
In Huntsville, Alabama, obtaining an accident report typically involves contacting the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. Follow these steps to request an accident report in Huntsville:
Identify the Responding Agency
Determine which law enforcement agency responded to the accident. This could be the Alabama Highway Patrol, the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff's Office, or another relevant agency. If you don’t know which agency to contact, reach out to a car accident lawyer or the Alabama Driver License Division at (334) 242-4241 for help determining which agency to contact.
Collect Information
Gather essential details about the accident, including the date, time, and location. Note the names of the involved parties and the case or report number if available. Also, prepare to provide identification to verify your connection to the accident.
Contact the Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency
The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains a traffic accident reporting system through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You can request a copy of the report online by following the system’s prompts. The total cost of the accident report is $17, including credit card fees.
You must provide basic information, such as your name, driver’s license number, and phone number, along with the seven-digit report number officers provided to you at the accident scene. Only authorized individuals connected to the accident may request a report, such as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
Note that it can take up to 10 days after the accident for the report to appear in the online system. Once you purchase the report, you will have seven days to access and download it from the website.
If Huntsville police officers responded to the accident and generated a report, you can contact them by phone or visit their office in person to request a copy.
Huntsville Police Department Records Division:
Address: 815 Wheeler Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 722-7100
Please allow 72 hours for the report to become available. There is a $10 fee for the report.
Wait for Processing
Once you've submitted your request, allow the agency some time to process it. Accident reports may take a few days to become available.
Pick Up or Receive the Report
If you requested the report in person, you may need to pick it up from the law enforcement agency. If you submitted an online request, be sure you understand how you will receive the report (e.g., mail, email). Contact online support if unsure.
Remember that the process and requirements for obtaining accident reports can vary by jurisdiction and law enforcement agency. It's advisable to contact the specific agency involved in your accident for accurate and up-to-date information on obtaining accident reports in Huntsville.
Can an Attorney Get an Accident Report for Me?
Yes, an attorney can typically obtain an accident report on your behalf. In many cases, attorneys regularly request accident reports as part of their legal services when representing car accident clients. If you've hired a personal injury attorney, they will likely take care of obtaining the accident report as part of their investigative process.
The attorney may ask you to sign an authorization form permitting them to obtain the accident report on your behalf. This form allows the attorney to access your personal information and request the necessary documents from the law enforcement agency.
What Information Does the Accident Report Contain?
Accident reports typically contain a wealth of information related to a specific traffic incident. The content of an accident report may vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction and the law enforcement agency handling the report.
However, common elements found in most accident reports include:
Basic Information:
- Date, time, and location of the accident.
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.
Vehicle Information:
- Details about the vehicles involved, including make, model, year, color, and license plate numbers.
- Information about the drivers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver's license numbers.
Witness Information:
- Names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Injury Information:
- Indication of injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or anyone else involved in the accident.
Narrative or Description of the Accident:
- A written description of how the accident occurred, often provided by the responding officer.
- Diagrams or sketches of the accident scene, indicating the positions of vehicles and other relevant details.
Contributing Factors:
- Factors contributing to the accident, such as speeding, distracted driving, or weather conditions.
Citations and Violations:
- Any traffic citations issued to involved drivers.
- Notations of any traffic law violations observed by the responding officer.
Statements from Involved Parties:
- Statements made by drivers, passengers, and witnesses regarding the circumstances of the accident.
Insurance Information:
- Insurance details for the vehicles involved, including policy numbers and the names of insurance companies.
Vehicle Damage and Impact Points:
- Information about the extent of damage to the vehicles.
- Indication of the point of impact on each vehicle.
Emergency Services Response:
- Details about any emergency services called to the scene, such as paramedics or firefighters.
Reporting Officer Information:
- Name, badge number, and contact information of the responding law enforcement officer.
Case or Report Number:
- A unique identifier assigned to the accident report for reference purposes.
It's important to note that while the information in an accident report is comprehensive, it may not include certain details, such as the at-fault determination, additional investigation or insurance claims may determine later. Additionally, parties involved in the accident, or their representatives, may have access to the accident report for insurance purposes or legal proceedings.
Contact a Huntsville Car Accident Attorney for Help
The official accident report of your crash provides vital information you will need when submitting an injury claim and pursuing compensation. Your lawyer can use the report along with other evidence to determine fault, establish liability, and support your claim. Contact a Huntsville personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you obtain a copy of the accident report. An attorney can also represent you throughout the claims process to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Garrett Dennis
Attorney
For nearly a decade I have been representing the people of North Alabama who have been victims to accidents. I have seen firsthand the impact a wreck can have on a victim and their families.
Author's Bio