How To Get Your Connecticut Car Accident Police Report
A police report is one of the first and most important documents to retrieve after a car accident. Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection provides access to reports and records. You can get a police report online or by mail.
- Online via BuyCrash: Your first option is to order your accident report online through the BuyCrash portal powered by LexisNexis.
- By mail: You can also send a mail-in form, along with any applicable payments, to the Connecticut Division of Emergency Services & Public Protect, Unit 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457-2389.
How To Get a Free Summary of a Police Report for a Vehicle Accident in Connecticut
Car crash victims in Connecticut can also access a police accident report summary through the Connecticut State Police Accident Information Summaries portal. While this summary is not a substitute for the official accident report, it provides basic crash information and can be useful for reviewing accident details and obtaining general information about a reported collision.
What To Do if a Police Report Is Not Yet Available Yet on the Connecticut State Site
There usually aren’t issues obtaining a copy of your accident police report. However, if you experience any setbacks or challenges, you can also reach out to your local police department to request a copy. For example, New Haven has instructions on how to request a police report directly from their records department.
Why Do You Need an Official Police Report for a Car Accident in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut accident laws, Connecticut is an at-fault auto insurance state. If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you can pursue legal action against the liable party’s insurance to cover a wider range of economic and non-economic damages. An official police accident report is important evidence in pursuing a claim. It identifies the parties involved in the incident, describes the circumstances, and the officer’s observations. It can help establish liability when seeking compensation and increase the likelihood of a favorable case outcome.
How Does a Police Report Help With Cases Involving Uninsured Motorists?
In cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, the official accident report can also be valuable when filing a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The report may help document how the crash occurred and support your claim when seeking compensation from your own insurance policy.
Need Help Getting Your Connecticut Car Accident Police Report?
Kennedy Johnson is a Connecticut law firm that has been handling complex legal cases for the New Haven community and beyond for over 35 years. Clients choose our dedicated team because of our reputation for success and our meticulous approach to case preparation. Our clients will tell you that we thoroughly investigate our car accident cases, from collecting police reports and other pieces of evidence to use as leverage when negotiating with aggressive insurers.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a crash, do not wait to get the help you deserve. Contact our law office today by calling us at 203-865-8430 to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Accident Reports
What Is the Difference Between an “Accident Information Summary” and an “Official Report”?
An Accident Information Summary provides basic crash details for informational purposes but is not the official police record. The Official Report is the complete document prepared by law enforcement and may include officer findings, statements, and other details used for insurance or legal purposes.
How Much Does It Cost To Get the Report, and How Long Does It Take?
The cost and processing time can vary depending on the request method and report availability. Online requests through BuyCrash are typically processed faster, while mailed requests may take longer.
Why Is This Report Considered the Single Most Important Piece of Evidence?
An official police accident report provides an independent record of the crash. It includes key facts, information about the involved parties, and officer observations. It can help establish liability and support insurance claims or legal action.
What Happens if the Police Report Contains an Error?
If you believe a police report contains inaccurate information, you can contact the law enforcement agency that prepared the report to request a correction or clarification. While errors may not always be changed, additional information or statements may be added to address inaccuracies.