How Do I Obtain a Copy of the Police Report After a Car Accident in New Jersey?
Posted November 28th, 2024.
Categories: Blog.
When you are involved in a car accident that results in property damage, injury, or death it is important to call the police at the scene of the crash or file a police report after the fact. Continue reading to learn how you can obtain a copy of the police report and work with a Cherry Hill personal injury attorney to learn how the document can be helpful after a car accident.
How Can I Obtain a Copy of the Police Report After My Car Accident?
There are a few ways that you can request a copy of the police report after being involved in an accident. Consider the following.
- For non-toll road accidents, call the NJ State Police at (609) 882-2000 extension 2234 OR send an email request to njsprecords@njsp.gov OR mail a request to the Division of State Police, Criminal Justice Records Bureau, P.O. Box 7068, West Trenton NJ 08628
- For accidents on the Turnpike or other toll roads, call the NJ Turnpike Authority Crash Hotline at (732) 443-8600 extension 2431 OR submit a request online at www.buycrash.com OR mail a request to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Operations Department Data Resources Program, P.O. Box 5042, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
- Submit a request on the Crash Report Requests site run by the State Police and Turnpike Authority
- For accidents that resulted in a fatality, submit an OPRA request on the Turnpike Authority website
Are There Associated Fees?
You will be required to submit payment of associated fees when requesting a copy of your police report. In general, for a copy of a motor vehicle accident report, you will have to pay $0.50 per page for up to 10 pages. Pages 11 and after will cost $0.10 per page.
When requesting a copy of an accident report that did not take place on a toll road via mail, there is a fee of $13. Crashes that occur on a toll road require a $5 flat fee if submitted via mail.
Why is the Police Report Important?
It is important for you to obtain a copy of the police report after your accident for several reasons. The most important role that the report plays is in any insurance claims or legal proceedings resulting from the collision. Insurance companies often require a police report when filing a claim. The information included in the document establishes details about the crash like who is liable, the extent of the damages, proof that the accident caused your injuries, and more. This information can help ensure you are awarded fair compensation.
In the event of a lawsuit, the police report offers the same evidence to a judge and jury. The objective account of what happened will help establish negligence or liability and provide insight into the resulting damages, ensuring that an accurate description of the accident is portrayed.
Work with a skilled attorney after your car accident to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
