Obtaining a Clearwater Accident Report
Obtaining a car accident report in Clearwater is a crucial step following an accident. This document serves as a detailed account of the traffic crash circumstances provided by the on-scene police officer.
It carries significant weight in subsequent legal and insurance proceedings, helping to establish the facts and determine liability. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how to obtain this report to protect your rights and interests following a car accident.
Obtaining the Report Through the Clearwater Police Department
Your crash report should be available ten days after the crash occurred.
To obtain a police report from the Clearwater Police Department, there are three available methods:
Online: You can request police reports through the Clearwater Police Department Accident Report Request website. You’ll need to provide specific information, including the report number supplied by the on-scene officer, the date of the crash, and the last name of the driver involved in the crash.
By Mail: Alternatively, you can request a crash report via mail. Send a written request to the Clearwater Police Department, enclosing a copy of your driver’s license or identification card and a check or money order for $10.00 made payable to “CPD.” The mailing address is as follows:
Clearwater Police Department Records Division
560 N. Fort Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
In Person: Lastly, you can request a crash report in-person at the Clearwater Police Department Records Division. Bring a copy of your driver’s license or identification card and $10.00 in cash, check, or money order made payable to “CPD.”
Obtaining the Report Through the Florida Highway Patrol Station
Assuming a Florida police officer made a report, acquiring a crash report is relatively straightforward. There are three methods available for obtaining this report:
Online: The most convenient method is via the online crash report portal. Visit the Florida Highway Patrol’s online system and fill in the necessary details. Please note that there may be a small transaction fee added to the standard $10.00 cost when getting the report online.
By Mail: You can also request the report by mail. Prepare a written request, including a copy of your driver’s license or identification card, and send it along with a check or money order for $10.00 made payable to “FHP.” Make sure to address the envelope to your local Florida Highway Patrol station.
In-Person: If you prefer, you can request a crash report in-person at a Florida Highway Patrol station. Just bring a copy of your driver’s license or identification card and $10.00 in cash, check, or money order.
Regardless of the method you choose, please remember that crash reports are usually available no more than ten days following your accident.
Obtaining it through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is the state agency responsible for overseeing motor vehicle regulations. If a police officer didn’t respond to your accident or failed to report it, you may still be able to obtain an accident report through DHSMV.
Why is a Crash Report Important?
Legal proceedings
A crash report is indeed an invaluable tool in the pre-litigation stage, serving as a foundational document in the investigation and assessment of the incident. It aids legal professionals in preparing their case by providing a detailed account of the accident, crucial in determining liability and damages. However, it’s pivotal to understand that while the crash report is highly significant in the investigatory phase, it is typically not admissible in court during litigation or trial due to rules of evidence.
Insurance Companies
In the context of insurance, the crash report is just as essential. It allows your insurance company to conduct an accurate and thorough evaluation of the accident, encompassing all pertinent details such as involved parties, accident location, vehicles involved, damage extent, and witness accounts. Therefore, securing this report post-accident is a step of great consequence for protecting your rights and interests.
But the most notable feature of the report is the police officer’s assessment of fault. This information can significantly influence the decision of the insurance company when determining which party is liable for the damages. As a consequence, the crash report can be instrumental in guaranteeing that you receive a fair and justified payout from your insurance company following the accident.
Fair Compensation
Your insurance company will rely heavily on this report to understand the exact series of events that transpired. Thus, having a detailed and accurate crash report can expedite the claim process, helping you get paid by the insurance company in a timely manner.
Your Trusted Car Accident Lawyers
For personalized advice and help navigating the aftermath of a car accident, reach out to the Fran Haasch Law Group. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is well-versed in the complexities of accident reports and insurance claims. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific case, guide you through the process, and help secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today; let our expertise be your peace of mind.
