When a car accident interrupts your life, you may feel like you’re facing a neverending stream of challenges. Painful injuries can lead to expensive medical bills, all while you might need to take time off work to recover.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you could make a no-fault claim on your car insurance or an at-fault claim on the other driver’s policy.
If a fault claim is necessary, the insurance adjuster may look for reasons to blame the injured party for the accident. Surprisingly, some people mistakenly believe they are at fault when they’re not.
Shared fault is another possibility.
Navigating these complicated situations may be difficult, but discussing your car accident report with an experienced car accident attorney can help. At Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations so you can get all your most pressing questions answered.
There is no obligation, but if we take your case, you won’t owe us anything until we win or settle it.
How Can You Get a Kaysville Police Department Car Accident Report?
The Kaysville City Police Department accepts Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) requests at their physical location:
80 N. Main Street
Kaysville, UT 84037
You can download the request form here and complete it ahead of time. The police station is open to the public from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Friday.
When turning in a request form, you must bring your government-issued ID.
What Information Is Needed On the Request?
The request form first asks for your contact information, including name, address, and phone number. Next, you’ll need to describe the requested records.
The best way to do this is to find the case number, typically listed on any paperwork the responding officer gave you.
Of course, it’s easy to get distracted and misplace items after an upsetting experience like a car accident. If you can’t find your case number, describe the accident in as much detail as possible, including the other driver’s name.
The next section also asks for the date and location of the collision.
You’ll also be asked how you were involved in the accident. Utah law allows the release of car accident records to individuals who are either directly involved in the collision or have suffered a loss because of it—drivers, passengers, injured pedestrians or bicyclists, owners of damaged property, etc.
For most people involved in this way, the first box, “I am the subject of the requested records,” is the right choice. However, if you are a parent or legal guardian of a minor involved in the accident, you can select the next box.
There is also an option for “I am the person who submitted the requested records,” which may apply if officers were not at the scene and you submitted the accident report yourself.
The Kaysville City Police Department will usually respond to your request within ten business days, but in rare cases, it may take longer. If your request is approved, there is a $5 fee for the report and a $10 fee if you want digital media (such as accident scene photos).
What Else Should You Do Following a Car Accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help you protect your legal rights and get the assistance you need:
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries, Even Minor Ones
Frequently, people who experience a car accident believe they are uninjured or that their injuries don’t require medical attention. However, some experience more pain or other symptoms after a few hours or even days.
The stress of an accident can lead to an adrenaline rush that suppresses pain initially, and some injuries also feel worse once swelling and inflammation occur.
When this happens, don’t dismiss your symptoms or assume they will resolve on their own. When you experience pain or other symptoms, see a healthcare provider right away.
Be sure to tell them about the accident so they can check for any serious injuries.
Keep Track of Bills and Receipts
The insurance company will need your medical bills and other receipts to process your claim. Remember to save receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, like pharmacy bills, copays, mobility aids, and other items you might need for your recovery.
Take Pictures of Your Injuries and Property Damage
Additionally, an insurance adjuster will want to see the damage to your vehicle—and the other driver’s vehicle. This is partly to see the damage itself, but sometimes, vehicle damage also provides clues to how the collision happened.
Take pictures of both damaged vehicles from all angles at the accident scene. Next, photograph the surrounding area, including the road, paying particular attention to any tire marks.
These may also help to show how the accident occurred.
Finally, take photos of any visible injuries you have, such as bruises, scratches, stitches, a cast, etc.
Get Legal Advice Before You Talk to the Insurance Company
While an insurance adjuster may be in a hurry to take your statement, it’s wise to delay any conversation with them until after you’ve spoken with an attorney. We’ve met more than one person who was caught off guard when the adjuster took an innocent remark as an admission of fault.
If establishing fault is crucial for your claim, obtaining sound legal guidance before speaking to the insurance company is highly advisable.
How Can You Get Help From a Kaysville Car Accident Attorney?
The Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers team is available to assist with car accident and personal injury cases throughout Utah. We will examine your accident report, address any concerns you may have, and provide a straightforward explanation of your legal options for seeking compensation.
Established by attorney Brigham Richards, Valley Law Accident & Injury Lawyers advocates for injured clients and their families. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Mr. Richards is committed to giving each client his full attention.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, he works diligently to achieve the most favorable results for every client’s personal injury claim. Work with him and his expert team today when you call (801) 810-9999.
