I'm trying to find out details of an accident I was involved in, but don't know how best to go about getting it. There's a time gap between the moment when I realized I was about to go down and when the paramedics took me from the site of the accident to the hospital. The hospital paperwork indicates bike v. car and I'd like to know if that is what happened or not, since at this point I don't recall being hit.
The accident happened in City of Pgh and my bike was taken to East Liberty Police Station, but when my family picked up the bike, the folks at the station didn't seem to know anything about the accident or where the bike had come from, so I'm not even sure if that was the station that responded. Does anyone know how I'd begin to go about getting details from police, paramedics, or others? I'd also like to personally thank whomever called in the accident and the person that stayed with me while paramedics were still on their way. I only vaguely remember the latter, so it may or may not have actually happened.
Thanks,
Jim
urbanrider
2016-10-24 16:22:44
Jim,
Call the police station and ask if a report exists, and if so, whether the police department will turn it over.
I am not sure if internal police reports are subject to disclosure in response to a "Freedom of Information Act" or "Sunshine Law" document request. I recall once having to get a court order to get the state police to disclose an internal police report that didn't result in charges being filed. You may have to go that route. Let us know how this works out.
jmccrea
2016-10-24 16:46:49
Thanks, Jacob. I'm not really sure which station responded to the call. Can I just show up at any of the City stations and expect that they could access the report? Is there always a report filed? What if only the paramedics show up? I know that the paramedics were there, but don't know if there were any other emergency responders.
Jim
urbanrider
2016-10-24 17:11:32
You could probably get which paramedic unit took you to the hospital from the ER log. I'd call first to see if they have it in their department or if you need to get it from their Medical Records department. Either way you will need to fill out and sign a release of info form so do it yourself instead of sending a family member.
Also, sometimes police reports can only be picked up at the downtown Public Safety building on First Street (next to the Jail). It took six weeks before I could get a copy of my last accident report because the officer had to get supervisors to sign-off on it, and both cops had overlapping vacations and such. It then had quite a few mistakes in it too, so don't take it for gospel.
marko82
2016-10-24 18:40:26
Here's what I've learned about the process, at least as far as my situation goes:
- The hospital Medical Records Dept was able to get me info on the City EMS unit #, driver, and medic that transported me to the ER.
- I contacted City EMS Medical Records to see if they could provide me with more detail. They have records, but require you to complete a form and provide ID, then they will send you a copy of their records, which I will do. She also suggested that I try 911.
- I called 911 Admin Offices and they said that those records are not available without a court order from Magistrate. You will also need to pay a fee for the records. They seemed to infer that it might be difficult to obtain the court order without there being a pending court case.
- It was suggested that I check with Bureau of Police to see if there was a police report filed. I initially called the Records Room. They had no record of a report, so recommended that I follow up with the station having jurisdiction at the location of the accident. The station could not find any record of a report, nor could dispatch confirm that a car had been sent to the scene of the accident. Their thought was that I should go back to EMS for more details.
- I circled back with EMS Medical Records and their advice was to wait until we have processed their paperwork and I have received their report. Not sure if she saw something in the report that gave a clue (but couldn't divulge) or if that's just their standard line.
urbanrider
2016-10-26 13:45:39
Well at least you are making 'some' progress. Another thing you could try is to show up at the paramedic station with lunch/treats to thank the paramedics for helping you, and question him/her directly for any info they remembers. If you were hit by a car, I would check with local businesses near the crash scene ASAP since most of the time they only keep video for short periods of time before it gets written over.
marko82
2016-10-26 14:42:32
Marko, Thanks, I was thinking that I would do something along those lines, but will wait to visit the EMS station until I have their report. The accident was in a residential neighborhood, so probably no cams.
urbanrider
2016-10-26 16:28:56
Usually the smaller suburban ems services are staffed by super nice people. I'd call them earlier rather than later as I bet they will sincerely try and help you out and if they can't then point you in the right direction. And showing up with a treats as a thanks is a nice gesture no matter what.
edronline
2016-10-30 09:08:35
edronline,
The accident occurred within City of Pgh, but I can say that almost everyone I've talked to with the City has been friendly and helpful in every way they can be. I've filled out the Authorization Request form and mailed it back, so should have the EMS "trip report" next week.
urbanrider
2016-10-30 11:04:03
Oh. Sorry. You're dealing with city ems. That's a whole different ballgame im sure.
edronline
2016-10-30 15:19:41
