If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re likely dealing with a lot of stress.
One critical step in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you may be entitled to is obtaining a copy of your Henry County accident report.
This document is often crucial in proving fault and can be essential when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim.
At MG Law, our Georgia auto accident attorneys are here to help guide you through the process. Below, we explain everything you need to know about accessing your Henry County accident report.
For immediate assistance, please call (770) 988-5252 or fill out our online form today. We offer free consultations.
What Is a Crash Report?
A crash report, also known as a police accident report, is an official document prepared by law enforcement at the scene of a crash.
This report includes vital details such as the following:
- Date, time, and location of the crash;
- Names of those involved;
- Any injuries sustained; and
- The officer’s assessment of the crash.
Local accident reports are typically prepared by the Henry County Police Department or the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, depending on which agency responds to the scene.
Why Do I Need a Copy of My Collision Report?
Obtaining Henry County police accident reports is important. First and foremost, it serves as an official record of the incident, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies, attorneys, or courts.
A crash report provides critical evidence to support your claim, documenting the conditions leading up to the collision, any potential witnesses, and the officer’s opinion on who may be at fault.
Without it, your ability to pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses may be limited.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Crash Report in Henry County?
The process for obtaining Henry County car accident reports depends on which law enforcement agency responded to your accident: the Henry County Police Department or the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The contact details of the officer at the scene or the paperwork you receive will indicate which agency to approach for your report.
Henry County Police Department
If the county police department responded to your accident, there are three ways to obtain your report: in person, online, or by mail.
In Person
Requesters can pick up their Henry County accident reports in person 5-7 business days after the report is filed.
Here are the three Henry County precincts where reports can be obtained:
- South Precinct
108 S Zack Hinton Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253 - North Precinct
3000 Hwy. 42 North
Stockbridge, GA 30281 - Fairview Precinct
16 Fairview Road
Ellenwood, GA 30294
These locations are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are not a county resident, there is a $5 fee for obtaining your crash report.
Online
You can also obtain your police accident report online through BuyCrash.
To order your report:
- Visit the BuyCrash website.
- Select the state (Georgia) and jurisdiction (Henry County). Be sure to click Henry County Police Department.
- Enter your last name and the date of the accident.
- Then, provide at least one of the following: the accident report number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or driver’s license number.
Once you have all the required information, you can search for your accident report. If you need assistance, BuyCrash offers customer support via phone at 1-866-215-2771, email at support.buycrash@lexisnexisrisk.com, or live chat.
By Mail
You may also request a copy of your report by mail. Send your request to:
Henry County Police Department
Records Unit
108 South Zack Hinton Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253
Be sure to include a cashier’s check or money order for $5, payable to the Henry County Police Department. Don’t forget to provide your case number, name, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the department to mail your report.
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
If the sheriff’s office was the responding agency, the process for obtaining a collision report would differ slightly. It has up to three business days to decide whether the records requested, including accident reports, are available for disclosure.
Private property accident reports may be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the requester. Other types of reports must be picked up in person.
When making a request, you’ll need the case number and the date of the incident. Costs vary based on the records requested.
Complete Digital Request Form
The county sheriff’s office website has an online Open Records Request Form. First, fill out the required information, including the requester’s name, company name, phone number, and email address.
In the next section, fill out the information regarding the records request, including a brief description of the records needed. Then, select your preferred method of delivery (mail, email, or pick-up). You can access the form here.
Email the Request
You can also email the request directly to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at HCSOOpenRecordsRequest@co.henry.ga.us. Be sure to include all relevant details, such as the case number and date of the accident, to ensure they locate the correct crash report.
Complete PDF Version of Request
Alternatively, you can fill out the PDF version of the Open Records Request Form, available on the Henry County Sheriff’s Office website, and email it to HCSOOpenRecordsRequest@co.henry.ga.us or fax it to (770) 288-7116. Include a fax cover sheet, which is also available online.
Mail or In-Person
Lastly, you can mail your request to:
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Open Records
120 Henry Pkwy
McDonough, GA 30253
You can also visit the address above and request your accident report in person.
Contact MG Law for Help
Obtaining an accident report is essential in protecting your rights after a crash. At MG Law, we can assist you in getting your crash report and help you understand how it impacts your case.
Beyond that, we’re here to provide you with experienced legal guidance. Whether you need help dealing with insurance companies, understanding your rights, or exploring your legal options for pursuing compensation, our team is ready to stand by your side.
Contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free case evaluation.Â
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.