Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer Helping With Police Reports

Attorneys Providing Guidance on Obtaining Crash Reports in Cook County Car Accident Cases

When you are involved in a car accident, you may be dealing with severe injuries and financial burdens. As you address these issues, you can take steps to recover compensation from the person who was responsible for the collision. To do so, you will need to establish that this person was at fault, and one of the most important pieces of evidence that can be used to demonstrate fault is a police report. Without a police report, proving negligence and recovering compensation can become significantly more difficult.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers serve as advocates for car accident victims, and we can help address issues related to police reports and other forms of evidence. The process of obtaining a report may be complex, but we can assist in gathering this evidence, ensuring that you have the evidence needed to support your claim for compensation.

The Importance of a Police Report in a Car Accident Case

A police report serves as an official record of a collision. It is created by a police officer who is called to the scene of an accident. While it is not the final determination of fault, it can be an essential piece of evidence in a personal injury case. The report typically contains:

• The date, time, and location of the crash
• The names and contact information of all parties involved in the collision
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Descriptions of vehicle damage and accident-related injuries
• The responding officer’s observations about road conditions, traffic signals, and other factors
• Any citations that were issued for traffic violations

When taking steps to recover compensation for the injuries and damages suffered in an accident, a police report can provide evidence of negligence. Insurance companies often rely on these reports to assess fault, and a report can be instrumental in negotiations or court proceedings. If a negligent driver caused a crash, the information in the report can help hold them accountable for the harm they caused.

How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident

The process for obtaining a police report may be different depending on the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. In Arlington Heights and throughout Cook County, police reports can typically be requested through local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, or the Illinois State Police. The process of obtaining a police report will usually involve the following steps:

1. Determine the Responding Agency: It is important to identify which law enforcement agency handled the accident. If the crash occurred in Arlington Heights, the Arlington Heights Police Department may have the report. For accidents on highways or interstates, the Illinois State Police may have jurisdiction.
2. Gather Necessary Information: When requesting a police report, you will need to provide specific details, such as the date and location of the accident, the names of drivers involved, and the accident report number (if available).
3. Submit a Request: Requests for police reports can often be made online, in person, by phone, or by mail. Some agencies require a written request, while others provide online forms. A fee may be charged to obtain a copy of the report.
4. Wait for Processing: The time it takes to receive a police report can vary. Some reports may be available within a few days, while others may take several weeks, depending on the agency’s workload and the complexity of the accident investigation.

Addressing Issues with Redacted Reports

In some cases, portions of a police report may be redacted due to privacy laws or ongoing investigations. If critical details, such as witness statements or officer observations, are missing, additional steps may be taken to obtain an unredacted version. Our lawyers can file a subpoena to request a full, unredacted report. This can be especially important if liability for an accident is disputed or if key details are missing.

How Newland & Newland, LLP Can Help Car Accident Victims

Our legal team understands the critical role that police reports can play in car accident cases. If you are struggling to obtain a copy of a report, dealing with an uncooperative law enforcement agency, or need to file a subpoena for an unredacted report, our Arlington Heights car accident attorneys can provide the legal support you need.

As we assist with your case, we will use the information in a police report to build a strong personal injury claim on your behalf. By analyzing the details of the accident, identifying all liable parties, and gathering additional evidence, our lawyer can develop a compelling case that will help maximize the compensation you can receive. We can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring that you will receive a fair settlement that fully addresses your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Our Arlington Heights, IL Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident and need to obtain a police report, the Cook County car accident lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP can provide you with effective legal help and representation. Understanding the details in a police report can be essential as you take steps to secure compensation for your injuries. We are ready to advocate for you during your case. Contact us today at 847-797-8000 to discuss your case in a free consultation.