How To Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Charleston, WV
After a car accident in Charleston, WV, getting a police report is necessary. This document provides information for insurance claims and potential lawsuits. With a police report in hand, you can show that you are not at fault, and you can start pursuing any damages or compensation you deserve after sustaining an injury.
If our car accident lawyers in West Virginia can assist you, please give us a call. We’d be happy to provide a free case review.
Steps to Obtain a Police Report in Charleston
Wait for Report Completion
A police report is usually available 3-5 business days after the accident. This allows the officer to complete and file the paperwork.
Gather Necessary Information
To request a police report, you’ll need specific information about the accident, including the date, time, and location. Having this information ready will make the process easier.
Choose a method to Request the Report
Online Request
Many police departments, including Charleston’s, offer the option to request police reports online. Go to the Charleston, WV Police Department’s website and follow the instructions to submit your request.
In-Person
You can go to the Charleston Police Department to request a copy of the police report. Bring your ID and any information about the accident.
You can also request by mail. Write a letter with all the information, a copy of your ID, and any required fees and send it to the Charleston Police Department’s address.
What Information is Included in a Charleston Police Report?
A police report includes a wealth of helpful information about your car accident claim. For example, it will include information about the accident’s date, time, and location.
The report may also include the names and contact information of the drivers and any witnesses, as well as vehicle information, such as license plate numbers and all parties’ insurance companies.
How Long Do You Have to Get a Police Report?
There’s no deadline, but it’s best to get the report immediately after the accident. The sooner you get it, the more documentation you’ll have for insurance claims and legal purposes.
What if There are Errors in the Police Report?
It is common for car accident victims to uncover errors in their police reports. While many uncovered errors may appear harmless, the truth is that the insurance company will use these errors against you if they have an opportunity. Factual errors concerning parties’ names, birthdays, and license plate numbers are often easy to address and correct.
However, if the report contains errors, such as the officer incorrectly asserting that you blew a stop sign or failed to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk, they could have catastrophic effects on your car accident claim. In this situation, it’s best to seek the guidance of an experienced Charleston, WV, car accident attorney to set the record straight.
Why is a Police Report Important After a Car Accident?
Evidence for Insurance Claims
A police report is evidence for insurance claims. It contains accident details that will support your side of the story and speed up the claims process. Our Charleston, WV car accident lawyers can use this evidence to support your claim.
Documentation for Potential Lawsuits
A police report is essential documentation if you need to file a lawsuit for damages or injuries. It contains objective observations and facts that will help your case in court. Having first-hand officer opinions and detailed information about road conditions can help when the other party is not truthful. Call our Huntington, WV car accident attorneys for help today – we serve injury clients throughout the state of West Virginia.
Official Record of the Accident
The police report is the official record of the accident. It details what happened and who was involved. Understanding the parties involved is a critical step in the claims process.
When are Police Reports Required in Charleston?
Accidents involving Injuries
In Charleston, police reports are required for accidents that result in injuries. Reporting the accident ensures an official event record and that all parties involved get the proper medical attention.
Accidents with Significant Property Damage
A police report is also required for accidents that cause major property damage. This helps determine fault and expedite the insurance claims process.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents must be reported to the police immediately. The report will help in the investigation and increase the chances of identifying and catching the at-fault party. See West Virginia Code § 17C-4-6 for more information on accident reporting.
Contact Us for Assistance with Your Car Accident Case
If you’ve been in a car accident in Charleston, WV, and need help getting or understanding a police report, call the dedicated team at Miley Legal for a complimentary case consultation. Our experienced attorneys will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get what you deserve. For a consultation regarding your accident, call our WV injury attorneys today.
Author Bio
Tim Miley is the Founder of Miley Legal Accident Injury Lawyers, a West Virginia personal injury law firm he formed in 2006. With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, brain injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury matters.
Tim received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University and is a member of the West Virginia State Bar and the Harrison County Bar Association. He has helped his clients win more than $20 million in personal injury verdicts and settlements and has further served the people of West Virginia by filling legislative roles in the state’s government since 2004.