How to Get a Police Report in Massachusetts
Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers is proud to serve Boston and communities across Massachusetts with trusted personal injury representation. After a serious accident, one of the most important documents you will need is the police report. This report can provide critical details about how the accident happened, who was involved, and what factors may have contributed to the crash.
If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other incident requiring a police response, knowing how to obtain your report can help you move forward with your legal claim.
Why a Police Report Matters
A police report may not be the final word on liability, but it often serves as a valuable piece of evidence in personal injury cases. Reports typically include:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information of parties involved
- Statements from drivers, pedestrians, or witnesses
- Officer’s observations and preliminary conclusions
- Diagrams of the accident scene
For victims, this documentation helps establish what happened and can support negotiations with insurance companies.
How to Request a Police Report in Massachusetts
The process for obtaining a report varies depending on which agency responded:
1. Local Police Departments
If the accident occurred within a city or town, such as Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, you can usually request the report directly from the local police department’s records division.
- In Boston, reports can be requested online through the Boston Police Department’s website or in person at headquarters.
- You’ll typically need to provide the date, location, and names of those involved, along with a small fee.
2. Massachusetts State Police
For accidents on state highways like the Mass Pike (I-90) or I-93, the Massachusetts State Police may have jurisdiction. Reports can be requested through the specific barracks that handled the crash.
3. Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
If a crash report was filed with the RMV (required for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000), you can request a copy directly from the RMV using their Crash Report Request form.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary, but most reports are available within 10 business days of the accident. If the report is still under investigation or review, it may take longer.
Having your attorney request the report can often speed up the process and ensure no details are missed.
Using a Police Report in Your Injury Claim
While police reports are not always admissible in court, they are extremely useful for:
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Identifying witnesses
- Supporting claims of negligence
- Guiding further investigation
At Sweeney Merrigan, our attorneys use police reports as a starting point, supplementing them with medical records, expert testimony, and additional evidence to build a strong case.
Injured in a Massachusetts accident? Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston today for your free consultation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Obtaining the police report is only the first step. Insurance companies may try to twist or downplay what the report says to minimize payouts. Without legal guidance, victims risk being taken advantage of during the claims process.
Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience handling car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death cases across Massachusetts. We know how to interpret reports, uncover additional evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Let Sweeney Merrigan fight for the justice you deserve.
Take the Next Step
If you were injured in an accident, obtaining the police report is a key step toward protecting your rights. Whether your crash happened in Downtown Boston, on Route 1 in Saugus, or on the Mass Pike, our legal team can help you access the report, analyze its findings, and pursue the compensation you need.
No matter where you are in your recovery, the right legal support makes all the difference. Call Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation — and take your next step with confidence.
