Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience. While recovering from injuries is your top priority, obtaining a copy of the police report is important to move forward with an insurance claim.
Here, we will walk you through the process of acquiring your Dalton Police Department car accident report.
What Is a Police Accident Report and Why Do I Need It?
A police accident report, also known as an incident report, documents the events of a car accident. It includes details like:
- Names and contact information of drivers and passengers involved
- Description of the accident scene
- Statements from involved parties and witnesses
- Preliminary assessment of fault by the responding officer
This report serves as an impartial account of the accident and is vital for several reasons, like
- It supports your insurance claim – Insurance adjusters rely heavily on police reports to determine fault and the value of your claim.
- Helps establish a timeline of events – The report ensures a consistent record of the accident, preventing inconsistencies that could weaken your claim.
- It provides evidence for legal action – If necessary, the report can be used as evidence in court to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Can Anyone Obtain a Dalton Police Department Car Accident Report?
In Georgia, following the Open Records Act, most police reports are considered public documents. This means anyone, not just those directly involved in the accident, can typically obtain a copy.
How to Obtain Your Dalton Police Department Car Accident Report
There are three primary ways to acquire your Dalton Police Department car accident report.
Online Through BuyCrash.com
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) partners with BuyCrash.com, a third-party service offering accident reports. Here’s how to use it:
- Click on the link to BuyCrash.com.
- On the buycrash.com page, select Georgia as your state.
- From the second dropdown menu, choose the jurisdiction that investigated your car accident, i.e., the Atlanta Police Department.
- Click on Start Search to proceed.
- You will asked to provide details, like:
- Last name
- Accident date
- Case report number
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Driver’s license number
Note: There might be a fee associated with this method.
In Person at the Dalton Police Department
Visit the Dalton Police Department Records Unit located at
301 Jones Street
Dalton, GA 30720
If requesting a traffic accident report, you can typically claim it directly.
For other reports or if the report does not have your name, or involves more than three parties, you’ll need to fill out an Open Records Request Form.
Mail the completed form to the Dalton Police Department Records Unit at the following address:
City Administration – City of Dalton
Attn.: City Administrator – Open Records Officer
P. O. Box 1205, Dalton, GA 30722
Telephone: 706-278-9500
Facsimile: 706-278-8245
[email protected]
Be prepared for a processing time of up to three business days. There may also be associated copying and administrative fees.
By Mail
Download the Open Records Request Form from the Dalton Police Department website.
Fill out the form, specifying in the last box that you want the report mailed.
Important Considerations
Not all accidents have police reports. Reports are typically filed if injuries occur, property damage exceeds $500, or a crime is suspected.
If you have the accident report number, include it in your request to expedite the process. Allow ample time for processing, especially if using the mail or Open Records Request method.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can assist you in obtaining your report, particularly if there are complexities or delays.
Cost and Processing Time
- Online reports through BuyCrash.com typically incur a fee.
- In-person and mailed requests may also involve a nominal fee, depending on the department’s policy.
- Upon completion of your request, you will receive a detailed breakdown of charges, which may include:
- Copying charges of $.10 per page
- Administrative charges for search, retrieval, and other direct administrative costs
- To facilitate accessibility, the City offers fifteen (15) minutes of free search and retrieval. Beyond this initial period, an hourly charge may apply, not exceeding the salary of the lowest-paid employee with the necessary skills for your request. Note that payment is required prior to the release of the documents.
- Upon completion of your request, you will receive a detailed breakdown of charges, which may include:
- Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the accident and the workload of the department.
Understanding Your Dalton Police Department Car Accident Report
Police accident reports can be complex. Here are some tips for interpreting yours:
- Contributing Factors: This section details the officer’s preliminary assessment of what caused the accident.
- Narrative and Diagram: These sections provide a summary of the officer’s findings, including witness statements and a visual representation of the accident scene.
- Accident Report Overlay: This explains the codes used throughout the report, helping you decipher details like driver condition and contributing factors.
Facing Difficulties Obtaining Your Report?
If you encounter issues acquiring your report, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help. Our experienced Dalton car accident law firm can navigate the process and ensure you get the documentation you need.
Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm Today at (706) 307-4676 for a consultation.
