How to Get a Copy of a Car Accident Report in Mesa, AZ

Obtaining a copy of a car accident report is an essential step after any vehicle collision in Mesa, Arizona. These reports provide official documentation that can prove vital when making insurance claims or pursuing legal action. Keep reading to learn the importance of a car accident report, how to file one in the first place, and how to secure a copy of this important piece of evidence. It will come in handy if you choose to file a Mesa personal injury claim.

How to File a Car Accident Report in Mesa, AZ

In Mesa, AZ, if you find yourself involved in a car accident that results in injuries or fatalities, it’s important to know how to properly report the incident. Arizona law mandates immediate reporting of such accidents to local authorities – this could be the local police department, county sheriff’s office, or state highway patrol.

Your best course of action here is to call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive on scene. Once law enforcement arrives, they will talk to you and anyone else involved in the accident to try to determine what occurred. If the accident led to significant injuries, fatalities, or property damage of $2,000 or more, officers are required to prepare a written report.

28-667. Written accident report; definition

1. A law enforcement officer or public employee who, in the regular course of duty, investigates a motor vehicle accident resulting in bodily injury, death or damage to the property of any person in excess of $2,000 or the issuance of a citation shall complete a written report of the accident…

A standard accident report created by law enforcement in Mesa, AZ contains essential details that help establish an official account of the event. These include:

• The exact time and date when the collision occurred
• The specific location of where the incident took place
• Identifying information for everyone involved including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. This will consist of their names, addresses, and insurance and registration information when applicable
• An officer’s written narrative providing a factual description of how the accident occurred 
• Sometimes a diagram will be drawn by the investigating officer to depict how they believe the accident took place

The information within an accident report serves as a record of all relevant details regarding the crash.

After The Car Accident is Reported

Once the car accident has been reported and documented by law enforcement officials in Mesa, AZ, there are specific protocols that must be followed. The investigating agency is expected to prepare the official report within 24 hours after the accident and forward it to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Additionally, a copy of the accident report must also be made available upon request to any involved parties or vehicle owners (or their legal representatives). This ensures all affected individuals have access to necessary documentation for further actions like insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Obtaining Your Copy of The Accident Report

In some instances, the officer who responded to the accident scene may provide you with a copy of their report before they leave. If this doesn’t happen, make sure to write down the officer’s name and badge number and secure the accident report number for future reference.

After a few days, reach out to the local law enforcement office that responded so you can request the report. 

If Arizona Highway Patrol is the agency that responded to your accident, you’ll need to get the report from the Records Unit of the AZ Department of Public Safety. You can visit their website for more information on how to contact them.

If you encounter difficulties obtaining your accident report or require assistance with any related steps, help is available. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get help with your Mesa car accident case.