In a car accident claim, one of the most crucial factors of success is confirming your version of the events, especially if you weren’t at fault. A strong set of evidence is necessary to support your claim, and police accident reports are among the most important factors.
It’s not always possible to request a copy of the police report right after the accident. You should first focus on your safety and health.
However, after you have sought medical care for your sustained injuries and informed your insurance company of the incident, you should secure this evidence for your potential compensation. In this article, we’ll explain how to get a police report for car accident cases.
Ways to Obtain a Police Report for a Massachusetts Car Accident
A car accident report is an official document that contains information about the incident. When the police officer from the local police department arrives on the scene, they will take steps to first make sure everyone is safe and out of the way of further harm. They will then ask questions of everyone involved so that they can create the police accident report.
That said, you should know how to get a traffic collision report. Here is how you can access a copy of your Massachusetts crash report online and in person.
RMV Website
One of the easiest ways to request the report is by visiting the website of the Registry of Motor Vehicles of the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Reports from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) are available on its official website.
To request a copy of the police report, you should provide information that identifies you, the motor vehicle crash, or another driver, vehicle, or property, if they were involved in the incident. If you don’t have these specific details, try one of the other approaches below.
Online with State Police
If your accident occurred on a highway or freeway, the state police may be able to help you obtain a copy of a police report. To get a Massachusetts State Police accident report, you can submit a public records request on the police department website.
You will need to create an account on the website, which will allow you to access your requests. As you submit your request, try to make it as detailed as possible to help speed up the process. In addition to accident details, you’ll be asked to provide your contact information, including your email address.
Using the Phone
Because many websites require specific information in order to request a police report, you may wish to contact the police department by phone so that you can speak with an operator or officer. When you place the call, be prepared with as much information as possible so that they can help you obtain the police report directly.
Inform them about the date and time of the accident, the specific location of the accident, such as whether or not it occurred within Boston city limits, injuries sustained, the individual involved, etc. The person on the phone will be able to help you with the next steps so that you can use the report in your car accident case.
In Person
Local police departments are typically open for visiting and requesting copies of a car accident report or related police reports. However, be prepared to wait at the police station until an officer is available to discuss your case.
Depending on what else might have occurred within the jurisdiction, you may have to wait from several minutes to a few hours for assistance. Many Massachusetts police departments will do whatever they can to help you as quickly as they can.
As shared earlier, be prepared with as many accident details as you can to help the officer properly document your case or search for a copy of your accident report. If you have the license place numbers of the motor vehicles involved, this can also help with anything police report-related.
Third-Party Websites
Another option to obtain a copy of your police report is through third-party websites that specialize in processing such requests. These services often allow you to search for and purchase a copy of your accident report.
Note that these online portals may charge a fee. Still, they can be a convenient way to access the car accident report if you cannot obtain it directly from the police department.
Information Needed to Access a Crash Report in Massachusetts
Several important details are required to access a copy of your car accident report in Massachusetts:
- Your license number, date of birth, and Social Security Number
- Details about the crash, such as the date, time, location, and names of the involved parties
- The number of the official police report, if available.
Additionally, you’ll need to pay a $20 search fee for each request on the RMV’s website. Third-party platforms may have other fees, so make sure you check the prices.
What Is Included in a Car Accident Report?
Knowing how to obtain an accident report is one thing, but understanding what it includes is just as important. A Massachusetts car accident report contains the following information about the crash:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Descriptions of all the vehicles involved
- Personal information of the drivers, passengers, and other people involved
- A narrative of how the accident occurred provided by the investigating officer
- Diagrams of the accident scene that illustrate the positions of the vehicles
- Statements from witnesses, if available
- The investigating officer’s assessment of the incident
- Any citations issued as a result.
Client Reviews
I really liked that I was always able to reach my lawyers and it wasnt extremely difficult to do so. They kept me informed and were always readily available to answer any of the questions I did have. I had a great experience and felt very personable with my lawyers and as though they represented me very well!
Gabby Santucci
Call Our Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Car Accident!
Now, it’s time to make that copy of a police report work for you. With your accident report from the local police department in hand, contact our Massachusetts car accident lawyers today. And if you need legal assistance with obtaining the report, we can help you secure this crucial evidence.
We have had great success with recent verdicts and settlements and can do the same for you. Our team is well-versed in handling insurance claims, representing clients in court, and supporting them throughout the process.
Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers are experienced in working with the victims of car accidents and can help you pursue a personal injury case and seek fair compensation. Contact us today to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.
