After a car accident, you will often wait at the scene for an officer to conduct their investigation and complete their report. However, you will not see this report at the scene of a crash or even in the days following an accident. Police will provide all parties in a crash with an informational report at the scene, which will have the identifying information of all of the parties involved and any insurance information available.
This information report is not the same as the crash report that you will need to follow up with insurers and pursue compensation for your damages in the aftermath of an accident. Accessing a Mississippi car accident report is a relatively straightforward process and you have several options to get one delivered to you.
Three Options for Getting a Mississippi Crash Report
Depending on your preferences and how you feel most comfortable accessing a Mississippi crash report, you can get an accident report in three ways; online, in person, or through the mail.
Online
The easiest and quickest option for retrieving a crash report after an accident in Mississippi is through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. All you will need is the name of the department that completed the report along with the case number or your vehicle identification number which should be found on the informational report you received at the scene of the crash. Following the purchase, you will receive an email with a link to download the report, you have only 24 hours to save a copy of the report before it becomes unavailable to you.
In Person
If you are looking to get a report as quickly as possible and do not have access to the website or are unable to retrieve the report with your information, you can get a report in person. To do this, you must go in person to the agency that completed the report. You will give them some identifying information to track down the crash report and they will be able to print it for you on the spot for a small fee.
By Mail
Getting a crash report by mail is another option you have to get a report. This option takes time but you can mail a request for a report along with a $15 fee. Before you do, call Mississippi’s Department of Public Safety to ensure they have a report available for you.
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Information You Will Find in a Car Accident Report
There is valuable information in a car accident report regarding your case when you are a victim of a car accident. All information within a crash report is evidence that can support a claim for damages and injuries after an accident. What information is included in the report can depend on the reporting officer and the evidence and information available to them at the scene of the crash.
A Mississippi crash report can include the following information:
- Details on the location, date, and approximate time of the crash
- Names of all parties, including drivers and occupants in other vehicles
- The names and contact information of any witnesses that may have come forward at the scene
- Statements or admissions made by parties to the crash to the officer
- A diagram of the vehicles involved with indications as to the location of the damage and descriptions of the extent of the damage
- A diagram of the scene of the crash and the location of the vehicles and/or the interpretation of how the officer believes the crash transpired
- Description of any visible injuries the officer may see or complaints by parties of injuries
- The officer’s investigation of the accident and what their opinion of the crash is including who they believe is to blame for the accident
- Whether there were any citations issued by the officer, who they went to, and what they were for
Why do You Need a Car Accident Report Following an Accident?
The crash report completed by an officer at the scene of the crash can be a vital component of your accident case. While the interpretations of an officer can be refuted and are not set in stone, it is still strong evidence that will be used as part of the insurance claims process or lawsuit if one should arise. As a party to the crash, you must get a report to understand what information is included.
The information within a crash report is not only to decide who is to blame for a crash. There are other vital pieces of information that can become relevant in a car accident case and necessary for a victim that is pursuing compensation for their losses and injuries. If you are a victim of a crash and look to hire a lawyer to represent you, one of the first things they will ask you for is a copy of the crash report or for permission to seek a copy of the crash report on your behalf.
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How Can an Attorney Use the Information in a Car Accident Report?
If you are a victim of a car accident you believe is the fault of another party, an attorney can use the information within a car accident report to help to bolster your claim. A car accident lawyer will use the information in the report to prove who is at fault for the accident, the presence of injuries, or the severity of the accident. A crash report is evidence that is useful in proving fault as well as damages after a crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Mississippi Car Accident Attorney
After a car accident, contact a car accident attorney for a free evaluation of your case. A Mississippi car accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation when you are a victim of a crash and help you gather the evidence you need to prove your losses to insurers or a court.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
