Police reports serve as crucial evidence in hit-and-run cases, documenting the incident details, witness statements, and any available suspect information. These official reports become essential for insurance claims and potential legal action against the fleeing driver.
To obtain a police report for a hit-and-run in Miami, the fastest way is to use the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) crash portal. You can request a report online for a small fee. If you are too injured to order one, a Miami car accident lawyer from Anidjar & Levine can obtain it on your behalf.
Understanding Miami Police Report Requirements
The Miami-Dade Police Department generates reports for all traffic accidents investigated by officers, including hit-and-run incidents. These reports typically become available ten days after the incident, though complex cases may take longer to complete.
The police report will include essential information such as the incident location, time, and date, the weather conditions, your statement about what happened, witness contact information and statements, any physical evidence collected at the scene, and the investigating officer’s preliminary findings.
For hit-and-run cases specifically, the report documents any available suspect vehicle information, including partial license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, direction of travel after the collision, and any surveillance cameras in the area that might have captured the incident.
Methods for Requesting Police Reports in Miami
The easiest way to request the information is to use the online crash portal. You can buy Florida crash reports at the given link. After verifying your identity and paying a $12 fee, you can download your report. Alternatively, your lawyer will be able to obtain the police report for your hit-and-run in Miami on your behalf.
Before using the portal, you’ll need the report number from the officer and your driver’s license number. You need identification as well because accident reports are not public knowledge for some time after a crash, usually well after the deadlines for reporting an accident to an insurer.
Crash reports are also obtainable by mail, but you need to complete and notarize a Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Report Information Form. You can find this form on the FLHSMV website.
What Information Hit-and-Run Police Reports Contain
Police reports for hit-and-run accidents in Miami contain comprehensive documentation that proves essential for insurance claims and potential legal action against the fleeing driver once identified.
The report includes detailed incident information such as the exact location, time, and date of the hit-and-run, weather and road conditions at the time, your vehicle information and damage description, and a narrative description of how the accident occurred.
Suspect vehicle information forms a crucial component, documenting any available details about the fleeing vehicle, including make, model, year, color, license plate information (even partial), direction of travel after the collision, and any distinctive features or damage to the suspect vehicle.
Using Police Reports for Hit-and-Run Insurance Claims in Miami
Your hit-and-run police report serves as primary evidence for filing insurance claims under your uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage. Insurance companies require official documentation to process hit-and-run claims properly.
The police report helps demonstrate that you were not at fault for the accident, which is particularly important for hit-and-run cases where the other driver is not present to dispute fault. This documentation protects you from potential fault assignments that could affect your rates.
Insurance adjusters use police reports to verify your claim details, assess damage claims, determine coverage applicability, and coordinate with law enforcement if the suspect driver is later identified.
When Police Reports May Be Delayed
Active investigations may delay report release if police are actively pursuing leads to identify the hit-and-run driver. In these cases, some information may be withheld to protect the ongoing investigation.
Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or significant property damage require more comprehensive investigation and documentation, extending the time needed to complete reports.
High-volume periods, such as after major storms or during busy travel seasons, can create backlogs that delay routine report processing across the department. If your report is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact the police department that responded to your crash to inquire about the status and any special circumstances affecting your case.
Protecting Your Rights After Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents create unique legal challenges that require prompt action to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation. Taking proper steps immediately after obtaining your police report helps strengthen your case.
At Anidjar & Levine, we understand the frustration and challenges that hit-and-run victims face when trying to recover compensation from unknown drivers. Our experienced legal team can obtain the police report for your hit-and-run in Miami and explain if it helps your case or not.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your hit-and-run case and learn how we can help you. We’ll review your case, explain your options under Florida law, and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We Can Help.
