After an accident, you can get a car crash report in Layton, UT, by using the public records portal through the state of Utah. That information may be necessary to file an insurance claim with the help of a Layton car accident lawyer. Learn more about obtaining crash reports and how they can aid your legal case.
Who Has the Right to Obtain a Copy of an Accident Report in Layton, UT?
While it may seem that this information is public knowledge, Utah law doesn’t let just anyone obtain it. You must meet the specific requirements set under that law to get any of these records. Car accident reports in Layton, UT, are provided only to the following parties as they relate to each accident:
- You were involved in the accident: That means you were hurt or struck by someone, or you struck someone else. It does not apply to witnesses who saw what occurred.
- You suffered losses in the accident: These might include injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional distress.
- You are an agent, parent, or legal guardian of the person involved in the accident: For example, a car accident lawyer can request a copy of the report on behalf of their established client. To do so, the agent must have written permission from the person involved in the accident to request a copy.
- You are a licensed private investigator or a law enforcement officer: These credentials give you access to privileged information like a police report.
- You are a local, state, or federal agency: You can get a report if you need the information as part of your official duties.
- You are a press or broadcast news media member: Members of the media can access reports if they meet specific restrictions.
This data is protected because it can contain sensitive information that could affect your privacy. Not just anyone can pull up a police report to request information about an accident that took place. However, if it was a truck-related crash, your Layton truck accident lawyer can help you with this process as well.
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Where to Get a Copy of a Car Crash Report in Layton, UT
Getting a copy of a car crash report in Layton, UT, completed by the investigating trooper through the Utah Department of Public Safety website is possible. This connects you to the public records portal, where you can input specific information to get a copy of the report on file. It is a straightforward process.
You will need to submit a request to the Division and provide the specific information you have about the accident, such as the location and date of the event. Ensure the information is accurate so that the proper report is displayed.
Note that this is a request for information that may require a payment. The service charge is dependent on the type of report obtained. Most of the time, you can obtain the report right away.
Ways to Get a Copy of Police Records
In Layton, those involved in an accident can seek out a copy of their police report, including the accident report if the incident was handled by city police, by requesting information through the Records Division. It is preferred that a person complete the request online by filling out an Online Record Request Form for police records.
You can also visit the Records Division in person Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the offices are open. This option may take a few extra minutes, and you must show identification. You can also request a copy of an accident report from the city by mail, but you must sign it for delivery.
The cost for accident reports in Layton is $10 per incident report, which the police complete. If you wish to receive a copy of photos, audio, or video recordings related to the incident, it costs $30 for the first hour of information and $15 for any additional time.
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How the Accident Report Plays a Role in the Recovery of Damages
After a car, motorcycle, truck, or other motor vehicle accident, you must complete a police report either at the scene of the incident or later when you are well enough. Police officers responding to the accident also complete a report documenting all of the information they found at the scene, and those details serve as a key factor in determining fault.
Insurance companies will use them to determine if they should pay for your claim, but they will also use this information to work against you in many situations. For example, if you file a claim for damages that differs from what the police report says happened, the insurer may refute the claim. At the same time, insurance companies will also manipulate this information in various ways to prove they are not at fault.
As a result of the aggressive behaviors of many insurance companies, it is best to seek help from your lawyer. For example, work with a Layton motorcycle accident lawyer who will help you prove the accuracy of the details in the police report or show why it is not accurate. Your attorney will work with you to best understand what happened and then build your claim using the accident report and other evidence from the scene.
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What to Do About a Car Crash Accident Report in Layton, UT
It is worthwhile to obtain a copy of your car crash report from the state trooper or the city of Layton, UT, to verify that it is accurate and detailed. In situations where it may not be accurate or there is missing information that could prove critical to your case, you should seek the guidance of a car accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen to help you refute those claims.
Our team has decades of combined experience representing clients injured in car accidents. Put our knowledge of the law to work for you. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team in Layton, UT.
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