How to Get a Car Accident Report in Shreveport
If you were recently involved in a car accident in the Shreveport area, obtaining a copy of the official accident report is an important first step in understanding what happened and pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Having a copy of the car accident report gives you an official version of the facts to reference as you work with insurance companies. It could help confirm details that support your side of the case or reveal information that contradicts another driver’s story.
The Shreveport car accident lawyers at Laborde Earles can explain how to get a car accident report in Shreveport. Getting a copy before your consultation isn’t required, but it can help us see the strength of your case.
The Most Important Piece of Evidence
A car accident report is created by a reporting officer at the scene of an accident. These reports are used by the police to create evidence for citations and to report crashes to the state. They are also used by insurance companies and lawyers to decide cases.
The reporting officer’s statement will prove that an accident happened at all, and their conclusions carry considerable weight for deciding who was at fault for an accident. Without a report, it is much harder to make a claim.
Therefore, even if your accident was minor, you should contact the police so they can make a report. Ask the officer for the report number at the scene. It will help you or your Shreveport personal injury lawyers make the request.
How Do I Request the Report?
First, you will need to wait 48 hours after reporting to the Shreveport police before you can get a copy of the report of the accident. That is the usual deadline for the reporting officer to enter your crash information into the database. There is a link on the above page for online access to reports.
You can also request the report by going to the Information Services Bureau in Shreveport. It is located at 1234 Texas Ave. in Shreveport, and they are open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Each copy of the accident report will cost you $10.
If your crash happened in another jurisdiction, you will need to contact the police department where the crash happened to get the report. If you’re unsure which department has jurisdiction, a lawyer can help you find out. Fees may also vary depending on the jurisdiction.
What Is in the Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports provide key details about the crash, such as:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Conditions like weather or visibility
- Details about the vehicles involved, like license plate numbers and damage locations
- The named drivers and their accounts of how the accident occurred
- Initial documentation of injuries
- Any citations given by the reporting officer
- The officer’s opinion of what happened
What Happens if I Couldn’t Give a Statement at the Scene?
Your injuries may have prevented you from sharing information with the police. Sometimes, the police may come to you while you’re in the hospital to ask for a statement, but you can also contact the police department yourself to give a report.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Request the Report for Me?
Yes, your personal injury lawyer can request a copy of the car accident report from the Shreveport Police Department on your behalf. They are familiar with the police department’s report request procedures and can navigate the process more efficiently than a layperson.
Requesting through an attorney avoids you needing to travel to the police station personally. Any delays or issues obtaining the report can be handled by the lawyer communicating directly with the records staff.
Furthermore, your lawyer from Laborde Earles can analyze the report immediately upon receipt and highlight any discrepancies or missing details to investigate further. Should the police deny access for any reason, your attorney is equipped to challenge that denial.
Challenging the Report
Some parts of the car accident report will be factual, but others will be based on the officer’s opinion. Insurance companies will do an investigation to come to their own conclusions about what happened.
So will your lawyer, should you choose to hire one. The insurance company may try to spin their opinion so they can justify giving you less money. Hiring a lawyer will force the insurance company to justify their claims.
Getting Your Report Is an Essential Step for Your Case
Obtaining your car accident report is an essential early step after a crash. But navigating the police report process can sometimes be tricky, especially following a traumatic injury event. That’s why it’s recommended to let experienced legal professionals handle the request.
A personal injury firm fully understands the local protocols for acquiring police records, analyzing what’s in them, and challenging the police about any gaps in the report that could affect your claim.
Don’t let delays, missing details, or other challenges derail your potential insurance claim or lawsuit. The lawyers at Laborde Earles can get your Shreveport car accident report, reveal what it means for your case, and advise you on your next steps.
