A police report is often legally required after a car accident claim in Alabama, but it depends on the severity of the collision and whether anyone was injured. Having this documentation helps to support your case and streamline the claims process with the insurance company.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we help victims injured by the negligence of others recover the compensation they need and deserve. Our Mobile car accident attorneys know how to build a compelling case on your behalf. We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients, and we are ready to help you too.

Not sure if you have a case? Contact our trusted law firm for a free, no-risk consultation. We can answer your questions and determine your legal options.

Request a FREE case review today: 251-888-8888

When Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Car Crash in Mobile, Alabama?

Alabama state law requires you to file a police report after a car accident if the crash resulted in:

• Death or injury to any person
• Property damage exceeding $500 (including damage to vehicles)
• Hit-and-run incidents, regardless of the amount of damage

Under Alabama Code § 32-7-5, drivers must notify the nearest law enforcement agency if they were involved in a collision that meets these criteria. If there are injuries, you should call 911 immediately. The responding officer should file the report within 24 hours.

What If an Accident Does Not Legally Need a Police Report to Be Filed?

Even when a police report is not legally required because it is minor or does not meet legal criteria for filing a report, we recommend getting one because it:

• Provides an official, unbiased account of the accident
• Documents vital details while memories are fresh
• Includes officer observations about road conditions, weather and potential traffic violations
• Creates a record that insurance companies and attorneys can use to support your claim
• May identify witnesses and include their contact information

What If the Police Cannot or Will Not Come to the Scene of My Car Crash?

If your crash is minor and no one involved is injured, in danger, impaired or exhibiting road rage, police may not come to the scene. They may have more urgent obligations, such as a more severe crash with multiple injured victims.

Even if the police do not come to the scene of your car accident, however, you can still file one at the Mobile Police Department. You have 30 days from the date of the accident to file this report. We do not recommend waiting that long, however. Reports filed after-the-fact are considered less reliable than if you filed right away or if an officer came to the scene and observed the crash scene firsthand.

How Are Police Reports Documented and What Information Do They Provide?

Police reports are detailed documents that provide crucial facts about your accident, along with the responding officer’s observations at the scene. These reports serve as an official, non-biased record of your car crash.

A typical police report includes:

• Names, contact details, and insurance information for all drivers involved
• Date, time, and precise location of the accident, including road conditions and weather
• Vehicle details including make, model, year, and visible damage
• Witness statements and contact information
• Officer’s assessment of contributing factors and any citations issued
• Diagram of the accident scene showing vehicle positions and points of impact

While many claims have been successfully resolved without police reports, having this document provides you with valuable details about your crash while the evidence is still fresh.

How to Obtain a Police Report

You can obtain your police report multiple ways. You can visit the Records Unit at police headquarters in person, send in a request by mail or request your accident report online through the Police Department website.

When requesting your report, you will need to provide specific information, including the accident date, the location of the crash, and the reason for your request. The Police Department charges a nominal fee of $15.00 for accident reports, and you will need to present valid identification.

Will Insurers Reject Car Accident Claims Without a Police Report?

Insurance companies will not typically reject a claim that is filed without a police report. However, the lack of an official report could make the claims process more challenging.

If you do not have a police report, you will need to provide other evidence to insurers to prove your fault under contributory negligence:

• Photographs of the accident scene, including personal and vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs and any relevant details.
• Dashcam footage or surveillance video capturing the collision.
• Contact and insurance information for all motorists involved in the accident.
• Statements from eyewitnesses, along with their names and contact details.
• A comprehensive report of the accident, covering the sequence of events, potential causes, road conditions, weather factors and any other contributing circumstances.

To maximize the value of your claim, it is important to contact a knowledgeable lawyer who knows how to negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

What if There Are Errors in My Police Report?

If you discover errors in your police report, you have the right to request corrections through proper channels. Your attorney can help facilitate this process and confirm with you that all details within the report are correctly documented for your claim.

Steps to address errors in your police report:

• Read your police report receiving it and ensure it accurately follows the events of the crash
• Contact the reporting officer to discuss the inaccuracies
• Submit a written request for correction
• Gather evidence supporting your version of events
• Obtain witness statements verifying correct information
• Keep a record of all correction-related interactions
• Have your attorney review and challenge any errors

Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today

If you need legal help after a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, contact our trusted law firm today. When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, having a knowledgeable and experienced legal team working on your behalf can greatly benefit the outcome of your claim.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our dedicated car accident attorneys have a proven history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We level the legal playing field to give your claim the best chance for success, and if we do not win your case, you do not owe us a dime!

Call Andy Citrin Injury Lawyers today. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime! 251-888-8888