You will need to determine the responding agency and request your accident report to obtain a copy. These reports are essential pieces of evidence in many car accident cases in Alexandria, LA.
A police report may help you prove fault and recover compensation via a claim against the other driver’s liability auto insurance policy. It can also help you identify witnesses and collect additional evidence in your case.
Requesting a Report from the Alexandria Police Department
If officers from the Alexandria Police Department handled your collision, you can request a copy of the report from them. These reports are $10 from the Records Division for the Alexandria Police Department. It may take a week or longer after your accident before your report is available.
Under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. Civ. Code Art. 44:3, they will likely require you to provide a government-issued picture ID to show you were in the accident involved.
They are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn more by contacting them:
- Telephone: (318) 441-6412
- Email: apd-records@cityofalex.com
For a free legal consultation, call (318) 416-0089
Getting Documents from the Louisiana State Police
If your collision occurred on the interstate or a state highway, the Louisiana State Police may have handled your crash. You can request accident reports online through the agency’s website. It generally takes between 10 days and two weeks for the agency to post these records after an accident.
These reports are $11.50 each, and you can pay with a debit or credit card through the website.
To search for and request your crash report, you will need to have at least some of the following information:
- The case or report number
- The date of the accident
- Where the collision occurred
- Your last name or the other party’s last name if yours is common
Police Reports Play a Central Role in Many Alexandria Crash Claims
If you have to file a car insurance claim following your Alexandria traffic accident, you will need the police report. It includes critical details about your accident, including:
- The names and numbers of all drivers involved
- The insurance coverage of each driver
- The make, model, and tag number of each vehicle
- What happened and who caused it
- If anyone received a traffic ticket
While it is possible to argue against a police report and build a strong argument to show it is incorrect, this is not common. Instead, it generally supports the insurance claim and helps the victim build a case to hold the at-fault driver responsible.
It also offers information from eyewitnesses, investigators, and other officers who responded to the accident.
Lastly, it provides the name of the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance carrier. You will file a claim with this company to pursue compensation. This is vital information if you plan to manage your case on your own.
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Your Attorney Will Handle Your Car Accident Case, Including Getting Your Report
Choosing to work with a personal injury law firm on your car accident claim may provide many benefits and significantly minimize what you must do to secure fair compensation in your case. This includes gathering evidence and building support for your claim.
Your attorney will know how to request your accident report and use the information in it to:
- Interview witnesses
- Identify the liable party or parties
- Analyze damage to each vehicle
- Learn more about what happened
- Take other steps to understand the accident better
- Demand a fair and just settlement from the other driver’s insurer
They will also work with accident reconstruction specialists, economists, and other experts as necessary to develop a strong claim.
If the insurer does not provide a payout that appropriately compensates their client, they may suggest a civil lawsuit and trial in front of a judge and jury. This could result in a court judgment and award that provides just financial recovery.
Most personal injury attorneys provide complimentary consultations for Alexandria accident victims. During your free accident assessment, you may be able to learn:
- Your rights
- Your legal options
- The strength of your case
- If there are additional liable parties
- How the law firm may be able to help
- The possible deadlines in your case, which are generally a year or less
You Can Speak with Morris Bart, LLC, Today at No Cost
The Morris Bart law office in Alexandria, LA, offers free case evaluations for car accident victims. We can assess the details of your case and help you understand your next steps. We are a contingency fee firm.
Call (318) 416-0089 today to discuss your collision and injuries with an attorney.
Questions?Call (318) 416-0089
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
