Crash reports are critical pieces of information for anyone hoping to receive compensation for car accident injuries. An Alabama crash report will establish the basic information about your accident, including the location and the date it happened. Without this document, obtaining compensation can be a challenge because insurance companies might suspect you are truly at fault for your injuries.
At Ryan & Rouse, we help accident victims navigate the claims process. Contact us if you want to speak to a Huntsville car accident lawyer. Below, we look at the two primary methods of requesting a copy of your crash report. The method you use will depend on which law enforcement agency responded to the crash: the Huntsville Police Department or the Alabama Highway Patrol. Contact our office if you are in pain and need assistance.
Two Ways to Request an Alabama Accident Report
Method #1. Contact the Huntsville Police Department
If the Huntsville police responded to the accident, then they should have a copy of the Alabama crash report. You should contact the Records Division at the Huntsville Police Department.
You have two options for obtaining the report from HPD:
- Purchase a report online. There is a link on the Records Office website.
- Request a copy in person from the Records Division.
Before ordering your Alabama crash report, you should gather the following information: your accident number, the date of the accident, the location of the accident, and your valid ID (such as your driver’s license).
If you request a copy in person, you will need to pay $10. The city accepts cash, credit cards, and checks payable to the City of Huntsville.
Method # 2. Request a Copy from the ALEA Crash Report Purchase System
If Alabama Highway Patrol responded to your accident, then you can request the accident online from the ALEA Crash Report Purchase System (here). ALEA crash reports cost $15.
You must wait at least five days from the date of the accident for the report to upload. In some cases, it takes up to 15 days for a report to show up online. Furthermore, reports that are more than 10 years old will not be available.
If ordering online, be sure to have a valid credit card for payment and a personal email address. You will also need crash information. Completing the request only takes a couple of minutes.
You may also purchase a copy by visiting an ALEA Driver License Office if you do not want to use your credit card online.
According to Alabama Code § 32-10-7, accident reports can be released to only certain people: drivers, passengers, and parents/guardians of a minor involved. Your lawyer may also obtain a copy.
If a loved one died in an accident, you can request one as the personal representative of the estate. This person is named in the deceased’s will and is responsible for any wrongful death claim. If someone else is serving in that role, reach out to Ryan & Rouse. We can seek information regarding any wrongful death case.
What if You Did Not Report an Accident?
Alabama law requires that you report any accident to law enforcement that results in bodily injuries or death. The law requires using the fastest means possible, which is usually by calling on the phone. (Ala. Code § 32-10-5.)
What if you forgot to call? Some people don’t even know they were supposed to call until their insurance company asks for a copy of the accident report.
If you only suffered property damage in the accident, then you are not legally obligated to report the crash to the state. However, you probably should report even in that situation so that you have documentation that the crash really happened. That will still help when trying to get your car repaired.
You can still file a claim if you have not called the police. However, we need more evidence to establish when the accident happened.
What if My Alabama Crash Report is Wrong?
When inaccurate information makes its way into your report, you might feel frustrated. You might even be worried if the inaccurate information will hurt your case.
In our experience, some inaccurate information will not impact the case. For example, an officer might offer their opinion about how the accident happened or who is at fault. However, the officer’s opinion is just that: it doesn’t control how a jury or insurance company reviews the evidence. We can argue that the report is not accurate.
The main issue in contention is fault, which means the person legally responsible for the crash. We can review all the evidence to review who is legally responsible for the crash. A responding officer probably didn’t observe what happened, so their opinion is not the final word.
Why a Lawyer is a Benefit after a Car Accident
Anyone who suffers bodily injuries should demand compensation from the driver at fault for the crash. Alabama requires that motorists have liability coverage for this situation. The driver who is liable should cover medical care, property damage, lost wages, and other economic losses that flow from the crash. Our clients should also receive compensation for pain and suffering, along with emotional distress.
No two cases are the same. Someone who is permanently paralyzed will likely receive more than if they suffered a temporary elbow sprain. But some injuries, including disfiguring scars, can leave a victim with intense anguish.
We have helped those in the 35801 zip code and nearby communities with settlement negotiations. We understand how insurance companies value these claims, and our lawyers can argue that you deserve more compensation than the insurance adjuster proposes.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Our Office
Ryan & Rouse has negotiated settlements for accident victims, including several million-dollar settlements for people injured in some of the most common car crashes. We can help anyone hurt in a rollover, rear-end collision, T-bone, head-on crash, or sideswipe. To learn more about how we can help, contact our law firm to schedule a free personal injury consultation with a member of our team.