Greetings!
It is a pleasant summer afternoon in North Alabama. You are driving along, minding your own business, enjoying the sunshine. Then, suddenly and without notice, you hear the telltale sound of tires skidding on the pavement, followed by the equally distinct sound of sheet metal collapsing. You feel the force of your car being shoved sideways. Dazed and confused, many conflicting thoughts are racing through your head. You are surrounded by strangers, but yet feel alone. Emergency personnel and police officers are competing for your time and attention. You do not know where to turn or what to do. The entire setting seems surreal. In such a situation it is entirely understandable that making sure everything is properly recorded by the police officer at the scene is one of the last things on your mind. Yet, after the adrenaline rush has subsided and your receive the immediate medical care that you may require, you must refocus your attention on getting a rental car to drive, as well as getting your car repaired or replaced. To do so, you will need to get a copy of the Alabama Uniform Crash Report that was prepared by the officer who arrived at the scene and locate some important information contained in it.
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HOW TO READ AN ALABAMA UNIFORM CRASH REPORT
It includes more than you might think. First, you have to get your Crash Report. It will be at least a few days after the wreck before it is available. You can download a copy for $17.00 at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/dps_crash_report. You also typically can get a copy of your Crash Report at the police department or local state troopers' office, depending upon who prepared the report. It is important to review your Crash Report to ensure that it is accurate.
Crash Reports are full of information, which can be somewhat overwhelming. However, 5 key areas should contain most of the information you need.
LOCATION AND TIME (Primary Contributing Unit #)
Each vehicle involved in the crash will be assigned a unit number. The number of the unit that, in the reporting officer's opinion, most likely caused the wreck is the "primary contributing unit." For example, if one driver runs a stop sign, that driver's vehicle is likely the primary contributing unit. The unit number can be found in the upper left-hand corner of each vehicle description. The primary contributing unit will likely be unit 1 or unit 2, so its description should be on the first page of the Crash Report.
LOCATION AND TIME (Primary Contributing Circumstance)
This section explains what most likely caused the crash (i.e., if this contributing circumstance had not happened, the wreck would not have occurred). The explanation of the code for the primary contributing circumstance can be found in the "Legend" at the end of the Crash Report, usually in the 3rd and 4th columns. There are several different circumstance codes, ranging from "DUI" to "Distracted by insect/reptile."
UNIT NUMBER (Driver and Insurance)
Each vehicle will have a detailed description of its driver and his or her insurance information. This can be useful to help file a claim with the responsible driver's insurance company, and to determine whether someone else owned the vehicle he or she was driving. However, if the driver was unconscious or otherwise unresponsive at the scene, this information may be incomplete.
DIAGRAM / NARRATIVE
These sections are where the reporting officer has the opportunity to draw and describe the wreck more completely. There should be a basic illustration of the circumstances and a short paragraph explaining what happened. It is important to ensure that the drawing and description match one another and that they accurately describe how the wreck occurred.
INVESTIGATION
This section may identify anyone the reporting officer talked to who was not involved in the wreck. Their contact information will also be listed. These individuals may offer input as to how the crash occurred. It is important to understand each witness' likely testimony, if you plan to pursue a claim against another driver.
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Closing Thoughts
Most insurance companies place a significant amount of emphasis on what is set out in a Crash Report. They use it as a tool, along with photographs and statements from the parties and witnesses, to make a preliminary determination as to whether they should pay on a claim. However, a Crash Report is not admissible at trial. Likewise, an officer typically is not permitted to testify as to who caused the wreck.
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NEWS
Brad Ryder has been recertified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist. Brad is one of only 3 attorneys in Huntsville / Madison County who maintains this certification.
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If you find yourself in need of legal assistance, one of the most difficult and important decisions you will make is selecting the right attorney to represent you. At The Ryder Law Firm we understand this and take great pride in helping the honest and hardworking men and women of North Alabama. If you have been seriously injured and you need serious representation, contact us. We Care and We Will Help!
Brad Ryder
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