Official police car accident reports provide critical information about your accident, including who was involved and how it happened. You can use your police report to file your insurance claim or to prepare your complaint, which is the first step in your personal injury lawsuit.
To get a copy of your police report, you first must identify the department to which the investigating officer belonged. If a Pennsauken Police Department officer filed the report, you can choose to either go to the department in person or mail in your request. If the officer was a state trooper, which is common for accidents that occur on toll roads, you will have to go through the state’s online portal.
If you are having trouble obtaining your police report or are interested in seeking compensation for your injuries sustained in a recent accident, Legal Care New Jersey may be able to help. Our seasoned New Jersey car accident attorneys can provide you with a free initial case assessment when you act now. Pick up the phone and give us a call today at (732) 838-9769.
What Is a Car Accident Police Report in Pennsauken?
When the police are called to the scene of a car accident, they will assess the situation to determine whether they are legally obligated to compile and file an official crash report. New Jersey law requires law enforcement officers to file an accident report if the crash resulted in death, bodily injury, or more than $500 in property damage.
Car accident reports contain critical information that you will need if you are filing an insurance claim. They can also provide a basis for preparing your personal injury lawsuit against the other driver that caused the accident. Your car accident report will include the following details, amongst others.
- Names of the parties involved (drivers, passengers, other injury victims, property or vehicle owners)
- Contact information for all parties and potential eyewitnesses
- Drivers’ insurance policy numbers and providers
- Drivers’ licenses and plate numbers
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Depiction of how the accident occurred and apparent damages
- Statements from various parties
- Relevant details about road conditions and weather
Requesting a Police Report for a Non-Toll Road Car Accident in Pennsauken, NJ
The Pennsauken Police Department is generally responsible for dispatching units to the scene of accidents in Pennsauken and filing the subsequent accident report. You should take particular note of which department the officer at your scene works for so that you know where to go with your accident report request.
If a Pennsauken police officer took down the information for your car accident report, you have three options for obtaining a copy of your report once it is filed. You can either go to the department headquarters in person or mail in your request.
In-Person Requests
If you live close to the Pennsauken Police Department or prefer to make your request in person, you have the option to visit headquarters to get your car accident report. The department is located at 2400 Bethel Ave, Pennsauken, N.J. 08209, and is open during normal business hours on weekdays. We recommend that you call ahead and let the department know that you are coming in so that you don’t waste any time on your trip. If you are unable to visit the department in person but still would prefer to deal directly with headquarters, you may be able to call to make your request.
Mail Requests
Even if your accident occurred in Pennsauken, you might not live in the area or the commute to the department headquarters might not be convenient. In these cases, you may mail in your official request. You must fill out a Discovery Request form, which can be found on the Pennsauken township website. In the form, you must indicate that you are seeking a copy of a police car accident report and provide proper identification.
You should then send your form via mail to the department address. Your mail should be addressed in the following way:
Pennsauken Township Police Department
Records Division
2400 Bethel Avenue
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109-2767
Attention: Discovery Clerk
You should also attach a check or money order for the required request fee of $5.50, made payable to the Township of Pennsauken. You should give the department enough time to process your request and respond accordingly. However, if you have not heard anything within a month, we would recommend calling the department to make sure that your mail was received and processed.
Requesting a Police Report for a Toll Road Accident in Pennsauken, NJ
If your accident occurred on a toll road, such as the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway, the officer who arrived at the scene might have been a New Jersey State officer. If the New Jersey State Police were responsible for filing your accident report, you won’t find it at the Pennsauken Police Department headquarters.
Toll road accident reports must be obtained through the state portal. In order to search for your accident report, you will need some key information handy, such as the party name and the date, time, and location of the accident. You may also be able to use the vehicle’s license plate number, driver’s license number, or the reference number that the officer gave you at the scene. There is a $5 fee for all online requests through the state’s portal, and an additional $20 charge if you request any photos taken of the scene.
Toll road police reports do not become available online immediately. If you search for your accident the next day, you likely won’t be able to find it. We recommend that you allow 10 business days between the date of the accident and searching for the report.
Legal Care New Jersey Can Help You Get Your Car Accident Police Report in Pennsauken
No matter where you are in your recovery process, you can benefit from the guidance of the Jersey City car accident lawyers at Legal Care New Jersey. You can reach us at our offices by calling (732) 838-9769.
