How Long Does A Police Report Take?

How Long Does It Take to File a Car Accident Police Report?

After a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed—dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and the stress of what comes next. At Spaulding Injury Law we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been in a car accident, understanding the importance of a police report and how it impacts your claim is crucial. In this blog, we’ll discuss why police reports matter, how they affect insurance claims, and what to do if you don’t have one.

Why You Need a Car Accident Police Report

In some cases, it may not be obvious whether you should call the police after an accident. However, obtaining a police report is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights.

• The police report serves as official documentation of the crash, detailing what happened, who was involved, and any potential violations.
• If the other driver is uninsured, intoxicated, or leaves the scene, the police report is crucial for proving liability.
• Insurance companies rely on police reports to evaluate claims and determine fault. Without one, proving your case can be much harder.

Even in minor accidents, having a police report can prevent complications when negotiating with insurance companies.

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How Police Reports Affect Your Claim

One of the biggest challenges after a car accident is proving liability—especially when the other driver disputes what happened. A police report provides a neutral, third-party account of the accident, which can help:

• Establish who was at fault based on witness statements, road conditions, and officer observations.
• Record details about vehicle damage, injuries, and traffic citations issued at the scene.
• Strengthen your insurance claim by providing evidence to support your version of events.

Without a car accident police report, the other driver could change their story or deny responsibility, making it difficult to secure fair compensation.

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How Insurance Companies Use Police Reports

Both your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer will review the police report when determining liability. If the report contains errors or missing information, it could affect the outcome of your claim.

• If the report supports your claim, your lawyer can use it to push back against low settlement offers.
• If there are inaccuracies, you may need to correct the report before moving forward.

That’s why having a lawyer review your police report is critical to ensuring it accurately reflects what happened.

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This report can make or break your claim, so reviewing it with a car accident lawyer is always a smart move.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?

Most Georgia police departments file reports electronically. On average, it takes:

• 3 to 5 business days for a car accident police report to become available.
• If you were involved in the accident, you can request a copy for free in person at the police station.
• You can also request a report online for a small fee or by mail.

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Minor Car Accident No Police Report – What Happens Next?

Not all accidents result in a police report—especially minor fender benders where there are no injuries or serious vehicle damage. So, what should you do if no report was filed?

• Document the scene yourself by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details, license plate number, and contact information.
• Collect witness statements, if possible, to support your claim.
• Consult a lawyer immediately to discuss how to file a car accident claim without a police report.

While a police report strengthens your case, you can still file a claim without one, as long as you have sufficient evidence.

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If Someone Files a Police Report, How Long Does it Take for the Cops to Arrive?

The time it takes for officers to respond depends on:

• The severity of the accident
• Current law enforcement workload
• Whether injuries or hazards are involved

In Georgia, police generally respond within 30 minutes to an hour, but response times can vary. If it’s a minor crash with no injuries, officers may not come at all.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After an Accident?

In Georgia, you must report accidents immediately if:

• Someone was injured or killed
• There is $500+ in vehicle damage
• The accident involved an uninsured or intoxicated driver

Failing to report a qualifying accident could impact your ability to seek compensation.

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Can You File a Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report?

Yes! While a police report strengthens your claim, you can still file without one.

• Use photographic evidence, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim.
• An experienced car accident lawyer can gather additional evidence to prove liability.

If you didn’t call the police at the time, it’s not too late—consult a lawyer immediately to discuss your options.

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Need Help? Call a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t leave your case up to chance. Even small mistakes—like not having a police report—can cost you the compensation you deserve.

At Spaulding Injury Law, we take the stress out of the legal process. Our experienced car accident lawyers will:
✔ Obtain and review your car accident police report
✔ Ensure your claim is supported by strong evidence
✔ Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf

Call us anytime at 470-380-0144 to schedule a free consultation with us! We have helped injured car accident victims throughout Geogria. You can visit a Spaulding Injury Law Office in Downtown Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta and Cumming, GA. We look forward to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

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