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Car accidents leave people with a list of things to take care of. Vehicles need repairs, insurance companies request information, and medical visits may be necessary. A Portland, Maine, accident report is often a key part of this process, serving as an official record of what happened. Insurance companies use it when processing claims, and attorneys rely on it when reviewing cases.
Read on to learn the steps for:
A Portland accident report provides a written account of an accident based on what the responding officer observed. It includes details such as:
People often use this report when filing insurance claims or reviewing legal options. Insurance companies refer to it when assessing claims, and attorneys may use it when gathering facts about a case. A copy of this report can help answer questions about how the accident happened and who was involved.
Insurance companies often require an accident report before reviewing a claim. Without this document, they may rely only on statements from those involved, leading to conflicting accounts. A Portland, Maine, accident report provides an official record that helps insurers assess what happened.
Attorneys also use accident reports when reviewing legal options. Whether discussing compensation for injuries or property damage, having this document can provide essential details. Judges may reference the report if an accident leads to a legal dispute.
People request copies of police reports when they contain errors. Incorrect details—such as the wrong date, vehicle descriptions, or missing witness statements—can affect an insurance claim. There is a process for requesting corrections, and an attorney can assist if changes are necessary.
The Portland Police Department provides multiple ways to request an accident report. Whether submitting a request online, visiting in person, or mailing in a form, there are options to fit different needs.
The fastest way to request an accident report is through the Portland Police Department’s online records portal.
To request a report online:
The Portland Police Department processes most online requests within a few business days.
For those who prefer to pick up a report in person, the Records Division at the Portland Police Department is open during regular business hours.
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
Before heading to the station, calling ahead to check if the report is available can help avoid unnecessary trips. Officers may need time to finalize reports; some requests take longer to process.
When requesting a report in person, bring:
A small fee may apply, and payments are accepted by cash, check, or card.
For those who prefer to request a report by mail, the process is simple but takes longer than online or in-person options.
To request a report by mail:
Portland Police Department – Records Division
109 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
Mail requests take longer to process, so this option is best for those who do not need the report immediately.
Many attorneys request accident reports on behalf of their clients, which can be helpful for those unfamiliar with the request process or who need assistance reviewing the information. Mann Law often helps clients obtain and interpret their accident reports when handling insurance claims or legal concerns.
Before requesting a Portland, Maine, accident report, here are a few things to know.
Accident reports are not publicly available. Only the following individuals and entities can request a copy:
Requests that do not meet these criteria will not be approved.
Most reports are available within five to seven business days, but some take longer. Investigations or other circumstances may delay availability. Checking with the Records Division before submitting a request can help avoid unnecessary wait times.
While Maine law does require drivers to report accidents involving death, injury, or $2,000 in property damage to law enforcement immediately, there is no legal deadline for reporting an accident to an insurance company, but policies often include specific requirements. Some insurers require notification within 24 to 72 hours, while others allow additional time based on policy terms.
The best way to confirm what is required is to review the policy or contact the insurer directly.
Errors in a police report can affect insurance and legal claims. For example, incorrect dates, missing witness statements, or misidentified vehicles may need to be corrected.
The Portland Police Department allows individuals to request updates, but changes are not automatic. Anyone requesting a correction must provide supporting evidence. If the mistake affects an insurance claim or legal matter, an attorney can assist with submitting the request.
After a crash, requesting an accident report is only one piece of the puzzle. Some insurance companies make the claims process more complicated than it needs to be, and legal questions can quickly come up. Having the proper support can make these situations less stressful.
Mann Law has over 50 years of combined experience guiding people through the claims process after accidents. If you need to obtain a Portland, Maine, accident report or deal with an insurance company, we’re ready to help.
Call today at (207) 709-0900 or fill out our secure online contact form today for a free consultation.
