Can You Get a Free Copy?
In Arizona, the primary way to obtain a police report is through the police department that handled the accident. While the report itself might not always be free, there are a few methods to potentially avoid fees:
- **Insurance Companies**: If you have filed a claim, your insurance company can obtain the report and provide you with a copy as part of their service. They often do this without charging you directly.
- **Personal Request**: Some police departments may provide one free copy to the involved parties upon request. It’s best to check with the specific department for their policies.
Using a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer can streamline the process of obtaining a police report. Lawyers have experience and resources to efficiently navigate the system. There are many injury law firms in Arizona and one we found The Law Gang had info on getting copy of accident police report.
Here’s how they can help:
- **Expertise and Resources**: Lawyers often have established relationships with local police departments and can expedite the process.
- **No Direct Cost**: If you have retained a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, they usually cover the cost of obtaining necessary documents, including police reports, and then recover these expenses from your settlement or award.
- **Correcting Errors**: If there are inaccuracies in the police report, a lawyer can help you gather additional evidence and communicate with the police to correct these mistakes, ensuring your case is accurately represented.
Calling the Local Police Station
You can directly contact the local police department where the accident occurred.
Here’s what you need to know:
- **Request Process**: Call the non-emergency number of the police department and ask for the records or traffic division. They will guide you on how to request the report, which usually involves filling out a request form.
- **Identification and Fees**: Be prepared to provide identification and details of the accident, such as the date, location, and report number if available. Some departments may charge a small fee for the report, typically ranging from $5 to $25.
- **Processing Time**: It can take several days to a few weeks for the report to be processed and available, depending on the department’s workload and the nature of the accident.
Calling the DMV
In Arizona, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not typically handle police reports. Instead, they focus on driver and vehicle records. Therefore, contacting the DMV to obtain a police report would not be productive. It’s best to go through the police department or your insurance company.
What to Do if the Police Report is Wrong
Inaccuracies in a police report can significantly impact your insurance claim or legal case. Here’s how to address errors:
- **Gather Evidence**: Collect any evidence that supports your version of events, such as photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
- **Contact the Officer**: Reach out to the officer who filed the report. Often, their contact information is included in the report. Politely explain the discrepancies and provide the supporting evidence.
- **Supplemental Report**: If the officer agrees with your assessment, they can file a supplemental report or amend the existing one. Be aware that officers are not obligated to make changes unless there is clear and compelling evidence.
- **Legal Assistance**: If the officer is uncooperative or the errors are substantial, it might be beneficial to involve a car accident lawyer. They can help present a compelling case for amending the report.
Cost of Obtaining an Arizona Car Accident Police Report
While the costs can vary, here are the typical charges associated with obtaining a police report in Arizona:
- **Police Department Fees**: As mentioned earlier, fees usually range from $5 to $25. Some departments might offer the report for free, especially for involved parties.
- **Insurance Companies**: If your insurance company obtains the report on your behalf, they generally do not charge you directly.
- **Online Services**: Some police departments offer online portals where you can request and download the report. These services might also charge a nominal fee.
- **Public Records Requests**: Under Arizona’s public records law, you can request access to public documents, including police reports. Fees for public records requests are generally modest.
Conclusion
Obtaining a car accident police report in Arizona can be straightforward if you know the right steps to take. Contacting the local police department, using the resources of your insurance company, and involving a car accident lawyer are effective ways to acquire the report. If errors are present, gathering evidence and working with the reporting officer or a lawyer can help correct them. While there might be some costs associated with obtaining the report, these are typically minimal and essential for ensuring accurate and complete records for your case.
