Kenny Habetz Injury Law | October 16, 2024 | Personal Injury
Getting in a car accident is never fun. When you’re in a wreck, one of the first things that happens is the filing of a police report. This piece of paper might not seem overly important, but it can have a big impact on what happens next. Insurance claims, lawsuits, even your driving record–they all hinge on the information in the official police report.
Here’s what you need to know about highway patrol reports in Louisiana.
What They Are
A highway patrol crash report is the official record of what happened in an accident. The highway patrol officer who responds to the scene is responsible for drafting this report, which will include details like:
- When and where the crash happened
- The names and contact information of drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- The makes, models, and license plate numbers of damaged vehicles
- Any injuries the parties sustained
- The officer’s assessment of what caused the crash and how it happened
In some cases, the police report will also include a sketch of the accident scene and the vehicles involved.
Why They Matter
Highway patrol reports are important for a few reasons, including:
- Insurance claims: Your insurance company will want to see the official report
- Legal issues: If you end up in a highway crash lawsuit, the report will be key evidence
- DMV records: The contents of the report become part of your official driving record
Additionally, according to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:398, drivers involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must report the incident to the local police or the nearest sheriff’s office or state police station.
How To Get One
You have a couple of options for obtaining a copy of your crash report:
- Online: You can order reports at the Louisiana State Police website for $11.50 plus a small processing fee of $2.50–all major credit cards are accepted for payment
- In Person: You can visit any Louisiana State Police troop office and pay $16.50 with a certified check, company check, money order, or credit card to receive a report
You’ll need to have the report number you got from the responding officer. If you don’t have the number, you can use your name, date, and the location of the accident to search for the report.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Police Report?
You can’t get a copy of the crash report right away — the responding officer needs time to write it up and file it. You’ll typically have to wait 10–15 business days after the crash before the report becomes available.
What’s Not Included?
A highway patrol report only covers crashes investigated by the Louisiana State Police. If local police responded to your accident, you’ll need to request a report from them instead.
Privacy Concerns
Crash reports aren’t public records. Under Louisiana law, they’re only available to:
- The parties involved in the crash
- Their insurance companies
- Their lawyers
- News organizations (in some cases)
In practice, however, it’s not hard for others to get a copy of a crash report if they’re properly motivated.
Using The Report In Your Case
If you end up in a car accident lawsuit, the police report can be a crucial piece of evidence. But it’s not the only thing that matters. Your lawyer will gather other evidence, as well, including:
- Medical records
- Photos of the vehicle damage and injuries
- Statements from expert witnesses
Sometimes, the police report isn’t enough on its own. For example, if you developed a brain injury that wasn’t obvious at the time of the crash, you would likely need more evidence to prove that the accident caused it.
Contact a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer
Highway Patrol reports are a key part of the puzzle after a Louisiana car accident. They’re not the whole story, but they’re an important piece of evidence. Understanding what goes into these reports and how they’re used can help you better handle the aftermath of a crash.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Louisiana, contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free consultation to discuss your particular legal situation.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 222-3364
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883