If you sustained injuries in a Gulfport car accident, you’ll need the police crash report for your personal injury claim. Police accident reports help establish the basic facts of the collision and can aid insurance companies in determining fault. Here is a comprehensive guide to getting a police report for a car crash in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Determine Jurisdiction
The first step to getting a police report for a car accident in Gulfport is to determine which agency had jurisdiction, investigated the collision, and filed the report. If it happened within Gulfport city limits, the Gulfport Police Department likely has the report. For accidents on state highways or outside city limits, the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MHSP) or the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office may have jurisdiction.
Review your crash documentation, such as the police officer’s name or badge number, to identify the responding agency so you can request the report from them. If you don’t know which agency responded to the crash, your best bet is to start with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, as they maintain a statewide database of crash records.
Most departments should have an option to get your report online, in person, or by mail.
Wait for Processing Time
Mississippi law requires law enforcement agencies to complete accident reports and forward them to the appropriate department within six days of a crash. How long it takes an officer to complete a crash report depends on the facts of a given collision. More complicated collisions generally take longer to investigate compared to something like a simple fender-bender. Give the responding officer a few days after the accident to complete their investigation before requesting your report.
Provide Necessary Information
Under Mississippi law, only certain people can request a collision report. Those authorized to obtain a crash report include:
- Anyone involved in the accident
- The next of kin of anyone involved
- A representative for the estate of someone involved
- Attorneys for involved parties
- Insurance companies for those involved
The more information you can provide showing you have a right to your car accident report, the lower your chances of unnecessary delays. Give as much information as possible when you request your report, including:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
- Your crash report number (if available)
- Your driver’s license number
- Your vehicle information
- The date and location of the crash
Request Online
The easiest way to get a police report for a car accident in Gulfport is through the online crash report database. You can quickly find your report and request it by choosing the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and providing information on your vehicle or case number. While it costs a bit more to request your report online, you’ll likely save a lot of time and energy compared to making your request in person or through the mail.
Pay Fees
You usually must pay a small fee to request a copy of a police accident report. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) says the fee for a crash report is $15 if you visit a Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol office in person or submit your request through the mail. According to the Gulfport Police Department, you can get police reports for collisions on state roadways from their Records Division starting at $7.50.
The fee for an online request is $20, plus a $5 handling fee.
Follow Up
Once you submit your request for a crash report, wait a few days to see what happens. If more than a few weeks pass and you don’t receive your report, follow up with the relevant law enforcement agency and ask them about the status of your request. These agencies receive many record requests, so a little pressure is sometimes necessary to make them respond. Be polite but firm and ask if the agency needs any additional information from you to complete the request.
Why Do You Need a Police Accident Report?
There are two main reasons why you need a police report after a Gulfport car crash:
- Filing insurance claims – The insurance companies will likely require the report to prove the crash happened and start processing your claim.
- Establishing facts – Police accident reports help determine the basic facts of the case, including the parties involved, any eyewitnesses, any citations, and who may be responsible for the collision.
Overall, your crash report provides valuable information and support for your car accident claim, so it’s essential that you get it.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
A Gulfport car accident attorney can handle the steps of a crash report request for you, meaning you have one less thing to worry about and can concentrate on healing. Lawyers have extensive experience with records requests and dealing with law enforcement agencies. They can quickly address any bureaucratic issues that may come up.
Do You Have Specific Questions About Getting Your Accident Report? Contact Our Law Firm Today
Our Gulfport car accident attorneys have over a decade of experience protecting the rights of crash victims. We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients, including a $700,000 settlement for someone who broke multiple leg bones in a collision. We’ll handle all the legal work in your case, including requesting your police accident report, while you rest and recuperate. Here’s what one satisfied client said about their experience with our firm:
“I hired Jonathan for an accident with an 18-wheeler. This was such a traumatic time for me. Jonathan showed great compassion for what I was going through. He is very personable, honest, direct, and sincere. He always responded in a timely fashion. My case was not an easy one, but he fought hard to get the highest amount possible. I love his staff, everyone is so friendly. I highly recommend Jonathan for your legal needs.” – Cheryl K.
Are you ready to speak with our personal injury lawyers about your situation? Call Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC now at (228) 872-8752 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.