After you are injured in a car accident, obtaining a police report is essential. It has important information that can help you build a car accident case.
At John Foy & Associates, our team of Sandy Springs car accident lawyers explains how to get a police report and how a lawyer can help. Read on to get all the information you need to receive your report.
Contacting the Sandy Springs Police Department
The Sandy Springs Police Department can be reached by calling their non-emergency phone number, which is 770-551-6900. Be sure to call during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
When you call, be prepared to provide the officer or records clerk with key details about the accident, such as the date and approximate time it occurred, the nearest cross streets or address where it happened, and the names of any people involved, including yourself. You’ll need to request a copy of the official police report to document the accident details.
You also have the option to visit the Sandy Springs Police headquarters in person to request a report. They are located at 7840 Roswell Rd #301, Sandy Springs, GA 30350.
Be sure to check business hours before making the trip, and have the same accident details ready to share at the front desk. Requesting the report in person allows you to pick it up immediately once it’s processed rather than waiting for mail delivery.
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How a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Obtain the Report
For minor accidents, you can generally request a police report directly from the department. However, an experienced personal injury attorney in Sandy Springs can help expedite the process in more complex cases.
At John Foy & Associates, we are familiar with the procedures and proper ways to demand a report that is timely and has all the details. Our involvement may prompt a more thorough investigation if the initial report seems deficient.
A legal representative can also help interpret the official documentation and advise whether the officer adequately captures all relevant factors. We serve as objective reviewers to ensure nothing was missed or mischaracterized in a way that negatively impacts your settlement potential. If issues arise, obtaining a police report and having our attorneys’ guidance makes tackling the obstacles much smoother.
How Long Will It Take to Receive the Report?
In most cases, expect to receive a police report from the Sandy Springs PD within 1-2 weeks. However, depending on the department’s workload, it sometimes takes up to 30 days.
You can request to pick it up in person or receive it via mail. Filing a claim as soon as possible is recommended, even before the report arrives.
Should You Request a Report for Every Accident?
It’s generally a good idea to get a police report for any accident, even minor fender benders, in case any medical issues surface later on. Having the official documentation protects your rights since insurers will likely request the report during their claim review. For very minor incidents with no injuries or property damage, a report may not always be strictly necessary.
Understanding What is Included in the Police Report
A police report from an accident that occurred in Sandy Springs will contain a detailed narrative prepared by the responding officer. It will list key facts such as the date, time, and exact location of the accident.
All vehicles involved will be identified along with driver and passenger names and contact information. Descriptions may include make, model, year, damage details, and license plate numbers.
The report will outline factors that potentially contributed to causing the accident, such as speed, road conditions, traffic controls, and whether alcohol or drugs were involved. It will note the injuries reported by those involved, ranging from no injuries to being transported to the hospital. Contact details of any witnesses interviewed will also be on the report.
Additionally, the report will indicate if supplemental documents like crash photos, witness statements, or breathalyzer test results were collected. Instructions for requesting copies of these supporting materials will be included. Having a complete official record is pivotal for moving an insurance claim forward.
Are There Any Fees for the Police Report?
Yes, there is a nominal fee associated with obtaining a copy of the police report from the Sandy Springs Police Department. The current fee is $5 per report. This fee helps cover the administrative costs involved with processing and providing copies of reports.
It’s important to be aware of this fee so you come prepared when requesting your report. The Sandy Springs PD accepts cash or checks as payment.
If picking up a report in person, bring exact change or a check for $5 made out to the “City of Sandy Springs.” Reports requested by mail also require a prepayment of $5 plus additional postage costs.
For individuals who may have financial difficulties, some exceptions can potentially be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the records department. But in general, plan to pay $5 to obtain your official police report documenting the details of any car accident that occurred within the city of Sandy Springs..
Learn More About Obtaining a Sandy Springs Car Accident Report
Our team of Sandy Springs car accident attorneys at John Foy & Associates understand the stress you may be feeling right now. We’re here to help you get access to your police report so you can start building a strong case.
Contact ues to learn more about how to get a car accident report.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
