How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Georgia?

If you need a police report for a car accident in Georgia, visit the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) website. That site will allow you to purchase your report through the “BuyCrash” system or submit a request via the GDOT open record request form.

Alternatively, you can pick up the report from the police department or the law enforcement agency that responded to your crash or let your Georgia car accident lawyer handle it.

How Do I Order the Police Report Online?

Going to a police station in person is a hassle, so some accident victims prefer to get the report online. You can visit the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) website, which will direct you to the non-government website, BuyCrash. Here you can search for and purchase a copy of most auto accident reports for a small fee.

Basic information you may need to look up your crash report includes:

• The date of the incident
• Where the incident happened
• Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in some cases

Alternatively, you can fill out an open records request and submit it to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) using the email address on their form.

What Should I Keep in Mind When Picking Up a Police Report in Person?

Most people go to the police station records unit, pay a charge, and pick up the police report. Call your local station hours of operation, and be sure to tell them you are looking for an accident report and confirm you have the correct location.

You should also be aware of the following:

• You must go to the police department, sheriff’s station, or Georgia Highway Patrol post that handled your accident.
• It may take several days after the incident before the police report is available.
• A personal injury attorney can obtain the police report for you.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Get the Report?

If you hire a car accident lawyer, you can ask them to get your motor vehicle accident report. They have legal assistants who can do this quickly and efficiently without wasting your time.

Law firms routinely complete this step for their clients when assembling evidence against the at-fault driver in a personal injury claim. Reaching out to one of our experienced Georgia car accident lawyers will eliminate worries about paperwork and is a step toward getting the compensation you deserve.

What If I Don’t Know Which Law Enforcement Agency Responded to the Crash?

Wondering whether you spoke with a police officer or someone from another law enforcement agency is common when someone is shaken after a crash. The entire experience may become a blur, especially if you were injured. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get your report.

If you need to track down the agency that responded to the accident scene, it will either be the police, sheriff, or highway patrol for the location where the crash happened. You can call each of those three agencies separately and ask them, and you will typically find out who has your report in an hour or less.

Alternatively, you can use one of the websites above to look up your report by location, date, and VIN (if known). The BuyCrash website does not require knowing which law enforcement agency responded.

Can I Get an Accident Report If I Didn’t Call the Police?

No. If a police officer did not respond at the time of the incident, they cannot and will not complete an accident report. This can complicate matters with the involved party’s insurance company, which may try to blame you for the collision.

However, you can complete your own personal accident report, which may help. This is a formal way to document everything that happened as you saw it, as soon as possible after the incident.

Give the completed report to your lawyer when dealing with the insurance company. Government agencies will not accept the personal report, but it can still be a key piece of evidence when negotiating a settlement with an insurance company.

Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Get a Copy of the Report

At John Foy & Associates, we understand the importance of obtaining a copy of the police report, as it contains crucial information about your collision. If you are having trouble tracking it down, let our experienced Georgia auto accident attorneys handle that for you.

After a life-altering traffic accident involving physical injuries and property damage, trust our experienced and respected personal injury lawyers to handle your claim. Our team will gather all necessary documentation, including the police report, to build a strong case for your insurance claim or lawsuit.

Complete the contact form or call us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.