FAQs: Car Accident Reports in Alabama
Car accident reports are often a crucial piece of evidence during the insurance claims process. The accident report contains critical information about the accident, the drivers, and the vehicles. Additionally, the report usually includes the police officer’s initial assessment of what happened.
Keep reading below to learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Alabama car accident reports.
Am I Required To Report a Car Accident in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama law generally requires drivers to report a car accident if it results in injury, death, or more than $250 in property damage. In most cases, calling the police satisfies this requirement because the responding law enforcement agency will prepare and file the necessary accident report.
If you are unsure whether any additional reporting is required, ask the responding officer before leaving the scene. Keep in mind that Alabama may impose additional reporting requirements when an uninsured driver causes more than $500 in property damage.
How Long Do I Have To Report a Car Accident in Alabama?
If any injuries occurred in the accident, you must report the accident right away. You should call 911 so that the police can respond immediately. When the police respond, they will complete the necessary paperwork to ensure that your accident gets reported.
If you are involved in an accident and the police do not respond, you may need to report the accident on your own. In that case, you have 30 days to complete the required reporting forms and submit those to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
What Information Is Contained in an Alabama Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports in Alabama contain lots of information. The responding officer typically gathers lots of details about the accident, and all of that information will be contained in the accident report.
Some common pieces of information that will appear on your accident report include:
- The time and date of the accident
- The specific location of the accident
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Names and addresses of all the drivers involved
- Vehicle information for all vehicles, such as year, make, and model
- Names of all passengers
- Insurance information, such as the insurance company name and policy number
- An initial assessment of who was at fault
- Whether any citations were issued after the accident
While an accident report may not be admissible in court, it can be very useful when trying to determine liability after an accident. The crash report can be a powerful tool used in settlement negotiations.
How Can I Obtain a Car Accident Report in Alabama?
Like most other states, Alabama now provides the ability to request crash reports online. Simply navigate to the Online Services section of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website. You can also purchase crash reports from some third-party crash report providers. If you do not wish to purchase your report online, you may visit an Alabama Law Enforcement location to purchase your crash report in person.
Some crash reports may be handled by a local municipality, depending on where your accident occurred. In those cases, you may need to visit the local police department to get a copy of your report. Most accident reports are available in the ALEA Crash Portal within 10 business days after your accident.
Does It Cost Anything To Get a Car Accident Report in Alabama?
Yes, there is a small fee required in order to get a copy of your accident report. In Alabama, car accident reports typically cost $15 plus a small processing fee. After purchase, you will be able to download your report. It will remain available for 5 days after purchase.
Are Accident Reports in Alabama Public Records?
No, Alabama car accident reports are not public record. This means that not just anyone can request a copy of an accident report. Those who can request an accident report include:
- Individuals involved in the accident
- Legal representatives of the involved parties
- Insurance companies that are involved
If you need a copy of an Alabama accident report, you should be prepared to verify that you are authorized to receive it.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Birmingham Car Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident in Alabama, you may need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you pursue the compensation you are owed.
Let us help you get a copy of your accident report and hold the responsible party accountable.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73159361945047, -86.58690898412395
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694