Immediately after an auto accident, a victim may feel anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next, but there are certain steps they can follow to ease these apprehensions. Alongside informing an insurer of what happened and visiting a doctor, those involved in a collision might report the incident to the police (with this being a legal requirement in some instances) and acquire a copy of the accident report. Find out how to get a copy of a Mississippi accident report, discover why motorists may want a copy of the police report of a car crash, and learn how a Mississippi auto accident attorney from Lott Law can assist drivers with filing an insurance claim and/or initiating legal proceedings against an at-fault party; call us today at (228) 215-2787 to organize a preliminary case review.
What Is a Mississippi Accident Report?
An accident report refers to a written document created by law enforcement when they respond to a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival at the scene, the law enforcement officer takes statements from all involved parties, including drivers, witnesses, and passengers; when giving statements, drivers may consider staying calm and answering the questions posed by police honestly while avoiding admitting fault, as such an admittance may feature in the report and can significantly harm an insurance/legal claim (although police officers should try to remain objective and avoid identifying fault when crafting these reports).
After taking statements, the officer then uses what they have observed at the accident scene to write the report. This involves determining the location of the accident, the sobriety of the involved parties, the injury types (and involvement of emergency services and acceptance/refusal of care), the time/date of the accident, the lighting, road, and weather conditions, the location of nearby traffic signs and signals and cameras, and the license, insurance, and contact information of all involved motorists. Law enforcement officials may also outline vehicle positions and damage, as well as how the motor vehicles collided, in the report.
Why Get an Accident Report?
Alongside being a legal requirement in certain circumstances, obtaining a police report acts as key evidence in insurance and legal claims, supporting a motorist’s assertions concerning the property damage and injuries they suffered in the motor vehicle accident. In addition, the accident report usually contains the contact information of witnesses and involved parties, needed for a smooth claims process, as well as a law enforcement officer’s opinion regarding what happened and the likely cause, which can help establish fault and be vital to the success of both insurance claims and lawsuits.
Discover how to obtain a copy of a Mississippi accident report, and learn the importance of a detailed and accurate police report of a car crash with regard to insurance claims and legal proceedings. Contact Lott Law to discuss your auto accident queries with an experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorney.
How To Get a Copy of the Police Report of a Car Crash
How to obtain a copy of the police report following a motor vehicle accident depends on the law enforcement agency that arrived at the scene. In the event that the local police arrive, the parties requesting a copy of the report can do so by visiting the responding police officer’s police department, or mailing a request to this department, and paying the fee; it is also possible to request a copy of the report online, although this may cost slightly more due to handling charges.
Similarly, if the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) arrived instead, those seeking a crash report copy can obtain one by sending a request by mail to MHP’s driver records division, visiting a patrol station, or applying online (while paying similar costs as for acquiring a copy from the local police). Importantly, upon successful online applications for police report copies, applicants receive these via email but only have 24 hours to download them before they are no longer available. Per the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the only parties permitted to acquire a copy of the police report include law enforcement officers, the parties involved in the incident, the parties facing an auto accident claim, and an involved party’s next of kin.
How Long Do You Have To Report an Accident in Mississippi?
The police normally respond to collisions, typically due to an involved party or witness contacting them. However, the police may not visit the scene in minor incidents. In these scenarios in Mississippi, motorists must write and file an accident report to law enforcement no later than 10 days from the accident date if someone sustained an injury or there was property damage in excess of $250 (as outlined by The Mississippi Bar); not doing this amounts to a misdemeanor offense, carrying penalties of a fine and a possible license revocation.
Schedule an Appointment With a Seasoned Mississippi Car Accident Attorney Today
In Mississippi, ensuring law enforcement completes a police report of a car crash helps safeguard motorists’ rights and facilitates detailed investigations. Obtaining a copy of a Mississippi accident report can be useful evidence for insurance claims and auto accident lawsuits, regardless of whether the incident involved a severe collision or a fender bender. If involved in a motor vehicle accident, consider getting help with fighting for your legal rights and securing compensation; call Lott Law today at (228) 215-2787 to schedule an appointment with a seasoned Mississippi car accident attorney.