How to Read Your Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report
Your report matters. Make sure it's accurate. Don't hesitate ... Call Dean Waite.
When Alabama police officers or Alabama Highway Patrol officers respond to a car accident, they typically fill out an Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report. This 4- to 6-page-long document contains a wealth of information about the accident.
The information listed in this report can make a big difference in how much money you receive after your accident. Insurance companies carefully review such documents and often base their financial offers on the answers filled out by the investigating police officer.
That's why it's important to review your report carefully and make sure all the information is accurate. But knowing how to read such reports can be confusing. The report often contains many symbols and abbreviations.
The following information explains how to read your report. Dean Waite & Associates, LLC created this guide. We encourage you to contact us to discuss the details of your accident. Call (866) 434-5840 and schedule a free case evaluation.
Understanding Your Alabama Uniform Traffic Accident Report
Page 1:
This section gives some basic facts about the accident, including the time and location of the crash, the number of vehicles involved, and the number of reported injuries and fatalities.
These sections provide information about the drivers and their vehicles. The officer will include each driver’s name, address, insurance information, and notes on impairment or citations issued for traffic violations. The officer will note the make, model, and license plate number for each vehicle, and indicate which parts of the vehicle were damaged.
Page 2:
The seating position codes indicate the location of each person involved at the time of the crash.
The “victims” section gives information about people who were injured or killed in the accident, including the medical facilities that treated them.
Page 3:
Through a diagram and a written narrative, the investigating officer will provide their understanding of how the accident happened, noting any factors that played a role in the crash.
The Roadway Environment section gives details about the road surface, lighting, visibility, and work zones. This information can help determine whether a driver was going too fast for conditions.
Page 4:
The investigation section records the arrival times of police and emergency responders. Keep in mind that the investigating officer often arrives well after the crash has already happened.
Page 5:
This supplemental page is used for accidents involving buses or commercial trucks. One section to pay attention to on this page is “Vehicle Information,” which gives information about the vehicles’ weight rating and hazardous material involvement, both of which can affect liability.
Near the bottom of the page, you can find the contact information for the trucking company that owns and operates the tractor-trailer or other commercial truck involved in your accident.
Page 6:
This supplemental page also focuses on tractor-trailer accidents. This is more of an informational page.
Page 7:
This page provides information about the codes used by the investigating officer throughout the report.
Click here to download a printable version.