How to get your Alabama crash report

There are two easy ways to get a copy of your Alabama crash report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). You can order a copy online from the ALEA website. Or you can stop by any ALEA Driver’s License Office and request a copy in person. The fee is $15.

If you’re involved in a car accident in Alabama, obtaining a crash report is crucial for insurance purposes and potential legal proceedings. They are official documentation that can strengthen your claim and help establish liability.

Can I Also Obtain a Crash Report in Person?

While online requests are the most convenient way to obtain an Alabama crash report, it is also possible to get it in person. You can visit the nearest ALEA Driver License Examining Office or State Trooper post and submit your request. Ensure that you bring all the necessary information related to the accident, including the date, time, and location of the crash, to assist the administrative personnel in locating the specific report. The ALEA staff will guide you through the process and promptly provide you with the crash report.

What Information Will My Alabama Crash Report Contain?

Your Alabama crash report will contain important details related to the accident. It typically includes:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and contact information of the involved parties
• Witness statements
• Brief description of the accident
• Diagrams illustrating the accident scene
• Weather or road conditions
• Citations issued by law enforcement, if applicable

You should review the report carefully to ensure accuracy, as it may impact insurance claims and potential legal actions.

How Long Will It Take to Get an Accident Report?

It can take up to 15 business days from the date of an accident for the crash report to be available online. Crash reports are available to view and download as soon as five days after submission.

There are a few factors that affect how long it takes to get an accident report:

• Volume of requests
• Availability of the report from the officers
• Routine system maintenance

If you don’t receive your crash report within a reasonable time, you can contact ALEA for updates on the status of your request.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Car Accident?

Here’s a quick checklist for what to do after a car accident in Alabama:

• Check for injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Get contact details from the other parties to the crash, including their name, address, insurance information, license plate number, and make/model of the vehicle.
• Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries.
• Collect witness statements if possible.
• Advise your insurance company about the accident promptly.
• Call an experienced car accident lawyer for guidance on your legal options.

Am I Required to Call the Police If I Am in a Car Accident in Alabama?

In Alabama, you must legally report a car accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or property damage. Even if the accident seems minor, it is advisable to contact the police. Their presence will ensure an official incident record, which can be crucial for insurance claims. Contacting the police also protects the safety of all parties involved and enables them to provide necessary assistance, such as directing traffic and securing the accident scene.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in Alabama?

Generally, you should report the accident to the police immediately after it occurs. Check your auto insurance policy for a deadline on reporting accidents to them. If possible, talk to a car accident attorney before alerting the insurance company of the crash. Anything you say about fault or injuries could be used against you later.

Can I File an Insurance Claim in Alabama Without the Police Report?

While the police report is a valuable document for insurance claims, it is possible to file a claim without it. Insurance companies understand that sometimes police reports are not immediately available, especially for minor accidents. In such cases, provide your insurance company with all relevant details of the accident, including the names and contact information of the parties involved. Politely decline to provide additional details until you have spoken with an attorney.

Can the Crash Report Help My Insurance Claim?

Insurance companies consider crash reports credible sources of information and may rely on them to make determinations of fault and compensation. Including a crash report with your insurance claim has several benefits:

• Objective documentation: A crash report prepared by law enforcement officers serves as an official accident record and provides an unbiased account.
• Accuracy and reliability: The report is a reliable source of information created by an impartial third party shortly after the accident when the details are fresh in the minds of those involved.
• Insurance claims: A copy of the crash report provides independent evidence of the accident, strengthening your case and making it more difficult for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
• Establishing liability: The crash report often includes the investigating officer’s determination of fault based on the evidence and statements gathered at the scene and can be influential in negotiations.
• Court proceedings: If the personal injury claim progresses to a lawsuit, the crash report cannot be used as evidence. However, it could be used to show that the accident occurred.

Always review the report for accuracy before submitting it to your insurance company to avoid potential discrepancies that may affect your claim.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Alabama?

Alabama’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit allows two years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings. The statute of limitations doesn’t apply to insurance claims, only to lawsuits. However, you should file your lawsuit within this deadline to avoid losing your right to seek compensation through the court system.

Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone’s negligence, an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer with Gartlan Injury Law can help you. We will assess your case and help you understand your legal options in a free consultation. Contact us now to get started.

Visit Our Car Accident Law Offices

Aaron Gartlan

Aaron Gartlan is a graduate of Troy University and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law who focuses his practice exclusively on representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others. He is member of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In addition to his legal practice, Aaron teaches Business Law as an adjunct instructor at Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business and serves as a field artillery sergeant in the Alabama National Guard.