A police report is a key piece of evidence that can help build your claim for compensation after you have been in a motor vehicle accident. If the accident caused serious injury or death, the police may also have photographs available.
If your accident occurred in the city of Philadelphia, you can obtain a traffic accident report or photographs by mail or by going in person to City Hall. You will need to bring a government-issued ID to prove you are eligible to obtain a report. According to City Council Bill No. 11-0631, the following persons are eligible for obtaining photographs or copies of a traffic accident report:
* Individuals involved in the accident
* Lawyers representing individuals involved in the accident
* Automobile insurance companies
* Other government jurisdictions
You may have to wait about two or three weeks after the accident before the report is available. If you go in person to get a traffic accident report, you will need to fill out a form and pay a fee. Visit the city’s website prior to obtaining the form to make sure you have the appropriate form of payment and all necessary information, including date and location of the accident and the police district number. The procedure for obtaining a police report in other municipalities will be similar; visit the municipality website for details.