How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident in New Orleans, LA?

Wondering how to obtain a police report after a car accident in New Orleans, LA? Obtain a police report after a car accident in New Orleans, LA, via the Louisiana State Police (LSP) or the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

Trust a New Orleans car accident lawyer to guide you through the process of requesting this report from either agency.

How to Obtain a Car Accident Police Report from the Louisiana State Police

If the LSP responded to your car accident, you can obtain a crash report online. Depending on the situation, your report could be accessible online within 10 to 15 business days of your auto accident. However, there are times when it takes two weeks or more from the day of an auto collision to access a crash report online.  

To search for and retrieve your report online, you will need your case number, the driver’s license number of a motorist involved in your accident, the license plate number of a vehicle involved, or the last name of one of the parties. Your report will generally cost $11.50, and you can download it directly from the LSP.

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm that always fights for the win. Our team has 121 years of combined experience. Allow us to handle your car accident case. We can help you retrieve a police report after your car accident in New Orleans, LA. Plus, we can position you to get outstanding case results if you sue for damages. Contact us today.  

How to Get a Police Report from the New Orleans Police Department

Those who want to obtain a police report after an auto accident in New Orleans, LA, can do so online via the BuyCrash web portal. Submitting an online request may be the fastest way to obtain your report. Fees vary, typically around $15 per accident report.

If you want to request a copy of your accident report in person, you can do so by visiting the NOPD Headquarters. With this option, you should be able to provide a valid photo ID, the date and location of your accident, and the NOPD Item Number provided by the responding officer. 

Those who were injured in a car accident should seek legal help from a personal injury attorney. Per Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, you may have up to two years from the date of your car accident to sue any liable parties. With your lawyer’s help, you could file a lawsuit against anyone who may be at fault for your accident and get a police report that strengthens your case.

Why Now Is the Time to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in New Orleans, Louisiana

By obtaining a police report after a car accident in New Orleans, LA, you may have evidence that you can use in your case against anyone who may be liable for the incident. Your report may help you show that someone else is at fault for your car accident in Louisiana and that the party or their insurer should cover your losses.  

In insurance settlement negotiations following an auto accident, an insurer may consider your police report and other evidence. This collection of evidence may make it tough for an at-fault party’s insurer to contest your claim. As a result, you could receive a fair settlement offer without any further legal action. 

Of course, if a car accident lawsuit is necessary, a judge or jury may consider your police report alongside other evidence. If you hire a car accident lawyer, you have access to a legal professional who can present your evidence in court and explain its relevance. This can put you in a strong position to be awarded economic and non-economic damages. 

What Can Happen If You Don’t Obtain a Police Report in the Aftermath of a Car Accident in New Orleans

If you decide not to report an auto accident to the police, other parties involved in the incident could choose to notify the authorities. They may claim that you’re responsible for the accident. Meanwhile, doubts may arise about your degree of liability, since you chose not to report the accident in the first place. 

Those who report an auto accident to the police but don’t access a report from the authorities later on may struggle to get adequate compensation through an insurance claim. An at-fault party’s insurer may pursue several avenues to avoid compensating you for your losses. Without a police report, it may be exceedingly difficult to prove that your claim is valid. 

If you file a car accident lawsuit, you may need a wide range of relevant evidence to get a judge or jury to rule in your favor. The lack of a police report can hurt your chances of receiving compensation. You may even have to cover some or all of your accident losses out of pocket if the court has doubts about your level of fault for the incident. 

Tips to Help You Get a New Orleans Car Accident Police Report

Speak with a personal injury attorney if you are unsure about what to do after a Louisiana car accident. Your lawyer may advise you to focus on self-care and your recovery from the incident. They can help you inform the police about your accident and file your request for a crash report. 

Your attorney can assist you with the process for obtaining a police report after a car crash in New Orleans, LA. They can keep you updated as your request is being handled. As soon as your report becomes available, they can go over it with you and verify its accuracy. 

If there is a mistake in your police report, you should notify the law enforcement agency that produced it immediately. You may need documentation to support your request for a report correction. If you send this report to your insurance company, you should notify the company of the inaccuracy and provide an updated report when it becomes available. 

Find Out More About How to Obtain a Police Report After a New Orleans Auto Accident

Those interested in obtaining a police report after a car accident in New Orleans, Louisiana, should consult the team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers.

If you let us represent you in your car accident case, we work on a contingency basis, and there are no fees unless you recover compensation. Discuss your case with us.