In the unfortunate event of a traffic accident in Alexandria, obtaining a crash report becomes pivotal for a variety of reasons – be it for insurance claims, your lawyer, or personal records. This guide will walk you through the process to ensure you can efficiently and effectively obtain a police report when the need arises.
How To Get An Alexandria Crash Report
If you’ve been in a car crash and wish to obtain a crash report, there are multiple ways to do so.
Through the City of Alexandria
The city of Alexandria has two options for obtaining a crash report.
Online
Car Accident police reports are requested through the information services portal on the city of Alexandria’s website.
To find your accident report on their crash request portal, you will need the following:
- Your report or reference number
- Last name of the involved party
- Date of Accident
By Mail
To request a crash report by mail, you should address your request to “Attn: Records Section, 3600 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.”
Before making your request, please note a few important points:
- You can only request an accident report under the following conditions:
- You were directly involved in the crash, and your name is listed on the report.
- You are the owner of the property that was involved in the crash.
- You are listed as an injured passenger/pedestrian.
- You are the insurance company or attorney representing the person(s) involved.
- Along with your request, you must also provide a copy of your valid photo ID and all the necessary information concerning the incident. Please note that the photo ID must be notarized.
- Don’t forget to include a self-addressed envelope with your request.
How much does it cost?
A fee of $5 applies, which should be paid via check or money order made payable to the City of Alexandria.
Through the Virginia DMV
To obtain an Alexandria crash report, you can also request one through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process involves either a written request or a completed Information Request Form, which should be accompanied by your payment.
Written Request
The written request should include the following details:
- Your role in the crash (e.g., driver, injured person, owner of the vehicle and/or property involved at the time of the crash, etc.)
- Date and time of the crash
- Crash location (street, city/town/county)
- The name of the driver (if you were not the driver)
- Your driver’s license number (if you were involved in the crash)
Information Request Form
To use the Information Request Form, follow the steps below:
- Fill in your details under ‘Requester Information.’
- Check the box for ‘Police Crash Report’ under ‘Information Requested’
- Select the type of requester you are and provide as much of the crash information as you can
- Sign the certification
Submission
The completed request can be submitted in the following ways:
- By Mail: Send it to the Customer Records Work Center, Room 514, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Post Office Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
- Fax: You can fax it to (804) 367-0390
- In Person: Make an appointment to visit any customer service center, or you can drop by any day they’re open.
How To Pay For Your Alexandria Crash Report
The fee for each crash report requested is $8. In case the DMV doesn’t locate the report you are looking for, your fee will be returned. You can choose to pay by the following methods:
- By Mail: Payment should be made in the form of a check or money order only.
- By Fax: You need to complete the License, ID Card, and Records Payment Authorization form.
- In Person: You can pay in cash, check, money order, or by credit card.
The DMV will send your requested documents by U.S. Postal Service first-class mail.
Have Your Lawyer Obtain The Crash Report
If the process of obtaining a crash report seems daunting or time-consuming, you can have your lawyer take care of it. Our experienced attorneys at our law firm are well-versed in these procedures and can efficiently secure the necessary reports on your behalf.
By involving a lawyer, you’re not only outsourcing the administrative task; you are also ensuring that the retrieval process is thoroughly executed. Our lawyers understand the importance of these reports in building a strong case for insurance claims or legal proceedings. They will ensure that nothing is overlooked in the report and that all details are thoroughly examined.
To engage our lawyers in retrieving your crash report, you’ll need to provide them with all relevant details including date, time, and location of the crash, and your role in the incident. With your permission, our attorneys will then liaise with the City of Alexandria or the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain the report. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we manage the complexities of your case.
Remember, our lawyers are here to help you navigate through this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
How To Contact the Alexandria Police Department
If you need to get in touch with the Alexandria Police Department, there are a couple of key numbers you can use. For non-emergency situations, please call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 703.746.4444. If you have inquiries related to Information Services, the main number to dial is 703.746.6200. Please note that these are not emergency lines. To report an emergency, always dial 911.
You Should File a Police Report in the Event of a Car Accident in Alexandria
It’s essential to file a police report after a car accident in Alexandria. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to have an official record of what happened for insurance and legal purposes. If you need to obtain a copy of your crash report, follow any of the methods mentioned above, depending on which one works best for you.
Why Is Filing a Police Report Important?
Crash reports serve as an essential part of the process of dealing with the aftermath of a crash. A police report documents the details of the incident and provides a time-stamped record that substantiates the occurrence of the crash. This is often crucial for an insurance claim, as it serves as an authoritative reference. Besides this, filing a police report aids in the collection of crash statistics, which are vital for law enforcement agencies to understand trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop strategies to prevent future crimes. In essence, by filing a police report, you contribute to the broader effort to maintain safety and order in your community.
You Deserve Justice
Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience, and you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident, legal help could greatly benefit your case. The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Siegel, & Cammarata P.C. has experienced car accident attorneys who have helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages for their injuries. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options after an accident.