If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia, obtaining a police report is a crucial step in building a strong case. But how long does a police report take after a car accident? How can you get a copy of the accident report?
The police report is usually available 3 to 5 business days after a car crash. However, various factors can impact the timeframe. You can request a copy from buycrash.com or the police department that responded to the collision.
This blog will walk you through the important facts you need to know about getting a car accident report. Our attorneys at Horst Shewmaker are dedicated to helping accident victims secure the maximum compensation. Contact our Alpharetta car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Reporting a Car Accident in Georgia
Georgia law requires drivers to report car accidents that result in:
- Injury
- Death
- At least $500 in property damage
In Georgia, failing to file a police report when legally required can result in fines or penalties. Beyond legal requirements, the police report can be pivotal in proving fault and helping you pursue compensation after the crash.
It’s best to call the police after any collision. Injuries may not show symptoms right away, and the full extent of property damage might not be obvious at first glance. Reporting the crash to the police provides an official record, which can be critical for insurance claims and potential legal action. Having the police respond to the accident scene can help protect you if the other driver disputes the facts later.
Why the Car Accident Police Report Matters
A car accident report is important evidence when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. The police report serves as an objective, third-party account of what happened at the scene and can help establish the facts of the case.
A police accident report contains vital information, including:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Identification of the police officer who responded
- Details about the drivers involved (names, contact information, and driver’s license numbers)
- Descriptions of the vehicles involved (make, model, and year)
- Statements from witnesses
- Diagrams of the accident scene
- Notes about physical injuries or property damage
- The police officer’s assessment of how the crash happened and who may be at fault
Insurance companies often rely heavily on police reports to make decisions about fault and compensation. Without a crash report, you may face challenges in proving the facts of the case, and it could make it harder to obtain a fair settlement from the other driver’s insurance company.
If the case goes to court, the police report can strengthen your case against the at-fault driver.
How Long Does a Police Report Take After an Accident?
If you’ve recently been in a car wreck in Georgia, you may wonder, “How long does a police report take after an accident?” Typically, it takes 3 to 5 business days for the accident report to be processed and made available by the responding police department.
However, several factors can influence this timeline, potentially causing delays.
Severity of the Accident
Accidents involving severe injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage often require more extensive investigations. Officers may need additional time to interview witnesses, reconstruct the crash scene, and verify critical details before finalizing the report.
Number of Vehicles Involved
Multi-vehicle accidents take longer to process because officers must document multiple accounts, determine liability, and record all details accurately.
Law Enforcement Agency Workload
If the responding police department handles a high volume of accident cases or is understaffed, processing times may be longer than usual. Busy metropolitan areas like Atlanta or Savannah may experience more delays.
Pending Investigations or Additional Evidence
If law enforcement needs to review surveillance footage, toxicology reports, or other evidence, the police report could take weeks or months to finalize.
Errors or Missing Information
If there are mistakes or incomplete information in the initial report, the police department may need to correct or clarify details before releasing it.
Holiday and Weekend Delays
Reports are typically processed on business days, meaning holidays or weekends may extend the timeframe for a police report.
Once the Georgia accident report is processed, you can access it online via BuyCrash.com or request a copy from the police station that responded.
How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Georgia
Get a Police Report Online From Buycrash.com
The fastest way to get the police report after a Georgia car accident is by visiting BuyCrash.com. You can download the accident report as soon as it’s processed, often within a few business days. Here’s how to obtain a police report online:
- Visit BuyCrash.com and select Georgia from the list of states.
- Input the required information, including your driver’s license number, the police report number (if available), and the date of the accident.
- Pay a small fee to download your report.
This is the most convenient option if you want immediate access to your police accident report without visiting the police department in person.
Submit an Open Records Request
Georgia law allows citizens to access public records, including police reports, through an open records request. You can request a copy of your accident report by mail or email using the GDOT request form.
- If the Georgia State Patrol investigated the crash, contact a local State Patrol post or the Open Records Unit.
- If another agency investigated the collision, submit a form to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
FAQs About Car Accident Reports
What If I Don’t Know Which Agency Responded to the Crash?
Sometimes, in the aftermath of an accident, you may not know which law enforcement agency responded to the scene.
If you remember where the accident happened, you can contact the nearest local police department and ask if they have a record of the crash. If they don’t, try contacting the closest sheriff’s office and highway patrol post.
You can also search for a police report on BuyCrash.com using the location, date, and VIN number.
Can a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Get the Report?
Yes. A Georgia car accident lawyer can help you obtain a police report after a crash. Lawyers are familiar with the process of requesting accident reports from local law enforcement agencies, such as police departments or the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and can navigate any delays or complications in accessing the report.
In addition to filing the necessary paperwork, your lawyer can follow up on the request and ensure that the report contains all the vital information needed for your case. By securing the accident report quickly and efficiently, a car accident lawyer helps build a strong foundation for your claim, making it easier to prove fault and seek compensation.
Contact Our Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyers Today
Some of the most common questions accident victims have are “How do I get a car accident report?” and “How long does a police report take after a car crash in Georgia?” The police report is usually available 3 to 5 business days after an auto accident. You can get a copy online, by mail, or in person.
Obtaining a police report is a critical part of the process after a car accident, but it’s just one step in your journey toward recovery and fair compensation. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Georgia, the lawyers at Horst Shewmaker, LLC can help you pursue the maximum compensation.
From gathering necessary evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your options and start building your car accident case.
