Innocent victims in car accidents must sometimes demonstrate that they were not at fault. Often, the strongest evidence victims have is the collision report that the responding officer on the scene writes up. Once the report is completed and turned in, the contents are available to those involved in the traffic accident.
While it is a simple process, it can be an added stress when a victim is trying to recover from an injury. Victims should know that once their case is in the hands of a Hagens Berman attorney, they won’t have to worry about getting this report or any other document needed to build a strong case. Hagens Berman takes care of the investigative work down to the smallest detail while victims focus on healing.
ABOUT WASHINGTON ACCIDENT REPORTS
If your accident only involved property damage, your insurance company will likely secure a collision report from the responding agency for you.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has become the custodian for all collision reports within the state of Washington. This means that accidents investigated by either the Seattle Police Department or the King County Sheriff’s Department will send their reports to the Washington State Patrol website.
Of course, any accident that’s responded to by a Washington State Patrol Officer will also be available on this site several days after an investigation is complete.
HOW TO FIND SEATTLE ACCIDENT REPORT
To find your accident report you’ll search for your accident on the WSP website at https://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/wrecr/WSPCRS/. Copies will cost you $10.50 each.
The WSP site doesn’t look up reports by the accident case numbers assigned by the Seattle Police Department. You’ll need other information like the date of the accident and your last name to locate the proper report. You can also use the collision report number provided to you by the State Patrol if they responded to your accident.
TALKING WITH A SEATTLE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER AFTER A COLLISION
A fender-bender or an accident involving only minor scrapes and bruises likely won’t require the services of a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies have streamlined the car repair and replacement process.
However, if you’ve suffered a serious injury that requires medical attention, the stakes change considerably. Insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible to injured victims. Be cautious about signing their initial offer. They might not cover additional expenses like ongoing medical treatment, missed time from work, or other accident-related expenses. If you sign too early and these costs aren’t accounted for, they will come out of your pocket down the road.
CONSULT WITH A HAGENS BERMAN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
Contact the attorneys at Hagens Berman for a free case consultation. Once retained, we will streamline the personal injury process for you. This will include securing the necessary documentation to build the strongest case possible to earn the highest settlement award possible for you and your family.
