After a car accident in Crowley, LA, the police officers who respond to the scene will conduct an investigation and file an official crash report. This document contains crucial details such as the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations, making it a vital piece of evidence for any personal injury claim. Unfortunately, many accident victims are unsure of how to access this important report.
At Kenny Habetz Injury Law, our Crowley car accident lawyers assist clients in obtaining accident reports and building strong claims. We gather all necessary documentation, investigate the crash thoroughly, and craft a legal strategy tailored to your case. Our goal is to hold the at-fault party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call our Crowley office today at (337) 329-8883 to get started with a no-fee consultation.
How Kenny Habetz Injury Law Can Help After a Car Accident in Crowley, Louisiana
For decades, the attorneys at Kenny Habetz Injury Law have been helping accident victims in Crowley, Louisiana, fight for compensation from those responsible for harming them. Since the firm’s founding, we have recovered millions of dollars in life-changing compensation.
Our Crowley personal injury lawyers provide the following assistance to car accident victims:
- Assess the strength and value of your legal claims
- Gather evidence and advise you of your legal options
- File your insurance claim and negotiate to resolve it
- Fight for you in court when a settlement can’t be reached
You must prove liability and losses to succeed in a car accident claim. Contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free consultation to discuss how we can use an accident report to support your case for injury compensation.
What Is in an Accident Report?
Under Louisiana law, officers have 48 hours to prepare and file an accident report after completing their investigation of a crash involving death, injury, or at least $500 in property damage.
The accident report includes the following information:
- Names and addresses of the drivers
- Names and addresses of the registered vehicle owners
- Vehicle identification numbers
- Names and contact information for the owners’ liability insurers
- Names and contact information for eyewitnesses
The accident report also summarizes the officer’s investigation. It includes diagrams of the crash, along with photos, if they are available. It also explains what the officer thinks happened. For example, the report could include the officer’s conclusion that one of the drivers was distracted before the crash.
How to Get an Accident Report in Crowley, LA
The process for getting an accident report depends on the police agency that responded to your crash.
Louisiana State Police
If your accident happened on an interstate or state highway, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) might have investigated it. You can get an online copy of your crash report from the LSP using the case number provided by the responding officer.
Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) investigates crashes within the parish outside of city limits. The APSO provides an online accident report request form. After you fill it out, the office will email you to arrange payment before it sends you the report.
Crowley Police Department
The Crowley Police Department investigates crashes inside Crowley’s boundaries. It contracts with LexisNexis to provide accident reports online. You can select the Crowley Police Department on the menu at the BuyCrash website and enter the report number, a driver’s last name, the crash location, or the crash date to find your report.
Who Can Get a Crash Report?
Most of the information in a crash report is not considered confidential. However, names, addresses, and driver’s license numbers are protected by state law. Moreover, reports for fatal crashes are not publicly released.
As a result, only the following people can access the official, unredacted accident report:
- Drivers, passengers, or property owners involved in the crash
- Parents or guardians of a minor involved in the crash
- Insurers and adjusters handling a claim for the crash
- Healthcare providers for any victims
- News-gathering organizations
- Attorneys for any of the above parties
You must certify that you fall into one of those categories when you request an official copy of the report.
How to Use an Accident Report
Accident reports are typically considered hearsay by courts.
However, your accident lawyer can use the information in the report for a personal injury or wrongful death case in the following ways:
- File an insurance claim
- Negotiate with claim adjusters
- Identify eyewitnesses
- Formulate questions for a deposition of the at-fault driver and other witnesses
- Determine what the investigating officer might state during trial testimony
A lawyer can review the accident report to quickly assess the potential of a case. Ask the law firm’s point of contact if you should bring a copy of the report to your free legal consultation.
Contact Our Crowley Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Crowley, LA, a Crowley car accident attorney can shoulder the burden of gathering crash reports and other documents so you can focus on healing. Contact Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free consultation to learn how we fight to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
