How to Get Your West Hartford Accident Report
A crash or accident report is a detailed log of the circumstances surrounding a collision or other type of accident. Connecticut crash reports are typically generated by the law enforcement officer responding to the scene of the accident. A police report is critical to recovering compensation after a West Hartford accident.
For a consultation to learn how our West Hartford auto accident lawyers can help you, please contact us online or call (860) 561-0651 today.
What Is a West Hartford Crash Report?
Police reports, in the context of an accident, contain written details and a crash summary.
A West Hartford crash report will include information such as:
- Parties and property involved in the crash;
- Statements from drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and witnesses;
- Photos or diagrams of the incident, including the location of the vehicles and the point of collision; and
- The officer’s interpretation of the circumstances leading to the accident.
Accident reports contain important information that can help victims understand their rights; however, they are not always easy to understand. Those looking for assistance interpreting the significance of an accident report should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Obtaining West Hartford Police Department Records
The West Hartford Connecticut Police Records Division staff are responsible for maintaining specific files and records and assisting the public with requests. The department allows the public to pick up West Hartford accident reports for 50 cents per page.
These reports are usually available about seven business days after an accident. Individuals may also request West Hartford accident report copies by mail; however, these requests require an additional fee.
A West Hartford Police Report As Evidence
The information in an accident report can be a fact or an opinion. For instance, the accident’s location, date, and time are generally verifiable facts. In contrast, a witness or law enforcement officer’s statement about fault are opinions.
Although insurance companies should engage in an investigation to come to their conclusion about an accident, police records carry significant weight. The conclusory statements in an accident report can bolster or hinder a person’s claim for compensation.
The admissibility and weight of a West Hartford accident report depend on where the party is presenting the evidence. For example, an insurance company may take what is written in a report to be facts—even if opinions are included. In contrast, state court proceedings require the parties to meet specific evidentiary rules before admitting the information as evidence.
Steps After a West Hartford Car Accident
Anyone involved in a West Hartford car accident should contact the police to make a report. These reports can help insurance adjusters evaluate claims, assist medical providers in treating injuries, and aid juries and judges in making fault and liability determinations.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in West Hartford?
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a car accident, reach out to the West Hartford auto accident lawyers at StangerLaw LLC. We can help obtain a copy of your West Hartford accident report, and we can help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
We have been helping others to understand the law since 1977, and our professionals understand what your family is going through in the wake of an accident. Our lawyers offer consultations during which we will answer your questions.
To learn more and to schedule a case evaluation today, call (860) 561-0651. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.
