If you’re in an accident on the road throughout Lafayette Parish, it’s important that you know what steps to take to protect yourself and your rights to compensation. Your work for filing a successful claim starts at the scene of the accident. You can take photos and videos, exchange information with involved parties, and talk to witnesses. It’s also helpful to know how to get a crash report from the police department or parish sheriff after an accident.
Every piece of evidence in a car accident case can make a difference in the outcome. You can support your claim with official records and documentation when you request a crash report.
Louisiana has specific crash report laws for obtaining these documents. It’s recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to help you understand your rights and legal options when it comes to requesting a crash report and filing your claim.
Louisiana Crash Report Laws
Over the years, Louisiana has consistently ranked near the top when it comes to national traffic fatalities. It’s estimated that around 50,000 reports are filed by police officers in Lafayette every year. The sheer volume of reports filed means it can be difficult to request a copy if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.
If you’re involved in an accident that results in the injury or death of a person or at least $500 of property damage, you are required to report the incident to the nearest local police department, parish sheriff’s office, or state police station depending on where the accident occurred.
If you’re in an accident in Lafayette, potential places to report the accident include:
- The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office at 316 W. Main Street
- The Lafayette Police Department at 900 East University Avenue or 1820 Moss Street
- The Louisiana State Police Station at 121 East Pont Des Mouton
It is then the duty of that office to investigate the crash and instruct involved parties to report relevant information about the driver, the vehicle, and the insurance coverage. The investigating law enforcement agency must then forward a copy of the crash report to the Department of Transportation and Development within 48 hours of completing the investigation.
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s highly recommended that you reach out to a Lafayette car accident attorney. Your legal team can help you request a crash report and advocate for you both in and out of the courtroom.
FAQs About Crash Report from Police Department
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette?
How long you have to file a car accident claim in Lafayette ultimately depends on the details of your case and the nature of the claim you’re filing. After a car accident, you may wish to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim and a survival action.
All three of these legal actions have different statutes of limitations and other rules. It’s recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to help you with your legal claim.
What Evidence Can I Use to Support a Car Accident Claim in Lafayette?
What evidence you can use to support a car accident claim in Lafayette may vary from case to case. That said, the more relevant information you can gather, the better. Helpful pieces of evidence in a car accident case can include:
- Contact and insurance information from involved drivers
- Documentation of your injuries
- Financial records
- Medical documents and doctor’s notes
- Official crash reports
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Records of losses
- Relevant digital data
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
Do I Have to Pay a Fee to Request a Crash Report in Lafayette?
You may have to pay a fee to request a crash report in Lafayette. Under Louisiana law, state and local police departments and sheriff’s offices may charge up to five dollars for reports that are two pages or less or up to $20 for larger reports.
If reporting to the Lafayette Police Department, you can expect to pay the following:
- $7.50 each for Vehicle Crash Reports
- $1.00 each for statements
- $7.00 each for the Initial Incident Report
How Long Does It Take for an Accident Report to be Available in Lafayette?
How long it takes for an accident report to be available in Lafayette depends on which agency responds to the collision and where you request a crash report. For example, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office asks to allow three to seven days after the incident before attempting to pick up the report.
The Louisiana State Police asks for 15 working days. Exact times can also vary based on the complexity of the investigation and other factors of your case.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Help After a Car Accident in Lafayette
There are many steps to complete in a car accident case, and it’s important that you do everything in the right order to secure compensation. It’s highly recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to represent your interests through every stage of your case, including securing the crash report from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
For over 50 years, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy has been representing Louisianans through complex personal injury cases. With over five decades of personal injury law experience under our belt, we’re confident we can help you form the right strategy to recover the compensation you’re owed after a car accident.
We’re the fifth generation of legal professionals in the Kennedy family, and we bring industry knowledge to every case. Over the years, we’ve built a stellar reputation. We’re on the American Board of Trial Advocates with the American College of Trial Lawyers and have earned:
- AV-Preeminent® peer rating with Martindale-Hubbell®
- High rating with Super Lawyers®
- Top 100 with the National Trial Lawyers Association**
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is here to listen. Reach out to the office to set up an appointment with a trusted attorney from our team today. We’re located right here in Lafayette near U.S. 90 and the I-10/I-49 interchange. You can find us on Polk Street.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
