If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident in Duluth, Georgia, obtaining a copy of the police accident report is crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and understanding the details of the incident. The Duluth Police Department provides several convenient methods for obtaining these reports, whether it’s online, in person, or through email requests.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to obtain your Duluth Police Department car accident report, along with important details, fees, and additional information you might find helpful.
Obtaining Your Police Accident Report Online
The Duluth Police Department offers a third-party online platform for requesting accident reports, making the process efficient and accessible. Here’s how you can obtain your report online:
Public Records Requests
- Go to the Public Records Request page for Duluth.
- Click on Open Records Request – Police under New Request to initiate your police accident report request.
- Enter all the relevant details regarding the car accident, and checkmark the statement regarding the incident involving a motor vehicle.
- You will be asked to complete the statement of need.
- Attach any additional information and Submit.
- An invoice should have been generated and sent to you via email.
- To make the payment, go to Online Payments – e-Store and follow the directions.
LexisNexis Police Reports
- 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., Duluth Police Department.
- Click on Start Search to proceed.
- You will be asked to provide details, such as:
- Last name
- Accident date
- Case report number
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Driver’s license number
CrashDocs
Another option is to use CrashDocs, an online service partnered with law enforcement agencies.
- Click on the link to Crashdocs.org.
- On the page, select Georgia as your state and the Duluth Police Department as your agency.
- Click on Start Your Search to proceed
- You will be asked to provide details, such as:
- Report or Reference Number
- Last Name of Involved Party
- Date of Accident
Ensure you have all the required information at hand to expedite the process. These online services may require a nominal fee to access the reports, so be prepared for any associated costs.
In-Person Requests
If you prefer a more traditional approach or need your report urgently, you can visit the Duluth Police Department Records Department in person. Here’s what you need to know:
- Address: The Records Department is located at 3276 Buford Highway, Duluth, GA 30096.
- Hours: You can visit Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Processing Time: Police reports are generally available within 5-7 business days.
Simply visit during the designated hours, provide the necessary details of the accident, and pay the applicable fees for the report.
Email Requests
Sending an email request is another convenient option to obtain your Duluth Police Department car accident report. Follow these steps:
- Address your email to [email protected].
- In the email, include your NAME and the POLICE/ACCIDENT NUMBER associated with the report.
- Clearly state that you are requesting a copy of the car accident report.
- You can also mention in your email if you prefer to pick up the report in person or if you would prefer it to be emailed back.
- The Records Department address is 3276 Buford Highway, Duluth, GA 30096.
Once your request is processed, you will receive instructions on how to proceed, whether it’s picking up the report or receiving it via email.
Fees for Your Duluth Police Department Car Accident Report
When obtaining your Duluth Police Department car accident report, it’s important to be aware of the associated fees. Here’s a breakdown:
- Accident Reports: $5 per copy (Free if named in the report).
- Incident Reports: $0.10 per page (Free if named in the report).
- Video: $10.00.
- 911 Tapes: $10.00.
Make sure to bring payment for the applicable fee if you are picking up the report in person or include this information in your email request.
Disputing the Police Accident Report
In some cases, you may disagree with the officer’s narrative or findings in the accident report. Here’s what you can do:
- Carefully read through the entire report to identify any discrepancies.
- Note down specific points of disagreement or missing information.
- Collect supporting evidence such as photos, witness statements, or medical records.
- This additional information can help support your case for revisions.
- Reach out to the officer who filed the report.
- Politely discuss your concerns and provide any new evidence or details.
- If the officer agrees, you may file a supplemental report with additional information.
- Ensure the supplemental report is factual and relevant to the incident.
- Consult with a legal professional who is experienced in handling car accident cases.
- They can guide you on the best course of action and represent your interests.
Handling Accidents Without Witnesses
If there were no witnesses to the accident, don’t worry. You can still take steps to handle the situation effectively:
- Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions and damages.
- Note down relevant information such as road conditions and weather.
- Obtain the contact details of the other driver(s) and their insurance information.
- Document the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.
- Even without witnesses, file a police report for an official record of the incident.
- Provide accurate information about what happened, including your perspective.
- Check for nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident.
- Contact authorities or property owners to request access to any relevant footage.
- Write down your own account of the accident, including timelines and details.
- This can serve as a valuable reference for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- If the accident resulted in injuries or significant damages, consider seeking legal advice.
- An attorney can help navigate the process and protect your rights.
Using Your Photos as Evidence
Your photos of the accident scene can be powerful evidence in court. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Take clear, comprehensive photos of the entire accident scene.
- Focus on vehicle positions, damages, road signs, and relevant landmarks.
- Ensure your photos have a date and time stamp, usually available on smartphones.
- This establishes when the photos were taken and adds to their credibility.
- If you sustained injuries, photograph them to document their severity.
- Take photos of any visible bruises, cuts, or other physical damages.
- If witnesses are present, consider taking their photos (with permission).
- Record their statements alongside their photos for additional support.
- Organize your photos into folders based on categories (e.g., vehicle damage, injuries).
- Label each photo with a brief description, including its relevance to the accident.
- When presenting your photos as evidence, explain each photo’s significance.
- Your attorney can help structure the presentation for maximum impact.
Remember to keep the original copies of your photos safe and avoid altering them in any way. They are crucial pieces of evidence that can support your version of events.
For more information or legal assistance with car accidents in the Duluth area, contact the CEO Lawyer, a trusted Duluth car accident law firm, at (470) 323-8779. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in seeking justice and recovering from your car accident ordeal.
In case of disagreements with the report or the need for legal representation, don’t hesitate to consult with us. We can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Remember to stay organized, gather evidence, and seek assistance when needed to handle your car accident case effectively.
