A police report contains important details about your car accident, involved parties, and the officer’s observations, and whether you’re pursuing compensation or trying to resolve liability disputes, you need to know where to find your car accident report. The process is simple enough – we ‘ve outlined it below for you. If you were in a car accident and need to contact a personal injury lawyer serving Huntington, WV, call Miley Legal. We would be happy to speak with you.
How to Obtain a Police Report in Huntington, WV
Plan to visit the records bureau of the Huntington Police Department, which is located at 675 10th Street in Huntington. You’ll need a valid photo ID and details like the date and location of the accident. Reports are usually available within 1-3 working days, although it may take up to five days for a crash report. You’ll pay a $20 fee if you get a crash report in person, and $25 if you request a report online – you can do so here.
If your accident occurred on a highway or involved the West Virginia State Police, you’ll need to request the report through their Crash Reports portal. This can be done online or by mail. It’s a good idea to wait at least two weeks after the accident before requesting the report to allow time for processing.
If you’ve been injured, call us – we will help with this part of the process in addition to everything else.
Why You Need a Police Report
A police report can include the names and contact information of those involved, insurance details, and the officer’s account of what happened. While the report itself is not considered evidence in court (it is usually considered hearsay), it still matters. Insurance companies often use it as a reference when determining fault, and attorneys rely on the details within while creating arguments.
If you plan to seek compensation after your accident, the police report will help. It can establish what happened and may mention contributing factors such as weather, road conditions, or traffic violations.
Calling the Police After a Car Accident
In West Virginia, state law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. For accidents within Huntington city limits, the Huntington Police Department will typically respond, and with incidents on highways such as I-64, the West Virginia State Police may be the first to arrive. In general, plan to call the police after an accident just to be sure. Officers will document what they observe, including statements from drivers and witnesses. They also assess damage, note road conditions, and, in some cases, issue citations.
Addressing Errors in a Police Report
Did you notice that your name is spelled incorrectly, that the order of events are incorrect, or that there are other discrepancies in the police report? It’s understandable – you were likely not paying close attention at the time, especially if you were hurt. Start by contacting the officer who filed the report and provide any documentation needed to support your request. If the officer is unwilling to make changes, you can submit a written statement explaining the error. Again, if we are involved in your case, we will work hard to make sure that errors on the police report do not negatively influence the outcome of your case.
Using the Police Report to Support Your Case
They aren’t directly used as evidence in court, but police reports are a useful tool in settlement negotiations or pre-trial proceedings. Insurance adjusters often rely on the report to determine fault. Our attorneys use its details to strengthen your claims for compensation. The report may also include information about a traffic citation for the at-fault driver, witness statements, and more. Whether you’re seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, or property repair, the report plays a pivotal role in building a strong claim.
Obtaining the Report Quickly
Don’t procrastinate on getting your police report. The longer you wait, the trickier it can be to fix insurance details, spellings of your name, or inaccurate portrayals of the accident itself. And if you were injured on the scene, it never hurts to call an experienced car accident attorney in WV, even if you feel that the injuries are not significant. If you have any questions, get in touch.
