You can get a police report for a car accident in Birmingham, Alabama, by requesting a copy from the Birmingham Police Department. The website offers information on how to make such a request, including what information you must provide and how much you can expect to pay.
Alternatively, we can request this document on your behalf if you hire one of our lawyers to represent you in a car accident case. This service is one of many we offer to our clients, along with a free, confidential consultation.
A Police Report Can Help You Recover Damages
The official accident report from law enforcement provides a lot of information about your collision, such as:
- Who was involved in your accident
- Where and when it occurred
- Possible causes and contributing factors
- Injuries and damages
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the collision
Such information may be crucial to identifying the liable party and proving they should pay you compensation.
The Police Report Is Just One Piece of Evidence Among Many
If you are seeking damages from another party after a collision, many forms of evidence beyond the police report can help build your case. A car accident lawyer in Birmingham from our firm can also help you gather corroborating evidence from other sources, including:
- Medical records: These documents can help prove you were injured badly enough to require medical treatment from one or more professionals.
- Expert testimony: We can call on experts from various fields to verify the accident’s severity, the impact of your injuries, and more.
- Witness testimony: Our team can track down anyone who saw the crash and may have taken photos or video of the event.
- Video and still photos: Whether from a witness’s cell phone or a surveillance camera, visual footage of the accident can help prove your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (205) 380-4158
Damages You Could Recover from a Car Accident
A car accident attorney from our team can help you determine the types of damages you can collect after a car accident. First, you may qualify for economic damages, which aim to compensate accident victims for financial losses. For example, you may recover losses, such as:
- Repair costs, if you had to pay for repairs to your vehicle and for using other modes of transportation (e.g., a rental car)
- Medical bills, if you sought any professional treatment for your physical and psychological injuries
- Other expenses, if your injuries forced you to get help from a babysitter, a housekeeper, or anyone else
- Loss of wages, if you had to take a leave of absence from work to allow your injuries to heal
Second, you may sue for non-economic damages, which compensate victims for physical and mental distress. You may recover compensation for:
- Disability, if your injuries involve chronic pain, the loss of a limb, brain damage, or any other permanent physical or intellectual loss
- Pain and suffering, if your injuries caused you short- or long-term physical or mental distress
- Reduced quality of life,if you can no longer participate in favored activities the way you used to
- Scarring, if you have permanent physical marks that affect your range of motion, your appearance, or both
Finally, if you are suing on behalf of a loved one who passed away from their accident injuries, there are other damages you could collect. Our team can discuss these potential damages with you when reviewing your case.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Fight for Your Rights
As a general rule, you have two years to file a lawsuit for a personal injury in Birmingham, according to Ala. Code § 6-2-38. However, because specific exceptions may shorten this deadline, it is advisable to initiate your case as soon as possible after the collision.
When you hire our law firm, we can protect your rights by:
- Investigating the accident: In addition to the police report, our team can use medical records, witness testimony, and more to build your case.
- Notifying the liable party: After the investigation, we will know who to file a lawsuit against and inform them accordingly.
- Taking care of paperwork: Our team will schedule trial dates, draw up the settlement agreement, and more.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: If the liable party’s insurer is open to negotiations, the attorney we assign to your case will meet with them on your behalf.
- Going to court: If the insurance company does not want to negotiate, we will prepare your case and advocate for you in the courtroom.
- Guiding you through the legal process: We will be more than happy to explain what is happening and what your options are and help you make important legal decisions as the case moves forward.
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Get a Free Consultation
Our team at the Morris Bart law firm would be happy to help you get a police report for a Birmingham car accident, negotiate for an appropriate settlement, and more. Call our Birmingham office for a free case review at (205) 380-4158 when you are ready to begin.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
