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Being in a car accident can be a very traumatic experience. Not only are you potentially dealing with physical injuries, but there is often emotional stress from the car accident. Receiving constant calls from the insurance adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company can become very overwhelming. After a car accident in DC, you may not know where to start or what you should be doing. After you have received medical attention, one of the most important things you can do following an accident after calling a Washington, DC car accident lawyer is to request a police report.
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In Washington, DC, these police reports are called PD-10 Accident Reports. The report is created by the investigating officer and reflects statements and facts from the accident scene. The report can provide detailed information on who was at fault. Having the police report can play a major role in the determination of how far your claims and compensation can go. The report will provide the information you need to strengthen your insurance claim.
Typically, the PD-10 report is done by the responding police officer who arrives at the scene to investigate the accident. The report is given a six-digit identifying number (often referred to as the CCN). Please make a note of this number for future reference. (If you need to find out the report number, call the station of the police district that responded to the incident.) The report will include:
When an insurance company gets notified of the accident, one of the first things they will do during their investigation is to request a police report. One of the main reasons for this is to get an idea of how the accident happened, who cause it, and if there are any details they can use to deny or limit your claim. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a frustrating process. Their goal is to resolve the claim while paying as little as possible. Receiving the report and checking for accuracy will be crucial for receiving fair compensation for your personal injuries. If the report has inaccuracies, it is important to contact the reporting officer as quickly as possible to try and have it corrected.
Car accidents can result in high medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages. Under Washington, DC’s contributory negligence laws, you can typically only recover compensation if you bear no fault in causing the accident. Your claims will often only go through your insurance company. There are a few exceptions to this which would allow you to pursue claims outside of your own insurance carrier. Having a PD-10 Accident Report can potentially strengthen your case of having no fault, but it also can provide a perspective from an impartial witness.
It is essential to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in DC to help guide you through not only the accident analysis but understand what claims you can bring, and who you can bring them against. Having the experienced personal injury team at Regan Zambri Long at your side can help ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
There are several ways you can request a police report. The most efficient way to obtain your PD-10 Accident Report is to request it in person. Note: you are required to schedule an appointment before going in person. To schedule your appointment with MPD headquarters call (202)727-4357 for more information. You will likely need to leave a message. After you schedule your appointment, you will need to know the date, location, and time of the accident or your accident’s six-digit number. You will also need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID. For additional assistance, contact (202) 727-4357.
You can request the police report by email or mail-in. To request a PD-10 via email, submit your email request [email protected]. or or mail request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Metropolitan Police Department
MPD Public Documents Section
441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South
Washington, DC 20001
Be sure to include your full name, date and time of the accident, location of the accident, your six-digit report number, a copy of your valid government ID, and a copy of the completed PD Form 10B application which can be found at PD Form 10B – Application for PD Form 10 Accident Report. Please allow six weeks for processing. For more information, call (202) 727-4357.
It is important to note that only the party involved, or their attorney can obtain the PD-10 Accident Report through these three options. Third parties will have to go through a separate process to obtain the police report which could come with a fee. There is currently no administrative fee for the party involved or their attorney to obtain the police report.
Getting the PD-10 Accident Report should be one of the first things you do after an accident regardless of injury at the time of the accident. When dealing with accidents, injuries can take time to develop. If you wait on requesting the report, it could delay and impact your ability to be timely and justly compensated by the insurance company. Even if it was a minor accident getting the police report can be crucial in any potential claim the other driver could bring. Given DC’s no-fault liability, the details in the police report, and checking for accuracy, will be critical to your case.
The attorneys at Regan Zambri Long have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. Our Washington, DC car accident lawyers will work to ensure you are getting the maximum compensation either through settlement or through the court process. We will help you navigate the complicated process of dealing with insurance adjusters. Don’t get pressured by the insurance companies and settle for less than your full compensation for your medical expenses and property damage. Our DC car accident attorneys will answer questions along the way, and ensure the appropriate steps are taken throughout the case. Contact Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation today.
