What to Do if Your Car Accident Police Report is Incorrect

Accurate police reports are essential for resolving car accident claims. They serve as a trusted document that determines fault, aids insurance companies, and becomes crucial evidence in legal proceedings. But what if there’s a mistake?

Errors in police reports can complicate your ability to secure fair compensation or prove liability. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to address and correct inaccuracies, ensuring that your side of the story is properly represented.

Why Accuracy in a Police Report Matters

The police report is key evidence in determining liability in car accident cases. Insurance adjusters use the details to process claims, while attorneys and courts may reference them during legal disputes. If the report contains inaccuracies, it can lead to:

• Denied or reduced insurance claims
• Misrepresentation of fault or liability
• Complications in pursuing legal action

An inaccurate report may contain incorrect details about the accident, vehicle damage, injuries, or even the parties involved. Correcting these errors promptly is critical to protecting your rights.

Common Errors Found in Police Reports

Before diving into the correction process, it’s important to identify the types of mistakes commonly found in accident reports. These include:

• Clerical errors: Misspelled names, incorrect license plate numbers, or wrong dates
• Factual inaccuracies: Misreporting of the sequence of events, weather conditions, or locations
• Omissions: Missing witness statements or details about injuries
• Interpretation errors: Officer misjudgments about fault or contributing factors

Understanding the nature of the error will help you take the right steps to address it.

What Happens if a Police Report Is Incorrect?

Police reports often serve as an impartial, third-party account of an accident. Insurance adjusters use them to assess liability and determine payouts, while attorneys may rely on them as foundational evidence in court. However, these reports are not infallible, and errors can distort the narrative.

For example:

• Insurance Claims: If the report incorrectly attributes fault to you, the insurance company may deny or reduce your claim.
• Legal Cases: Inaccuracies could weaken your case in court, potentially affecting your ability to recover compensation for damages or injuries.

Understanding the stakes can motivate you to proactively address errors and seek resolutions safeguarding your interests.

Steps on How Do You Fix an Incorrect Police Report

Review the Report Thoroughly

Once the police report becomes available, obtain a copy from the law enforcement agency. Read it carefully to identify inaccuracies. Highlight the sections where errors occur and take detailed notes about what needs to be corrected.

Gather Supporting Evidence

To fix an incorrect police report, you’ll need evidence to back up your claims. Gather the following:

• Photographs: Pictures from the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals
• Witness statements: Contact witnesses and ask them to provide written or verbal accounts of the incident
• Medical records: Documentation of any injuries sustained in the accident
• Dashcam or surveillance footage: Videos that capture the events leading up to the collision

This evidence will strengthen your case when requesting corrections.

Contact the Officer Who Filed the Report

Reach out to the officer who authored the report. You can typically find their contact information at the bottom of the document. Politely explain the inaccuracies and provide the evidence you’ve collected. Here are some tips for effective communication:

• Be respectful and concise: State the facts clearly without making accusations.
• Provide copies of your evidence: Share photos, witness statements, or other supporting materials that corroborate your claims.
• Request an amendment: Ask the officer if they can issue a correction or add a supplemental report to address the inaccuracies.

Submit a Written Request for Correction

If verbal communication doesn’t resolve the issue, submit a formal written request. Include the following in your letter:

• Your name and contact information
• The report number and date of the accident
• A clear description of the errors
• Supporting evidence as attachments
• A polite request for corrections

Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Follow Up

If you don’t receive a timely response, follow up with the officer or the law enforcement agency. Persistence is key in ensuring the matter is addressed.

Additional Communication Tips When Addressing Police Reports

Navigating conversations with law enforcement requires tact and professionalism. Here’s how you can approach these interactions:

1. Remain calm: While errors can be frustrating, expressing anger or blame may hinder your efforts to resolve the issue. Approach the conversation constructively.
2. Be Organized: Present your evidence logically, ensuring the officer can quickly understand the discrepancy.
3. Ask Questions: If the officer refuses to make changes, ask for their reasons. This insight can help you adjust your strategy when escalating the matter.
4. Keep a Record of Interactions: Document all phone calls, emails, or in-person conversations related to your request. These records can serve as evidence if you need to pursue further action.

Escalating the Matter

When the Police Refuse to Make Corrections

In some cases, law enforcement may decline to amend the report. If this happens, you still have options:

• Write your own statement: Submit your version of events to the police department and request it be attached to the report as a supplement.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurer of the inaccuracies and provide evidence. They may advocate on your behalf.
• Consult an attorney: If the inaccuracies are significant and could impact legal proceedings or claims, seek legal counsel. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and take necessary actions to protect your rights.

Proactive Tips to Avoid Errors in Future Reports

• Be vigilant at the scene: Provide accurate information to the responding officer and ensure they understand your account of the accident.
• Request to review the officer’s notes: Please confirm that the details they recorded match your statements.
• Collect your own evidence: Take photos, videos, and notes immediately after the accident to create a reliable personal record.

By staying proactive, you can minimize the chances of errors in a police report.

Protect Your Rights with Accurate Documentation

Dealing with an incorrect police report can feel overwhelming, but taking prompt and strategic action can help ensure your side of the story is represented. Start by reviewing the report, gathering evidence, and communicating effectively with law enforcement. If challenges arise, escalate the matter through formal requests or legal channels.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand how frustrating and stressful car accidents can be, especially when official documentation contains errors. Our experienced team of attorneys combines a boutique firm’s personalized attention with a larger practice’s resources to help you navigate complex accident claims.

Call us at (800) 310-1606 to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to advocate for you and ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. Consultations are available in both English and Spanish.