(Newswire.net — August 10, 2022) — If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, obtaining an accident report may be the first step toward getting compensation from an insurance company. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) provides a basic form called the Traffic Crash Report available to anyone who needs it.
This report includes information on all parties involved, a description of the collision, and witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. A complete report copy can be obtained at any DHSMV office in Florida or by mail for a fee.
How to Request a Full Report Online or by Mail
Florida DHSMV does not provide online access to full accident reports. However, you can request one by mail or by phone. The fee for a complete report is $20 if it is mailed to you, or you can pay $25 to have it faxed to you. Make your check payable to the “Treasurer of the State of Florida.”
How to Obtain a Full Accident Report in Person
In Florida, you can obtain a copy of the complete accident report by visiting any Florida DHSMV office or by appearing in person at an Accident Reporting Center. The officer who investigated the accident must provide you with a copy of the report within 15 days after it has been completed.
Who Can Request a Report in Florida?
The Traffic Crash Report is available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision. The form is not useful for minor fender-benders, but if you have been involved in a serious accident, you may wish to complete the report so you can use it as evidence in a case against the other driver.
What Information Is Documented on the Reports?
The basic information on the form includes:
Description of Collision
All parties involved are listed in this report section. The officer must give you a full description of the accident and refer to the vehicle make and model so you know what vehicle was involved in the crash.
Witness Information
You are asked to list any witnesses with initials. It is helpful to photocopy this report section for your records.
Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers
Your personal information is included in this form section so that you can be contacted if someone needs more information about your accident.
Accident Pending
If you were involved in an accident on the same day and were not released at the scene, you need to indicate if your accident is still pending.
How Can I Talk to an Attorney About My Claim?
If you have been involved in a car accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation for yourself and your passengers for any injuries or property damage. An attorney can help you explore your rights and options in court.
If you are still experiencing pain or suffering from an accident, it is important to see your doctor determine what kind of treatment is necessary.
A Melbourne car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, contact a law office for a free consultation. An attorney can answer your questions about your legal rights and options for financial recovery.
Compensation You Can Recover
Many people don’t know what to do after an accident. There are several common types of auto accident compensation that a lawyer can help you recover, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills and expenses
- Property damage
Final Thoughts
A car accident attorney will explain your rights and options to you so that you can make informed decisions about your case. A legal expert will know the most effective strategies to handle your auto accident case and get you the compensation that helps you get your life back on track. Contact a lawyer to discuss your case and learn how they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
About the author: Mark Scott
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.