How to Get an Accident Report in Boca Raton

In the aftermath of an auto accident in Boca Raton, it is important to do what you can to strengthen your potential personal injury case. This starts with obtaining a copy of the police report related to your accident. Law enforcement officers typically respond to traffic accidents and file a crash report, and this document includes useful details for your case. 

It is crucial to have this report in hand before your initial consultation with a Boca Raton car accident lawyer. It can provide them with a strong starting point when investigating your collision. Keep reading to learn how to get an accident report in Boca Raton. 

How to Request a Boca Raton Police Accident Report

Getting a copy of the police report after an accident in Boca Raton can be fairly simple. The Boca Raton Police Department provides records through their Support Services Bureau. 

The easiest way to obtain a copy of your official accident report is through the online portal of the City of Boca Raton. These reports are only accessible to authorized individuals within the first 60 days following the crash. Only the parties involved in the motor vehicle accident, or their legal representatives have the authority to make this request. This portal requires a few pieces of information, including:

• Requestor’s first and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Mailing address
• BRPD Case Number

In addition to requesting copies of accident reports online, it is also possible to do so by mail. You can send your request to:

The Boca Raton Police Services Department
Custodian of Public Records
Division Manager
100 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Crash reports are generally available within a few days following the accident. You can also call Police Services.

Fees Associated with Obtaining an Accident Report

There is a fee for obtaining a report after a car accident from the Boca Raton Police Department. This fee must be paid beforehand in order to get the copy of your requested records. 

In total, the city charges 15 cents per page for each accident or incident report. While this amount is not particularly high, being unprepared to pay this cost can lead to delays in getting the report you need. If you make your request by mail, you must include the exact amount of payment necessary in order to get your report and not have your letter returned to you. 

Key Details Contained in a Boca Raton Car Accident Report

These reports include a substantial amount of detail. When a police officer appears at the scene of the crash, they detail as much information as possible about the involved parties, exact location, and the crash itself. The use of standardized forms makes it easy for responding law enforcement officials to not only submit these reports quickly but also without any important omissions. Some of these crucial details include:

• Date, location, and time of the collision
• Badge number and name of the responding officer
• Description of each vehicle, including property damage
• A diagram of the accident scene
• Contact information for parties and witnesses
• Insurance and driver license information for all drivers
• Narrative of how the crash happened

When the responding officer creates the narrative in the report, they do more than just describe the location of the vehicles at the scene of the crash. They typically include summaries of statements from the parties involved and may contain an assessment of fault. If either party is ticketed due to the accident, the report will reflect that as well. 

The Role of Accident Reports in Your Car Accident Claim

An accident report from the Boca Raton Police Department can have a major impact on the outcome of a car accident case. This is despite the fact that your report will generally not be admissible evidence at trial. While a jury may never see the report itself, it can shape the way that your attorney builds your case from the ground up. 

The report is often the first place your attorney looks during the investigation phase of your case. It offers accident details of how the traffic incident occurred and identifies the parties involved. The contact info provided for any witnesses can also present opportunities to secure additional statements from them. 

In addition to having an impact on how your case is investigated, the accident report can also have an oversized impact on negotiations with insurance companies. In many cases, insurance adjusters will primarily rely on the report and its narrative when determining whether or not to make a settlement offer. With the high volume of insurance claims handled by an adjuster each year, the police report is often the biggest factor in determining whether an offer is made outside of a statement from the insured driver. 

Why Accident Victims Should Verify the Crash Report for Accuracy

Given how important these reports can be to your case, it is a good idea to ensure they are accurate. Police are not immune to mistakes, and even a minor clerical error could change the outlook of what the report says. 

There are a few different common mistakes made by the police when creating an accident report. They might incorrectly report the date and time of the crash or fail to identify the correct weather conditions. In serious cases, these errors may include inaccuracies that wrongly assign the at-fault party. 

Contact a Boca Raton Car Accident Attorney for Help with Your Claim Today

Obtaining a Boca Raton police report is an important first step in the personal injury process. However, it is only a portion of the work that goes into getting the financial compensation you deserve. Maximizing your car accident claim requires a comprehensive approach, often involving multiple steps, with the assistance of legal counsel. 

Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you build your case from the ground up. We have a long track record of helping the injured get fair compensation. Contact us as soon as possible for your free consultation.