If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be unaware of what you need to do in the aftermath to protect your legal rights. When you are injured, ensuring you obtain a copy of the police report filed at the accident scene is crucial as it can provide pertinent information to establish liability. Please continue reading to learn the importance of filing a police report, how to obtain a copy, and why connecting with a determined Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer is in your best interest.
Why is it Important to File a Police Report After a Car Accident?
Following a car accident, the other driver may suggest handling the matter without the police. They may convince you that it’s not worth the hassle, however, it’s important to understand that under some circumstances you are legally required to contact the police after a collision, such as when a crash results in injuries or death. Nevertheless, regardless of how severe the collision was, it’s important to report the accident to law enforcement.
Contacting the police allows you to officially record the accident. The responding officer will conduct a preliminary investigation into the cause of the collision and create a report containing important details about the crash. This information can be used to help establish fault during a Maryland car accident claim. Establishing liability is much more difficult without a police accident report.
How Do I Obtain a Copy?
In Maryland, there are generally three ways in which you can get an accident report from the state. First, you will need to contact the Central Records Unit of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department. Before arriving at their office, you should call at least seven days after the date of your accident to request a copy as most reports are not available until after this period.
In the digital age, instead of obtaining it in person at the Central Records Unit, you can make a request through email. This is a convenient and efficient way to acquire necessary documents. To do this you must specify your request and include all relevant details of the incident, such as the date of the accident, location, parties involved, and any other pertinent facts. Additionally, you can complete the same form but mail it to the Central Records Unit office. It’s important to note that there will be a small fee associated with obtaining a police report.
Failing to notify the police of a car accident in Maryland can have numerous negative effects. As such, the best way to protect yourself is to contact law enforcement after your accident. If you are involved in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer from Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can effectively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can assist you.
