Alabama car accident reports aren’t available to the general public. Only people directly involved in the crash and certain approved parties, such as insurance companies, can request a copy.
If you sustained injuries in a collision, your lawyer can help you get a copy of your Alabama crash report. It’s often critical evidence in your car accident claim, as it helps you prove how the crash unfolded and who caused it. Without it, building a strong claim for compensation is much more challenging.
What Is Included in an Alabama Crash Report?
Some information you’ll find in an Alabama crash report includes:
- Date and time of the crash
- Location of the accident
- Names and contact information of the drivers involved
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Weather and road conditions
- The responding officer’s observations and narrative
- Any citations or violations the officer issued
How to Obtain an Alabama Crash Report
You can obtain an Alabama crash report by visiting an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency driver’s license office. The report can also be purchased online. Make sure you have a valid method to pay the $15 record request fee (credit or debit card) and information about the crash so officials can find your specific record.
Why You Might Need an Alabama Accident Report
Many insurance companies require crash reports as part of a personal injury claim, as the report establishes the baseline facts of what happened in a collision and who was involved. The information in the crash report can help you show who caused you to suffer injuries so you can seek fair compensation.
What If the Report Contains Errors?
If the report contains errors, you can correct them by contacting the officer or department that wrote the report. We understand that amending a police report can be challenging, so it might be a good idea to consult with an attorney to ensure that you’re going through the process correctly. Car accident attorneys understand the proper procedures for these requests and can seek evidence to support your account of what happened.
FAQs About Alabama Crash Reports
Here are some answers to common questions we receive about Alabama crash records:
How long after a crash can I get my Alabama crash report?
It can take up to 15 days from the crash date for the report to be available for purchase and viewing online. Once you complete your online record request, you can view and download your report for up to five days. Crash reports from over 10 years ago generally aren’t available.
Can I get a crash report if I wasn’t involved in the accident?
Generally, no. You may have the right to a crash report if you were involved in the collision as a passenger or if you are the owner of the vehicle involved, but you usually can’t request a report for an accident in which you weren’t involved at all.
How do I get a copy of a police accident report in Alabama?
The easiest way to get a copy of an Alabama police report is to request one online from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). You can also request crash reports in person from any ALEA driver’s license office.
Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Lawyers to Learn More
Our Alabama car accident lawyer Collins Law, LLC, knows how vital your crash report is for your case and recovering fair compensation. We can handle the bureaucratic details of the automobile accident and fight for your interests while you focus on healing. Call today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about our legal services.
