New Mexico is an at-fault state for car accidents, so the driver at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the resulting damages. To recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, you’ll need to prove the other driver was at fault. One critical piece of evidence in car accident cases is the accident report law enforcement prepares. Here is what you need to know about this valuable evidence and how you can request your car accident report in Albuquerque.
What Is in an Accident Report?
When law enforcement responds to the scene of a car accident, they interview the drivers and the witnesses, document evidence, and prepare an official report. This report can document critical information, including:
- The specific date, time, and location of the accident
- The names and contact information for all parties
- Statements each driver made
- Witness statements
- Road and weather condition details
- Diagram of the vehicles’ position
The police report may also indicate if the other driver was suspected of illegal activity or cited for a traffic offense. It could include a preliminary assessment as to which driver was at fault for the accident.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Albuquerque Accident Report
You have options for obtaining your Albuquerque car accident report. Before attempting to obtain your report, keep in mind that it takes about two weeks from the date of the incident before a report will be ready. You can contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 768-2200 to ask about your report’s status before you take the time to try to retrieve it. You will need to provide your name and the collision date. Once it is available, you can get the report by:
Requesting the Report Online
You can visit the website crashdocs.org and select the state and city police department from the drop-down menus. You will need to provide the following information to request the document online:
- The accident report or reference number
- The last name of one of the drivers
- The accident date
You’ll need to pay a $7.50 fee to download or print a copy of the report.
Obtaining the Report in Person
Rather than getting the report online, you can request it in person. You can visit the Law Enforcement Center at 400 Roma NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico during business hours. You will still need to pay the fee to get a copy.
After you have obtained a copy of the report, you should carefully review it to determine if there are any mistakes or omissions.
We Can Obtain Your Albuquerque Car Accident Report
At Caruso Law Offices, we take care of all the details so you can focus on your recovery. Our experienced Albuquerque motor vehicle accident lawyer can request a copy of your report, review it, and ask for any corrections, if necessary. We guide you through the car accident claims process, ensuring you understand your rights and have the space and time to heal. Learn more about how we can help when you call or request a free consultation online.