Car accidents create chaos and uncertainty. Dealing with the aftermath can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But with the right plan, you can regain control and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. One of the first steps of that plan is reporting the crash to law enforcement and obtaining a copy of the police report. The report is more than just paperwork—it may be a key part of your personal injury claim. In this post, we’ll explain why the report matters, how to get a Richmond police report, and how it can help your case.
At Merrick Brock, we have decades of experience on both sides of car accident cases, and we’re dedicated to guiding personal injury victims through the complexities of accident claims.
The Importance of Reporting an Accident
Reporting your accident to the police might feel inconvenient when you have just been in a collision, but submitting your report is crucial. Failing to file it can have serious legal and financial implications. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.
Submitting an Accident Report Is Required by Law
Virginia law requires any individual involved in a motor vehicle crash that results in an injury or death to report the accident to law enforcement immediately. In addition, a law enforcement officer who investigates a crash must submit a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 24 hours if it involves the following:
- A death,
- An injury, or
- Property damage worth at least $1,500.
If you don’t report your accident immediately, you could face criminal penalties or lose your ability to recover damages.
Insurance Companies Want the Report
Many car accident cases involve insurance companies and filing claims for losses and healthcare needs. Insurers typically require an accident report before processing any claims. The report may help the carrier understand the facts of the accident, determine liability, and move forward with settlements. Even if you think your crash was minor, you should call the police and file a report.
How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident
There are several ways to obtain a crash report. Let’s cover a few of those ways.
Making a Request Online
The Virginia DMV website is the easiest way for many to request a report. Here’s how to get a police report online:
- Visit the DMV crash report request page,
- Complete the Information Request Form, and
- Submit your request with payment.
The DMV sends all reports by mail, so you may have to wait several days to receive the document.
Making a Request by Mail
To request your report by mail, you must send a written request to the following address:
Customer Records Work Center, Room 514
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Post Office Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
You must pay for the report with a check or money order when making a request by mail..
Making a Request by Fax
If you want to use a fax machine to request your report, you must send a written request to (804) 367-0390. You must include a completed License, ID Card and Records Payment Authorization to make payment.
Making a Request in Person
If you prefer to make your request in person, you can visit a DMV customer service center. The Richmond Central DMV customer service center is located at:
2300 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23269
If a walk-in is too uncertain for you, you can schedule an appointment with your customer service center. You can pay in person using cash, a check, a money order, or a credit card.
What Goes in a Report Request?
When it comes to how to get a car accident police report, you should include the following details:
- The crash date,
- The crash location,
- How you were involved in the crash,
- The driver’s name, and
- Your driver’s license number.
You can complete the request yourself or have your attorney do it. At Merrick Brock, we can handle all the details of your case to help ensure your rights are protected.
Damages Available in a Car Accident Case
When you file a personal injury claim in Virginia, you may have a right to compensation, including:
- Payment for medical expenses;
- Compensation for lost wages or earning capacity;
- Compensation for pain and suffering;
- Payment for property loss or damage; and
- Punitive damages to punish at-fault parties who acted maliciously, wilfully, or wantonly.
One of our skilled attorneys can help you determine the true value of your claim and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
How an Accident Report Can Help Build Your Court Case
You may have to go to court if you can’t settle your accident claim with the insurance company. Although an accident report is generally not admissible in court, it may play an essential role in your case.
A car accident report can lead you to valuable evidence for your case in many ways, including:
- Identifying all at-fault parties;
- Identifying witnesses;
- Identifying vehicle positions, traffic violations, or road conditions that you may want to document in other ways (e.g., requesting images from cameras nearby or copies of traffic citations); and
- Refreshing your memory so that you can give the best testimony at trial.
In short, an accident report is like a road map; it points you to all the places you might find solid evidence to support your claim.
Contact Us Today to Get the Help You Need
If you need help figuring out how to get a Richmond police report or are unsure how to use it in your injury claim, we’re here for you. Merrick Brock has decades of experience and acts swiftly and fiercely to protect car accident victims. We can review your case, help you get your report, and build a strategy that puts your recovery first.
Let us be your guide. Contact Merrick Brock by phone or online today, and take the first step toward justice.
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