How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Lafayette

Getting in a car accident is stressful for many reasons. It’s wise to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to help you stay organized and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Even so, it’s beneficial to understand Lafayette car accident laws and know how to navigate the aftermath of a crash yourself, too. For instance, you may want to know how to get a police report after a car accident in Lafayette and why you want it in the first place.

In addition to dealing with potential physical injuries, you have to navigate the process of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages to your vehicle. After a car accident, there are a lot of steps to take to protect yourself and your rights to compensation, and obtaining a copy of the police report is an important one.

Car Accident Claims in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) collects about 165,000 crash reports a year from Louisiana state, parish, and local law enforcement agencies. In 2023 alone, there were a total of 811 traffic fatalities and another 3,264 non-fatal injuries reported in Louisiana.

If you require a copy of a police report from a car accident, it’s important to understand who to ask and how to get it as quickly as possible. It’s wise to hire a car accident attorney, as they have experience in navigating Lafayette car accident laws and working with law enforcement to access the information you need.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Lafayette

After a car accident, it’s important to document as much of the scene as possible and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Collect as much information as you can at the scene of the crash. It’s critical to exchange information with any involved parties, record any witness statements, and take pictures and videos.

How to Get a Copy of a Car Accident Police Report in Lafayette

Once law enforcement arrives at the scene, be sure to give them an official statement and request a copy of the police report. You can typically ask for the report number to look it up with the Lafayette Police Department or the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office later.

There’s usually a small fee associated with retrieving the report. A Lafayette car accident attorney can explain what information you need and how to read your police report. They can also leverage it as evidence for your claim.

FAQs

What Steps Do I Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Lafayette?

After a car accident, it’s important to make sure everyone is out of immediate danger and seek medical attention if necessary. Your next steps are to document as much of the scene as possible for your own records. Take pictures, talk to witnesses, exchange information with the other involved parties, and contact the police. Once they arrive, be sure to give your own statement and ask for a copy of the report.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Copy of the Police Report After a Car Accident in Lafayette?

The time it takes to get a copy of your police report is going to depend on a variety of factors. You can typically expect them to be ready in up to 15 days, but it’s not uncommon for delays to occur. Reports for fatality crashes are likely going to take longer to be available, so it’s important to plan accordingly, depending on the situation. A Lafayette car accident lawyer can handle any challenges in obtaining your report.

Can a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Obtain a Copy of the Police Report for My Case?

A car accident attorney can help you with any part of the car accident claims process, including obtaining the police report from your accident. While the process of getting the report after a car accident is fairly straightforward and can be done on your own, having a lawyer handle it for you can provide assurance that everything is being handled correctly. They also know how to effectively use it as evidence in your claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette?

The cost of hiring a car accident attorney in Lafayette can vary on a case-by-case basis, but it’s usually worth it. It’s beneficial to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you through the legal process that follows a motor vehicle crash in Louisiana for many reasons, and you typically don’t have to pay anything upfront.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they collect their fees as a percentage of the settlement you win.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Represent You Through the Claims Process

By knowing more about the legal process that follows a car accident claim, you can better prepare yourself for what to do if you’re involved in a crash. Even with a car accident attorney on your side, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of the steps you can take to improve your chances of securing a fair settlement. With more knowledge of Lafayette car accident laws on your side, you can make it through the claims process with ease.

Additionally, you can have a trusted legal professional from Blake Jones Law Firm manage the entire process. With over five decades of personal injury law experience, we can advance your interests throughout your case. Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation as a trusted personal injury law firm, including these honors:

• The National Board of Trial Advocacy
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
• Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
• America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys
• Lawyers of Distinction
• Peer-rated as AV® Preeminent™ on Martindale-Hubbell
• Super Lawyers®

When you choose Blake Jones Law Firm as your car accident attorney, the whole process can get much easier. Contact the office to talk to a member of our team about your case. We’ll get your report and review it for free.