After getting into an accident, you may wish to file a legal claim and be compensated for your losses. But how do you do so? First and foremost, obtaining a police report is the most crucial part of a legal claim. However, many victims are unsure how to secure a police report following their car accident.
In a situation like this, it’s important to know who to ask for help and what to do in order to gain possession of your accident police report. For more information about police reports and vehicle accident claims, read on.
Requesting a Police Report From the State Police Department
There are two types of police reports in the state of Michigan that you can obtain. The first type of police report is from the state police department. In order to obtain a copy of this report, follow these steps:
- First, go to The Michigan State Police website and scroll down to the “Online Services” section.
- From here, you will be able to find a tab that says “Find Traffic Crash Reports.”
- Once you are on this page, you can begin the registration process to use the system.
- After registering, you can click on “MSP Records Request” and request your police report.
- By clicking on this, you can finish completing the request form and pay for your police report.
Requesting a Police Report From Your Local Police Department
On the other hand, if you need to obtain a police report from your local police station, there are different steps you need to take. The steps you need to follow are listed below:
- First, you must contact your local government records clerk
- You can ask about their Freedom of Information Act policies when speaking with this individual.
- They will explain that traffic crash reports are related to this act and can get instructions to obtain your police report.
- Whatever information this individual gives to you, you can then follow and request your local traffic report.
How Long Will it Take to Get My Police Report?
This is a question that many who are attempting to collect their report will ask. Generally, if you request your report from Michigan’s online database, it takes around three to 30 days to process it into the system.
The wait times vary because countless crashes happen annually on the highways, and large amounts of data are collected. If your report gets processed, you can purchase it within this time.
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What Is Contained in a Police Report in Michigan?
For those that are wondering what exactly is in a police report from Michigan police officers, we will explain in more detail. After you get in a car accident, specific details must be remembered to make it easier for a court to understand what has occurred if an accident claim reaches this far.
Police officers, however, can make mistakes when it comes to accident reporting, which is why many individuals will want to obtain police reports to check them over when moving forward with a legal car accident claim.
Some of the information that is included in police reports from Michigan police officers include:
- The names of those involved in the car accident
- The insurance company names and contact details of these companies
- The identification of the driver that they have deemed to be at fault
- The exact date and time of the accident
- Any diagrams of ideas about how the accident had occurred
- The types of property damage that have taken place
- A list of injuries and their severity
- The type of road that this accident occurred on
- Any notes regarding the weather conditions during the time of the accident
- The officer’s personal opinion as to what has transpired
Why Are Police Reports Needed Following An Accident?
A police report is a valuable piece of information to obtain following a car accident for various reasons. First and foremost, a police report is a clear determinant of fault in a given accident. Because these reports state who was at fault, this paper is valuable in a court of law.
Additionally, police reports can be shown to insurance companies when it comes time to claim damages. Plus, insurance companies will look for the validity of injuries sustained from a car accident, which a police report has as well.
All in all, if you don’t have a police report, then the liable party may claim the accident never happened, or insurance companies may argue that the damages or injuries weren’t as serious as they were. By having a legal statement from the police when beginning a car accident claim, you will already be on the right track to a successful case.
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What Are the Laws of Michigan Police Reports?
In Michigan, there are laws revolving around police reporting for a given car accident. Per law, an officer is required to file a police report for a car accident case that will result in over $1,000 worth of damages.
If a wrongful death occurred in a given car accident, then it’s required by law for officers to file a report. Each car accident needs to be reported immediately or as soon as possible. The closest local police station or local state police department will respond accordingly and get started on their reports upon arriving.
From there, this report will be filed as a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report document that can be accessed online.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Need Additional Help Obtaining Your Car Accident Police Report in Michigan? Reach Out to Us!
Even though it is easy to obtain a police report from your car accident, our law team at White Law PLLC is here to help. Let’s say you obtained your report but need help deciphering the information written; have no fear! With experience in car accidents, we know our way around police reports and car accident claims.
For any questions, or if you wish to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
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