If you want to get compensation for your injuries from a car accident in Paragould, you will need to show that the other driver was negligent. Often, the best place to start proving liability is by reviewing your police report.
If you did not get a copy of your police report at the accident, that is okay. You can get a copy of your police report a few different ways. Our attorneys can help you request your report, discuss its contents, and explain how we will use it to prove your claim. You can get your report quickly by getting it online. For the cheapest option, you can pick one up in person from the police. The important thing is to get your report quickly so we can get your case started immediately. The sooner our team reviews your police report, the sooner we can contact witnesses and obtain additional evidence.
Call us at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our Paragould car accident attorneys and receive your free case evaluation today.
Can I Get a Copy of My Police Report Online After My Car Accident in Paragould, AR?
The best method to obtain your police report quickly is online. Although the Paragould Police Department does not offer an online option on the city website, you can still access your report online through the Arkansas State Police. The State Police serves as the central repository for all crash reports in Arkansas. This means that if any local or state law enforcement agency, including the Paragould Police, investigated your crash, the report will be sent to the State Police repository.
To request your report, visit the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website and use the “Crash Report Online Purchase System.” Choose the option for individual crash reports and provide at least one of the following: your name, birthdate, driver’s license number, date of the crash, or the crash report number. If you have the crash report number, you can simply enter it to locate your report. Enter your email address correctly, though, as your report will be sent to you electronically if available. Reports from this source will cost a little over $10 since the state charges a service fee for online reports.
However, if the crash report contains information about juvenile occupants, you must call the Arkansas State Police Crash Records Section at (501)-618-8130 for further assistance. Before that, contact our Paragould truck accident lawyers, who can guide you on how best to proceed for the fastest results. After we get your police report, we can explain how the information in it can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Can I Pick Up a Police Report In Person for My Paragould, AR Car Accident?
In some cases, you might find it more convenient to get your report in person. If the Paragould Police Department is nearby, you can pick up a copy of your report in the lobby of 301 West Court Street, Paragould, AR 72450.
The benefit of this option is that it is cheaper than paying for the report online. The cost of a report is only $5 when you collect it in person.
Can I Have My Police Car Accident Report Mailed to Me in Paragould, AR?
Another option is to get your report through the mail. However, you will only have one option to do so. You will need to fill out this form and mail it, along with a money order or check for $10, to the address below:
Arkansas State Police
Attn: Crash Records Section
One State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
What Information Will I Find in My Paragould, AR Police Report?
Police reports are valuable sources of information. They not only provide an overview of the accident but can tell us who will be liable for it. It will also include key details that are easily forgotten as a claim goes on. They also help our lawyers locate witnesses who can testify about the accident. Our team can review the report and explain how each section can help your case. The following is the information you will typically find in a police report:
Details About the Accident
Of course, our attorneys will want to know as much about the accident as possible. After talking to you, our team will look for additional information in the police report. The police report will describe the location of the accident, the time of day it happened, and the weather conditions. Even these details can tell us a great deal about the accident and help determine fault.
Descriptions of Damages and Injuries
We will also pay particular attention to the damages section of your police report. This section will describe the damages the officers observed when they investigated the crash. Your injuries, vehicle damage, and damage to personal property should be listed in the damages section. This part of the report will be useful in illustrating the accident’s severity.
Driver Information
The other driver’s information will also be included in its own section. This section is vital since it will tell us who to sue and where we can serve them your lawsuit. The driver information section will include each driver’s name, address, and insurance information.
It will also list any passengers involved who could be called as witnesses later. The report should also include information about the other driver’s vehicle, like the registration number and vehicle identification number. This information is critical to locating the negligent parties after the accident and filing your claim.
Witness Information
Another section will be reserved for witness information. This section would be empty if there were no witnesses. But if there were, our team could use this part of the report to gather witness testimony. Like the driver identification section, the witnesses’ contact information should be noted. Our team can contact witnesses for you and help arrange for them to provide statements in your case.
Accident Diagrams
Most police reports also include diagrams of the accident, which often provide a much clearer picture than the officer’s narrative of the crash. The diagram can show our team the road layout, which directions each vehicle was traveling in, and where they came to rest.
Police Observations
There will also be a section where the police record their observations. Here, the police will report what they saw on the scene. The will also records statements and admissions made by the parties. Thus, just stick to the facts when speaking to the police. Otherwise, the insurance company will try to use your statements against you.
It will also include the officer’s opinions and conclusions. This can be critical during settlement negotiations, especially if the other driver was ticketed for the offense.
Our Paragould, AR Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case review with our nursing Paragould personal injury lawyers, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.