According to data from the Alabama Department of Transportation, there are around 150,000 motor vehicle collisions in the state each year. The majority of collisions are relatively minor. These crashes generally still need to be reported to law enforcement. At Roger Varner Injury Law, we want to make sure that you know the reporting requirement. Here, our Mobile car accident attorney explains the key things to know about calling the police after a minor crash in Alabama.
Know the Reporting Requirements in Alabama (Car Accidents)
You have to report many crashes to law enforcement. Indeed, Alabama law requires certain motor vehicle accidents to be reported to the police. Under Alabama Code § 32-10-5, a driver involved in a crash must immediately notify the local police department, county sheriff’s office, or state highway patrol if the accident results:
- A physical injury; or
- Apparent property damage of $500 or more.
Even if an accident seems “minor,” the damage threshold is relatively low. Modern vehicle repairs can easily exceed the $500 threshold with even very limited damage. Failing to report an accident when legally required can result in criminal penalties, including fines or even jail time (while rare) jail time in the most serious cases.
You Should Seek a Copy of the Police Report After a Crash
Once you have called the police and an officer has responded, it is important to request a copy of the official accident report. In Alabama, you can typically obtain this report from the local police department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), or through an online records request. The report serves as an objective summary of the accident from the perspective of law enforcement. Insurance companies frequently rely on these reports when determining liability.
Information You Will Often Find in a Car Accident Police Report
A police report is an important form of documentation for a car accident in Alabama. It helps to establish what happened, where it happened, and how much damage occurred. A standard Alabama car accident police report typically includes a variety of critical details. You can expect to find:
- The date, time, and location of the crash;
- The identities of all parties involved, often including witnesses;
- Basic vehicle information, such as make, model, license plate, and VIN for each vehicle;
- Any statements from the parties and/or officer observations;
- A general diagram of the accident; and
- An account of any traffic tickets that were issued by police.
By itself a police report is not definitive proof of anything. Still, it is a very important piece of evidence that can have a big impact on a car accident injury claim in Alabama.
Contact Our Mobile, AL Auto Accident Attorney Today
At Roger Varner Injury Law, our Mobile car accident attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Give us a call at (833) 482-7637 or contact us online to arrange a free, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Mobile, we handle minor vehicle accident claims throughout all of Southern Alabama.