How To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Maine

The Short Answer: 

After a car accident in Maine, police reports are typically available online, by mail, or in person through the agency that responded to the crash. While police reports are not admissible in court, they can be valuable in proving fault and negotiating a fair settlement. If you need help using a police report to support your claim, a Maine car accident lawyer can guide you through the process.

Get a FREE Case Review

Key Points:

• After an accident, a police report can provide important details about the crash, including statements from involved parties and witnesses.
• In Maine, you can request a police report online, by mail, or in person from the law enforcement agency that handled the accident.
• Police reports usually take 3 to 10 business days to become available, but this can vary based on the case and department workload.
• While a police report is not admissible in court, it can be used to support an insurance claim and help establish fault.
• If the police do not respond to the scene, you may need to file your own report with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 48 hours if there was significant injury or property damage.
• A Maine car accident lawyer can help you use a police report to strengthen your case and negotiate for fair compensation.

How To Get a Police Report by Mail

If you prefer to request a police report by mail, you can do so through the Maine State Police or the local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. To request a copy, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the Necessary Information: Before submitting a request, gather key details, including the date, time, and location of the accident, the names of involved parties, and the report number (if available).
2. Complete the Request Form: Some agencies require a formal request form, which can typically be found on their website or obtained by contacting the police department.
3. Prepare Payment: Maine charges a small fee for police reports, which varies by department. Payment is typically required by check or money order made out to the appropriate agency.
4. Mail Your Request: Send your completed request form, payment, and any required identification to the department handling the report. Address information is usually available on the law enforcement agency’s website.
5. Wait for Processing: Reports requested by mail may take several days to a few weeks to process, depending on the department’s workload.

If you are unsure where to send your request, contacting the Maine State Police or the local police department that handled the accident can provide clarity.

How To Get a Police Report Online 

Maine allows drivers to request certain police reports online through Maine.gov. Here’s how to obtain your accident report online:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Maine Crash Reporting Online Search & Ordering Service or the website of the police department that handled the accident.
2. Enter Required Information: You will need to input information such as the crash incident ID number, name and date of birth for someone involved in the crash, and the date and location of the crash.
3. Pay the Processing Fee: Online reports typically require a small fee, which can be paid using a credit or debit card. The cost varies depending on the department.
4. Download the Report: Once payment is processed, you can immediately download a digital copy of the report for your records.

Online access is often the fastest way to obtain a police report, but availability depends on whether the law enforcement agency that handled the accident participates in online reporting services.

How To Get a Police Report In-Person

If you prefer to obtain a copy of your accident report in person, you can visit the police department that responded to the crash. Here’s what to do:

1. Locate the Police Department: Identify which agency (local police, county sheriff, or Maine State Police) handled your accident and visit their headquarters.
2. Provide Key Details: Bring information such as the accident date, location, and names of involved parties to help locate the report.
3. Bring Identification: Some departments require valid identification to release a report.
4. Pay the Required Fee: Reports usually come with a small fee, payable by cash, check, or credit card, depending on the agency’s policy.
5. Receive Your Report: In some cases, reports may be available immediately. However, if the report is still under review, you may need to return later to pick it up.

Visiting in person allows you to ask any questions about the report or clarify information with law enforcement officials. If you need the report urgently, calling ahead to confirm availability can save time.

How Can a Police Report Support Your Case?

A police report can be a valuable tool when negotiating a personal injury settlement, as it provides an official account of the accident. If the report indicates that the other driver was at fault, it can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.

Beyond assigning fault, police reports contain essential details that can help in proving negligence, including the date, time, and location of the crash, weather conditions, witness statements, and officer observations. While the report itself is not admissible in court, it can serve as a key piece of evidence when dealing with insurance companies. Additionally, witnesses listed in the report can be called to testify, further supporting your case if legal action is necessary.

Can a Police Report Be Used in Court?

Unfortunately, police reports are considered inadmissible in court. They cannot be used as proof that the other driver is responsible for your injuries. This is because police reports are technically considered to be “hearsay.”

Hearsay refers to statements made outside of the courtroom that are offered as an assertion of proof of a matter’s truth. In other words, “hearsay” is considered an unsworn statement, a statement made outside of the court or one made by a person who doesn’t have any direct knowledge of the car accident.

Police reports are considered hearsay because the officer didn’t actually witness the crash. The officer is only reporting his or her opinion of the incident based on statements and other evidence. Plus, these statements are all made out of court and cannot be cross-examined.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident?

The time it takes to receive a police report after a car accident in Maine varies depending on the law enforcement agency handling the case. Typically, reports are available within 3 to 10 business days after the accident. However, this timeline can be affected by factors such as the severity of the crash, ongoing investigations, and department workload.

If you need the report quickly, check with the Maine State Police or the local department where the accident occurred. Some agencies offer expedited online access through Maine.gov, while others require in-person or mail requests that may take longer to process.

How Long Do You Have To Report an Accident in Maine?

Maine law requires that drivers report a car accident to the police if it meets specific criteria. A crash report must be taken when:

• The collision is unintentional
• It occurs on a public road
• It is caused by a vehicle in motion
• Injury or death occurs or property damage exceeds $1,000

Failing to report a qualifying accident can lead to fines and even license suspension. If law enforcement does not respond to the scene, you must file a report with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within 48 hours. Even for minor accidents, reporting the crash ensures official documentation. When in doubt, it’s always best to contact the police immediately to ensure compliance with Maine’s accident reporting laws.

Contact Lowry & Associates To Learn More

If you were injured in a car accident, obtaining a police report is just one step in protecting your legal rights. At Lowry & Associates, our experienced Maine car accident lawyers can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you may deserve.

Don’t leave your case to chance—contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.