How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Phoenix
December 18, 2024 | Car Accidents
A car accident can be a stressful experience, but obtaining a police report after a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, can be a crucial step toward protecting your rights. Phoenix police reports provide an official record of the accident and key facts about what occurred. But how do you get a copy of a Phoenix police report?
What Is A Police Report?
A police or accident report is an official document that a responding police officer will prepare at the scene of a car accident. It provides a detailed account of the incident, including:
- Names, addresses, contact details, and insurance information of the drivers involved
- A summary of how the accident occurred
- A summary of officer observations and statements from those involved
- Contact details and statements from witnesses who saw the accident
- Details about the damage to vehicles and other property
- Information about any traffic citations or violations involved
- A description of weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident
The report establishes an account of your accident and may be necessary for resolving an insurance claim.
Steps to Get A Police Report After A Car Accident in Phoenix
You may be wondering how to get a police report after an accident in Phoenix. Here is how you can obtain a copy of an Arizona police report:
1. Identify Who Responded to Your Accident
The first step is identifying which law enforcement agency responded to your accident. The Phoenix Police Department is most likely, but other agencies may have also responded to the accident scene, depending on where it occurred.
2. Wait for the Report to Be Processed
Police reports are not immediately available. The report can take a few days to a few weeks to complete. Contact the relevant law enforcement agency to confirm when the report will be ready.
3. Request the Report Online
The Phoenix Police Department offers an online portal for requesting accident reports. This is free to use. Visit their official website and click the “Accident Reports” section to submit your request. You typically need to provide certain information about your accident, including the date and location, names of the parties, and report number, if available.
4. Request the Report in Person or by Mail
You may not wish to get an Arizona police report online. If you prefer not to request the report online, you can obtain Phoenix police department reports in person or via mail. Visit the Records and Identification Bureau of the police department or send a written request. A fee for processing and printing costs may be assessed based on the length of your record. The Phoenix Police Department is generally open during regular business hours at 1717 North Grant Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
What to Do If No Police Report Was Filed
Police officers may not respond to the scene of every accident. If you are wondering how to file a police report in Phoenix, you may file a citizen’s collision report with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). You can file a collision report online if your accident:
- occurred within the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Public Safety;
- did not cause injuries;
- resulted in less than $2,000 in damages; and
- involved no more than two vehicles.
It is generally recommended to have an officer respond to an accident when possible so a report can be created at the scene.
What to Do After You Get Your Phoenix Police Report
Once you have obtained your police report, carefully review it to ensure all details are accurate. Contact the Phoenix Police Department or agency that issued the report to request a correction or clarification if necessary. After confirming the report’s accuracy, you can provide a copy to your insurer to support your claim. A Phoenix car accident lawyer can also review the review and analyze it alongside other evidence in your case, such as medical records, repair estimates, and photos of the accident scene, to present a compelling claim for compensation.
Injured in Phoenix? Schedule A Consultation With A Phoenix Personal Injury Today
A Phoenix police report is a critical piece of evidence in car accident claims. It provides an official account of what happened, including who was involved. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident or injured, schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer to learn about obtaining an accident report and pursuing potential compensation in Arizona.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer for Help With Your Claim
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix car accident attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
400 Gold Avenue SW Suite 650
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 594-3621