Following a car collision in Gaithersburg, an in-depth report will usually be produced by the police. It is important to obtain a copy of the police report as it serves multiple crucial functions in legal proceedings.
In case of a car accident, many people might not know how to obtain a copy of their police report. However, there are several ways to do so, such as purchasing it online, in person, or by mail. The best option is to request it online through the Montgomery County Department of Police. The police report contains crucial information that can help gather additional evidence for a potential lawsuit.
Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291 to receive your free case assessment with our Gaithersburg car accident lawyers.
How Can I Obtain a Copy of My Police Report for a Car Accident in Gaithersburg?
Obtaining a copy of the police report after a car accident in Gaithersburg can be done via several methods. For most people, the simplest and easiest way is to request a copy online. However, if you don’t have internet access or prefer a different approach, you can also request a copy via mail or in person. Our Gaithersburg car accident attorneys are very familiar with the process and are ready to help you. No matter which option you choose, the process is fairly simple, and you should receive your copy of the police report in a timely manner.
Online Requests
If you were involved in a car accident in Gaithersburg and need a copy of the police report, the quickest and most convenient way to obtain it is to submit an online request to the Montgomery County Department of Police. The crash records for accidents that occur in Gaithersburg are maintained by the Montgomery County Department of Police. If you are encountering difficulties obtaining your police report, our proficient Gaithersburg car accident lawyers can aid you in navigating the process.
Typically, it takes around three to five days for a copy of the crash report to be made available for purchase. You will also need to pay a fee of $10 to obtain a copy of the report. If you opt to purchase the report online, you will receive a download link that will remain active for 48 hours.
In order to submit a request, you will first need to create a user account on the Montgomery County Police Department Records website. Once you have created your account, you will be prompted to upload a copy of your photo identification, such as your driver’s license. After that, select “Submit a Records Request” and choose “Accident Report.” You can then input the relevant information so that your request can be processed.
Requests by Mail
If you would rather not request your police report online, we can still help you obtain it by mail. To do this, you or your lawyer must fill out and sign a collision report request form. Additionally, you will need to include a copy of your photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope. Our team is here to assist you with this process and ensure that you receive your report as quickly as possible.
You can then send a check or money order for $10.00 made payable to the Montgomery County Government to the following address:
Public Safety Headquarters
Records Division
100 Edison Park Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Keep in mind that the processing time for a mail-in request can take weeks to process.
In-Person Requests
When you need to obtain a copy of your police report in Montgomery County, there are two options available to you. One option is to visit the Police District Station nearest to you, while the other option is to visit the Public Safety Headquarters during business hours.
The good news is that a copy of your police report can be obtained 24 hours a day from any Police District Station. However, if you choose to visit the Public Safety Headquarters, you should be aware that it is only open on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Before visiting either location, be sure to call ahead and confirm that your report has been processed and is ready for purchase. Again, it typically takes three to five days for a report to be processed after a collision occurs. And like other forms of request, there is a $10.00 fee for each report, which can be paid using cash or a credit card.
How Can a Police Report Help My Car Accident Case in Gaithersburg?
In the event of a car accident, insurance companies depend heavily on police accident reports to gather critical details. These reports are considered highly reliable as they are written by a neutral third party, the investigating officer, who possesses the requisite expertise in handling and analyzing car accidents.
Without access to police reports, insurance companies might have to rely solely on the conflicting accounts of the drivers involved in the accident, which could lead to disputes over fault. Unless there is reliable evidence present, insurance companies might find it difficult to determine which driver was responsible for causing the accident. As a result, obtaining a police report is crucial to ensure a fair and just settlement of a car accident claim.
When a motor vehicle accident occurs in Gaithersburg, police officers respond to the scene and conduct a thorough investigation. As part of their investigation, officers create a comprehensive crash report that contains essential information about the accident, such as its exact location, date, and time. The report also includes details about the involved parties, including their names, addresses, and contact information, as well as any witnesses to the accident and their statements.
In addition to documenting the basic facts of the accident, the police report might also contain valuable insights into the cause of the crash. Law enforcement officials might include their own observations and opinions about the events leading up to the accident, which can be critical in determining who was at fault.
By reviewing the police report, our experienced attorneys can use the information contained therein to build a strong case for our clients. For example, the report might reveal important details about the accident’s location that can help us identify potential security camera footage that might have captured the incident. Additionally, the contact information of eyewitnesses can help us gather valuable testimony that can further bolster our case.
Our Gaithersburg Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free case review with our Gaithersburg personal injury attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.