After a car accident, many people feel confused and overwhelmed. One of the most useful things you can do is get a copy of the police report. Understanding how to get this is an important step in your accident claim. Contact our car accident attorney to discuss your case with a legal professional today.
Ways To Get The Police Report
If you need a police accident report in Washington, DC, you’ll need to contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Public Documents Unit. In DC, these accident reports are called PD-10. If you were directly involved in the incident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you’re called a “first-party requestor” and you can usually get a copy of your report for free.
When an accident occurs, the police officer at the scene fills out the PD-10 report. Each of these reports receives a six-digit number known as a CCN, or “Case Control Number.” Before leaving the scene, always ask the responding officer what your CCN is and write it down somewhere safe – this number makes the process of getting your report much easier.
Insurance companies may also get copies, but they will need to pay a $3 fee for each report. To actually obtain your report, there are two main options:
Visit in Person
The MPD Public Documents Section is found at 441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001. Bring a photo ID and any information about your accident (the date, location, CCN if you have it). This is often the quickest way if you want the report in-hand.
Call for Information
You can also call the MPD Public Documents Unit directly at (202) 727-4357. They can explain the next steps, hours of operation, and what’s needed for your specific request. Sometimes, they may be able to guide you in submitting a request without having to stop by in person.
The Importance of a Police Report After an Accident
If you were involved in an accident, it’s essential to call the police and wait for them to arrive and fill out a report. This document can help you protect your rights and support your injury claim against the person who caused the accident. Here’s how:
Captures What Happened
A police report becomes the first record of your crash. Officers list the date and location right away. They describe where each vehicle ended up, who did what, and sketch basic diagrams. Details like the weather or road condition often go in the report, too.
Records Involved Parties and Witnesses
The police report will record information about all parties involved in the accident. It will also make note of any witnesses that are present and often includes their contact information.
Records Who Got a Ticket or Citation
When police come to the scene after an accident, one of the things they do is figure out if anyone broke the law. For example, they might find that someone ran a red light or was driving too fast. If that’s the case, they’ll usually write a citation and make note of it in the police report. This helps prove that another party was negligent, giving you a chance to recover the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Washington, DC, one of the most important steps you can take is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer right away. If you have any concerns about getting the police report or haven’t been able to figure it out, they will take over and obtain it for you. Don’t hesitate to contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.