There are a few methods for how to get a police report from a car accident in Massachusetts, including directly from the law enforcement agency that responded in person or via a request form. You can also submit a request to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You should avoid unofficial reports that might be published by certain third-party websites that are unaffiliated with law enforcement. Let’s take a look at each method in a little more detail . . .
If you know which law enforcement agency responded to your crash, you can get a copy by going to the department and requesting a copy. You’ll need to look up the agency online to find out its hours and any forms or identity documents you might need to bring with you. The department’s online website should also provide information about where to go to get a copy of your report. If you choose to go in person, you should wait a few days after your accident to give the officer time to write and submit the report.
While some states have online portals that people can use to get copies of police reports, most police departments in Massachusetts do not. However, you might be able to send an email with your request form attached. Check the department’s website to see how you can request records, and be prepared to pay a fee for submitting an emailed request.
Police departments submit accident reports to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Anyone can request a copy of an accident report from the RMV by submitting an online request. You can ask for a regular or certified copy of the police report for your accident from the RMV, but you need to wait four weeks after your crash to ask for a copy. You’ll need to pay a $20 search fee.
While some third-party websites host police reports from local police departments in collaboration with law enforcement, these reports might be incomplete or redacted. These types of reports might not be considered acceptable. It’s best to get a copy from the investigating agency or the state instead of from a third-party website.
Police reports are generally considered inadmissible as evidence in a car accident lawsuit. However, both your attorney at Ellis & Associates and the insurance company will use the report to understand how to investigate what happened.
Police reports contain the officer’s opinions, names and contact information of each involved party, insurance information, vehicle information, details about traffic control devices, a diagram of the accident scene, suspected injuries, and the officer’s determination of fault. It will also include the names and addresses of any witnesses. The report can provide a road map for your attorney as they investigate your claim. Information in the report can point your attorney in the right direction regarding where to look for important evidence to support your claim.
If you were unable to take photos and get the names of witnesses at the accident scene because of your serious injuries, the police report can also help to provide some information to replace what you might have otherwise collected at the scene.
If you were injured in a car crash caused by someone else, you should speak to the experienced accident attorneys at the law firm of Ellis & Associates. We can help to obtain a copy of the police report from your accident and advise you about the merits of your claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.
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