Decode Your Accident Report: What You Need to Know

You’re on your way home after a long day and have just passed through the intersection a few blocks from your apartment. Out of nowhere, another vehicle unexpectedly runs through a red light and collides with your car. After the responding police officer arrives, they assess the situation briefly and then create a detailed accident report that includes information such as the time, location, witness statements, and a narrative of the events.

The state of Alabama actually requires the reporting police officer to prepare such a crash report whenever an accident occurs. The specific and timely nature of this document makes it a critical piece of info if you decide to file a legal claim since it provides a clear context for understanding what happened during the accident and determining liability. Let’s take a close look at how to access and interpret this vital document in the event that you’re involved in a car accident in Alabama.

How to get a copy of your car crash report

You can get a copy of your car crash police report from the city police department where the incident occurred. A faster, more convenient way is to obtain a copy of your crash report online from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website. You can also choose to contact ALEA directly via their online email form.

How to read an Alabama traffic crash report

Police officers in Alabama use a comprehensive report form when they prepare car crash reports. Here are crucial sections of the Alabama crash report explained to help you read it:

• The first page focuses on basic information about the drivers involved, the driver’s condition at the scene (including relative sobriety, fatigue, etc.), and the marked road speed limit and estimated speeds of drivers at the time of impact. Finally, there is a section for common codes to explain contributing circumstances, such as following too closely or exceeding the speed limit.
• The second page focuses on seating diagrams and the injuries sustained by victims and provides a space for the officer to write a crash narrative and draw a diagram of the crash site. At the bottom of this page, there is a space for witness information and contact.
• The third page of the report provides two major sections. The first focuses on additional accident victims and their injuries, while the second provides additional narrative space for the responding officer to write about the accident.
• The fourth page is entirely devoted to a large, detailed diagram the officer can draw of the accident. This is a crucial piece of the report, as insurance companies often rely on the diagram here to create their argument regarding liability.
• The fifth page of the report is a supplemental page that’s key for collisions involving buses and commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks. There’s also a subsection covering hazardous materials carried by a commercial vehicle and another covering trucking company contact information.

Common terminology in a car crash report

Police crash reports often contain unfamiliar terminology. Understanding these terms is crucial for accurately interpreting the details of the report. For example, codes like “17” for “DUI” and “27” for “Driver Not in Control” are commonly used by police to identify contributing circumstances to crashes. In addition, the terms “Unit 1” and “Unit 2” are commonly used on car crash reports, with Unit 1 typically referring to the party deemed at fault, and “Unit 2” referring to the other party, often the accident victim.

How long will it take to get your copy of a crash report in Alabama?

Preparing an accident report typically takes a police officer around 10 days or longer. City departments, including police departments, often have slower processing times, so it’s essential to remain patient throughout the process.

How fault is determined in an Alabama car accident

Determining fault requires analyzing the evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic video footage, and photographs. Judges, insurance adjusters, and law enforcement officers review this evidence to assign responsibility, often focusing on traffic violations or negligent behavior.

 

Due to Alabama’s strict contributory negligence laws, assigning fault can be particularly challenging. As a result, it is important to consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you interpret your accident report and provide valuable legal guidance throughout the process.

What to do if your crash report contains errors

Accidents can be complex and confusing, and crash reports can sometimes only muddy things further. There are instances when mistakes are clerical and can be simply rectified. However, a more serious issue, like an incorrect assignment of fault, requires far more attention. In such cases, you can politely point it out to the police officer by showing them evidence or backup statements and help ensure an accurate report.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go so smoothly. If you’re having trouble rectifying a car crash report in Alabama or feel that fault has been interpreted incorrectly, consider hiring a car crash attorney, like Prince Glover Hayes, to help break down the process for you and guide you through everything, step by step. Our team has faced a wide range of accident situations and is equipped with the necessary resources to handle police reports, collect evidence, and file claims, ensuring you have a fair chance for a favorable outcome.

For 45 years, the team at Prince Glover Hayes has been committed to helping car accident victims across Alabama and offers unwavering support for our clients every step of the way. If you or your loved one has been in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, call our office today at (205) 345-1234 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.