While you are not legally required to have a police officer file your report, a report filed by a law enforcement officer will hold greater weight to insurance adjusters and attorneys because these reports provide a more unbiased account of the details of your automobile accident.
New Mexico law does not require you to call a law enforcement officer to the scene when you are involved in an accident. Regardless of the severity of your accident, however, it is a good idea to call an officer to the scene, as they will be able to provide a clearer and more accurate account of the events of the crash. Insurance adjusters and car accident attorneys will prefer reports filed by officers, as well, as these reports make it easier to establish fault and causation.
Accident reports are considered public records and can be accessed by anyone who is able to provide the driver’s name, the location of the accident, and the date and time of the accident.
In the state of New Mexico, if you wish to obtain a copy of your accident report by mail, you will need to fill out a written request form and mail it to:
PO BOX 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Requesting a report by mail can take significantly longer than accessing it online. To obtain an official copy of your crash report online today, click HERE.
It takes roughly ten business days from the time your report is filed to the time it’s available online.