If you or a family member was involved in an injury accident in Gadsden, Alabama, it’s important to obtain a copy of the accident report.
The police report can be a valuable piece of evidence in support of your claim for damages against the negligent party.
Filing a claim for damages can be a stressful and frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be.
A Gadsden auto accident attorney can help you obtain Gadsden police accident reports and get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
How to Obtain Gadsden Police Reports
Obtaining a Gadsden police report is a fairly straightforward process.
You can either contact the Gadsden Police Department via phone at 256-549-4500 or visit in person.
The address for in-person requests is 90 Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35901.
At the Police Department, there are four departments within the Services Division.
The Records Department is the one responsible for maintaining records related to traffic accidents and other criminal offenses and incidents.
The price to obtain your report could vary depending on which method you use.
You can pay using cash or check.
What Information You Need
Before you call or visit the Gadsden Police Department, you will need to make sure you have all the necessary information so they can find your report.
Please make sure you have:
- Your full name or the name of the person involved in the accident;
- Driver license number of the involved party;
- Vehicle license plate number of the involved vehicle;
- Date and time of the accident;
- Who else was involved in the accident; and
- Your contact information such as mailing address, email, and phone number.
The more information you have, the easier it will be to track down your report.
If you were given a report or temporary identification number at the scene, you need that information as well.
Car Accident Reports Outside of Gadsden, Alabama
If you were in a car accident that occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Gadsden Police Department, you will most likely be able to download your Alabama accident report through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s website: Crash Report Request Page
To download your car crash report, you will need to provide one of following: (i) your ALEA case number, (ii) the first and last name of a driver in the crash, or (iii) their driver’s license number.
Copies of crash reports cost $15 each. If you pay by credit card you will also be charged a credit card processing fee.
Importance of a Police Report in an Accident Claim
The steps you take following an accident are crucial to your injury claim.
You should be extremely cautious about what you say at the scene to other parties and the responding officer.
Even something like “I’m sorry,” could be construed as an admission of guilt.
Don’t say, “I didn’t even see the other car until they hit me,” as the other driver’s insurance could also use that against you during the claims process.
Not all responding officers will take scene photos of the accident either.
If your injuries aren’t too severe, try to get photos of the scene following the accident. Get photos of the vehicles, damages, and any other important elements at the scene.
For example, if it was raining out, be sure to document that in photos.
If there was foliage obstructing a stop sign, you want a photo.
Scene photos and the police report can help experts like accident reconstructionists show what happened in the accident.
Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was involved in an injury auto accident, the skilled legal team at the Fob James Law Firm is here to help.
We have years of experience assisting clients just like you.
We can obtain the police report for your case as well. To learn more about how we can help you, contact the Fob James Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.