When you're in a car accident in Albuquerque, your first priority is ensuring everyone's safety and getting necessary medical care. But once the dust settles, your next critical step is securing a copy of your Albuquerque police report. This document serves as an official record of the incident and can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
At Keller & Keller, our experienced New Mexico accident lawyers understand the importance of obtaining and leveraging police reports in personal injury claims. We'll guide you through the process of requesting this vital document and help you understand how it can support your case.
Why Police Reports Matter After an Albuquerque Accident
The moments after a crash are often chaotic and overwhelming. You may be in pain, worried about your passengers, and unsure of what happened. Police reports provide an objective account of the accident based on the responding officer's investigation. Here's why that matters:
Establishing Key Facts
Police reports document essential details about the accident, including:
- Date, time, and location. This information helps establish a clear timeline and context for the incident.
- Driver and vehicle information. The report will include names, contact information, and insurance details for all involved drivers, as well as vehicle make, model, and license plate numbers.
- Witness statements. Officers often collect contact information and statements from people who witnessed the accident. These third-party accounts can provide valuable supporting evidence.
Determining Fault
While the police report doesn't conclusively establish legal liability, it can provide strong evidence of fault. The responding officer may:
- Cite traffic violations. If a driver is ticketed for speeding, running a red light, or violating other traffic laws, this can help demonstrate their negligence.
- Document physical evidence. Officers may note skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical indicators that suggest how the accident occurred.
- Record admissions of fault. Sometimes, a driver may admit to causing the accident at the scene. Having this documented in the police report can significantly bolster your case.
Supporting Insurance Claims
Insurance companies heavily rely on police reports when investigating claims and determining payouts. The report serves as a foundational piece of evidence that can support your account of the accident and help justify the compensation you request.
Strengthening Legal Claims
If you need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will use the police report as a starting point for building your case. The information in the report can guide further investigations, help locate witnesses, and provide a framework for demonstrating the other driver's liability.
How to Get a Copy of Your Albuquerque Police Report
Albuquerque crash reports are typically available five to seven business days after the incident. The responding officer should provide you with a reference number at the scene. This number is essential for retrieving the report online, so be sure to keep it in a safe place. If you did not receive a reference number or have misplaced it, you can request the report in person with other information, such as the date, location, and names of the involved parties.
You have a few options for obtaining a copy of your accident report from the Albuquerque Police Department:
Online Request
The quickest and easiest method is to request the report online through the Albuquerque Police Department website. Here's how:
- Visit the Traffic Accident (Crash) Reports page.
- Click "Obtain a Traffic Accident Report.” This will redirect you to crashdocs.org, a secure third-party site.
- Select NM and Albuquerque, then click “Start Your Search.”
- Enter the report number, your last name, and the date of the accident.
- Pay the $7.50 fee by credit card.
- You'll get a PDF of the accident report to view, save, and print.
In-Person Request
If you prefer to request the report in person, you can visit the Albuquerque Police Department Records Division at 400 Roma NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Here's what to expect:
- Visit the Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm).
- Fill out a request form with your information and the accident details.
- Pay the fee by cash, check, or money order ($0.50 per page).
- Wait to receive your report. In-person requests are usually processed while you wait, but it may take longer if the report isn't immediately available.
If you have questions or want to know the total charges in advance, you can contact records personnel at 505-768-2020.
Through Your Attorney
If you're working with a New Mexico accident lawyer, they can obtain the police report on your behalf. Your attorney can also help you review the report, identify key details, and use the information to build a strong case for compensation.
Our Albuquerque Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Keller & Keller, we understand the stress and confusion you feel after a serious accident. Our knowledgeable attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the claims process, from gathering critical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing legal action if needed. If you've been injured in an Albuquerque accident, our skilled New Mexico accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
