Car accidents in Joliet, IL can be incredibly damaging to victims. Because of this, injured victims need to learn how to get a police report to help support their compensation claim against a negligent driver.
Car accident victims in Joliet, IL can get a $5 copy of a police report for their collision by visiting the Joliet Police Department Records Section in person. Before you can get your police report, you will likely have to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which your attorney can help you complete. Generally, it takes several days for these complex documents to be made available. After you get a police report, your Joliet, IL lawyer can use it to strengthen your claim and help you recover damages against a negligent driver.
At Rhatigan Law Offices, we’re dedicated to supporting injured car accident victims. For a free case evaluation with the Joliet, IL car accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices, call today at (312) 578-8502.
How Can I Get a Police Report After an Accident in Joliet, IL?
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident in Joliet, IL, and plan to sue a negligent driver for compensatory damages, you should get a copy of your police report. Doing so can be complicated, so ask it’s wise to ask your attorney for help.
Currently, car accident victims in Joliet, IL can get a copy of their police report by contacting the Joliet Police Department Records Section. Victims can visit either the Joliet Police Department’s main station or its west sub-station to complete a request.
Records services are open to the public at the main station seven days a week, from 8:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening. Victims can request a copy of a police report at the west sub-station Monday through Friday, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
There are fees associated with getting a police report for a car accident in Joliet, IL. Generally, accident reports cost $5 total. If photos or videos are associated with your report, there may be an additional fee.
If your injuries prevent you from visiting the Records Section in person, ask your Chicago car accident lawyer for help. Your attorney can retrieve your report if you’re having difficulty doing so yourself.
Do I Need to File a Freedom of Information Act Request to Get a Police Report in Joliet, IL?
Before obtaining a copy of a police report for a car accident in Joliet, IL, you may have to complete a Freedom of Information Act request. Victims can do this online or bring a physical request when they visit the Joliet Police Department Records Section in person.
You’ll have to create an account online before submitting a digital FOIA request to obtain a copy of a police report for a car accident in Joliet, IL. Once you do, you or your attorney can submit a digital request. Submitting a FOIA request online can streamline the process so that you can more easily access your report when you arrive at the Records Section.
Of course, car accident victims can submit a FOIA request in person. There is also the option to mail or fax a Freedom of Information Act request to either the Joliet Police Department’s FOIA officer or the City of Joliet’s city clerk.
What Information Do I Need to Get a Police Report After an Accident in Joliet, IL?
In order to get a copy of a police report, you’ll have to provide certain information. Because of this, Joliet, IL car accident victims should be prepared for which details they’ll need on hand when requesting a police report for a collision.
Generally, you’ll need to provide your personal information when requesting a copy of a police report. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license information and specific details about the crash, like the date and location. Having the report number given by law enforcement officials at an accident site is the fastest way to locate a police report in Joliet, IL.
If you’re having difficulty compiling the necessary information, ask your attorney for help. Your Joliet, IL personal injury lawyer can gather the correct details so that you can easily request a copy of a police report after a collision.
How Soon After an Accident in Joliet, IL Can I Get My Police Report?
Although car accident victims in Joliet, IL, understandably want fast access to a police report, it takes time for law enforcement officials to complete these detailed documents. So, be patient and understand that it may be several days after an accident before you can obtain your report.
Generally, it takes police officers in Joliet, IL several days to complete crash reports. After these reports are completed, they must be filed with the Records Section.
It’s not guaranteed that you will leave the Records Section with a copy of your report when you file a request. The Joliet Police Department may take up to five business days to respond to a records request.
Why is it Important to Get a Police Report if I Plan to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Joliet, IL?
After sustaining injuries in a car accident in Joliet, IL, it’s important that you get a police report. These detailed documents can contain invaluable information that your attorney can use when building a case against a negligent driver.
Crash reports in Joliet, IL often contain important information. Although these reports aren’t considered evidence in a lawsuit, they can contain details that can ultimately support a victim’s compensation claim against a negligent driver.
So, if you rightfully called the police after an accident in Joliet, IL, and law enforcement officials completed a crash report, it’s vital that you get it. Remember, if you’re having difficulty obtaining a report yourself, your experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer can help. Once your attorney has a police report, they can use it to help you recover the damages you deserve in a lawsuit against a negligent driver.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Get a Police Report for an Accident in Joliet, IL
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident in Joliet, IL, and need assistance getting a police report, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Naperville, IL car accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices, call today at (312) 578-8502.
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