Involved in a motor vehicle collision in Wilmington? It is crucial that you know what to do after a crash to protect your rights and your interests. All car accidents should be reported to law enforcement. You need to get a copy of any police report. Here, our Wilmington auto accident lawyer highlights the key things to know about getting a police report after a crash in Delaware.
All Crashes Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement
In Delaware, all motor vehicle collisions that result in physical injuries or significant property damage should be reported to the police. The responding officers will assess the scene, collect evidence, and document statements from witnesses and involved parties.
A Police Report is a Key Form of Documentation (Evidence Matters)
A police report is an essential piece of documentation following a car crash. It serves as an unbiased third-party account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police report can be critical when dealing with insurance companies. Insurers often require a copy to process claims. If a dispute does arise—which could result in litigation—the report could be important evidence.
How to Request the Accident Report in Wilmington, Delaware
You should request a copy of the police report from the relevant law enforcement agency. As explained by the City of Wilmington, you can submit a written request using a self-addressed and pre-stamped envelope to the Wilmington Police Department. It should be noted that there is a $20.00 fee to obtain a report. Here is the address to send the envelope:
- Wilmington Police Department
- Attention: Records Unit
- 300 North Walnut Street
- Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Note: If your crash was not handled by the Wilmington Police Department, you should request a police report from the appropriate law enforcement agency, such as the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office or the Delaware State Police.
What Information is Typically Included in a Car Accident Police Report?
What information will you find on the police report for a car crash in Delaware? The answer varies somewhat depending on the specific circumstances of the case. With that being said, key details that are often included in a car accident police report in Wilmington are as follows:
- Date, Time, and Location: You will generally find basic details about the precise details of when and where the crash occurred.
- Personal Information: Next, names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of all individuals involved, including witnesses.
- Vehicle Information: Descriptions of the vehicles involved, including make, model, color, and registration details.
- Description of the Accident: A narrative description of the incident, including the events leading up to the crash and the crash itself.
- Diagram of the Accident Scene: In some cases, a sketch showing the positions of vehicles and any relevant road signs or signals.
- Citations (If Any): Assuming there were citations filed, a police report may include notations of any traffic laws that were violated and any citations issued.
Contact Our Wilmington, DE, Car Crash Injury Attorney Today
At Freibott Law Firm, our Wilmington auto accident lawyer is committed to helping victims and families secure the maximum financial compensation. Have any questions about the police report? We are here to help. Call us now or contact our personal injury team right away for a free consultation. We handle auto accident claims in Wilmington and throughout Delaware.