In the aftermath of a car accident, you need to understand who was to blame for the crash. While Florida is a no-fault state, you can take action against a driver who causes a collision if you suffer serious injuries that meet the state’s tort threshold. You will need to prove the defendant was liable for your losses, though.
Obtaining police reports can help you to do that. When you obtain a police report from the accident scene, you can find out key details like whether the defendant was ticketed for illegal behavior, whether police believe the defendant was impaired, and what the police’s investigation into the crash showed.
You may also be able to find out about witnesses to the crash, as well as documentation the police obtained, like toxicology reports or cell phone records. All of this evidence can be invaluable in proving how a crash happened and in recovering compensation for losses.
Diaco Law understands the rules and processes for obtaining police reports after a car accident. We can help you go through the process to get all of the documentation and evidence you need. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with our Tampa car accident lawyer, who can help you to make your case.
How to Obtain Police Reports after a Car Accident
Local police usually respond to accidents, so you will need to follow different processes for obtaining police reports depending on where your accident happens and the specifics of your situation.
For example, in Tampa, you can make a Police Traffic Accident Report Online Request. You can also contact other local police departments, depending on where the accident happened.
You can also obtain reports from the FLHSMV Crash Portal or can submit a signed statement requesting a police crash report by mail or in person. You can submit a mailed request to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Crash Records
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 28
Tallahassee, FL 32399
When you request a report via public portals online or via mail, you will need to pay a fee for doing so.
Gathering Other Evidence After a Car Accident
An experienced Florida accident attorney at Diaco Law can help you to obtain not just police reports but also other evidence after a car accident. Our legal team can:
- Subpoena records, including cell phone records and toxicology reports
- Interview witnesses, including eyewitnesses to the crash
- Find experts, including crash reconstruction specialists, who can testify about what went wrong or the extent of losses
- Gather medical records
- Help you keep a pain diary or journal so you can show the extent of your damage
The more compelling your evidence, the more likely it is that you will be able to successfully pursue a claim to recover full and fair compensation for all losses, including medical bills, lost wages or diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
Diaco Law has decades of experience building strong accident claims, and we are ready to put that legal knowledge to work to help you build a strong case. We also have the resources necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you.