How Do I Fix a Police Report if It Is Wrong?

The details in a police report can shape how your car accident case unfolds. If you spot any mistakes, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your quick action to fix errors could make a big difference in your claim or lawsuit.

What Is a Police Report?

Accurate and comprehensive police reports are essential following a car accident. These reports are critical evidence in insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and other legal matters. However, errors in these reports can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Police crash reports contain vital information about the accident, such as the names and contact information of the parties involved, insurance policy numbers, and details about the scene of the accident and how it occurred. Typically, an incident report includes:

• Weather conditions and visibility on the day
• The time and date of the accident
• Details of the involved drivers (addresses, insurance information, etc.)
• An opinion on who is responsible for the accident
• A schematic drawing and photos of the accident
• Details of vehicle damage
• A list of injuries suffered by those involved in the crash
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses
• Traffic citations

The Significance of Police Accident Reports

Police reports hold substantial importance as they are considered legal documents that can be used as evidence in civil and criminal cases. These reports carry considerable weight when insurance carriers decide whether to pay or refuse a claim.

However, do not rely solely on a police accident report, especially if you suffer significant injuries and financial losses after a severe car accident.  Talk to a car accident attorney at Munley Law to protect your rights.

Common Errors in Police Reports

Factual Errors

These can include mistakes made by the police officer in identifying involved drivers, inaccuracies in the crash report, or incorrect details about the accident scene.

Transcription Errors

Misinterpretation or incorrect recording of witness and driver statements.

Omissions

Missing information, such as road conditions, weather conditions, or significant accident scene details.

Can a Police Report Be Changed After an Accident?

Yes, it is possible to amend a police report. These reports are not infallible and may contain factual errors, such as witness statements, inaccuracies in the accident scene description, or errors in identifying the at-fault driver. Addressing these issues promptly is key to ensure the accuracy of your case documentation. To amend a police crash report in Pennsylvania (PA), you must follow specific steps and provide supporting evidence to correct any inaccuracies.

It is always a good practice to familiarize yourself with an accident report.  Here are the steps to ensure accuracy:

Review the Police Crash Report

Start by obtaining a copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency that handled your case. Carefully review the report to identify any errors or discrepancies. Pay close attention to details such as the accident’s date, time, and location, and the statements provided by witnesses and involved parties.

Document the Errors

Create a list of the errors you have identified in the report. Be as specific as possible, providing details about what is inaccurate and why it is incorrect. For instance, if a witness statement is attributed to the wrong person, highlight the correct information and explain why the original statement is wrong.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

Collect any evidence that supports your claim of inaccuracies. This may include photographs of the accident scene, medical records, statements from other witnesses, or video footage. The more evidence you have to support your case, the stronger your argument for amending the report.

What to Do After You Have Identified Errors in a Police Report

Contact the Police Department

Contact the police department that filed the report. Explain the errors you have identified and request guidance on the amendment process. It is essential to act quickly, as timely corrections can prevent complications in your case.

File an Amendment Request

Most police departments have a formal process for amending reports. You may need to fill out an amendment request form and provide a detailed explanation of the errors. Be as specific as possible, citing exact inaccuracies, disputed information, and provide evidence to support your claims.

Provide Documentation

Supporting documentation is critical in the amendment process. This may include:

• Witness Statements: Collect statements from witnesses who can corroborate your version of events.
• Police Reports: Compare the initial report with other reports or documents to highlight discrepancies.
• Accident Scene Photos: Provide photographs that clearly show the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other relevant details.
• Medical Records: Include medical documentation that supports any injuries claimed in the accident.
• Crash Diagrams: Diagrams can help illustrate the accident dynamics and identify any errors in the original report.

File a Supplemental Report

Filing a supplemental police report can help your car accident claim by adding important information that may have been missed or disputed in the original report. It allows you to provide your side of the story, clarify facts, and present new evidence, such as witness statements or details about injuries that became apparent later.

If you don’t have solid evidence, you can still write down your version of events. You can ask for it to be added to the vehicle crash report as a supplemental report. It can be written by the police or by someone who wants to fix mistakes in the report. It can also have statements or evidence about disputed facts.

A supplemental report can strengthen your claim by ensuring the police report reflects a more accurate account of what happened. A more complete and accurate report can help support your case when dealing with insurance companies or in court, potentially leading to a better outcome for your claim.

Importance of Accurate Police Reports

An accurate report is critical for various reasons:

• Insurance Claims: Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports to determine fault and settle claims.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: Accurate reports support personal injury claims and help accident lawyers build a strong case.
• Legal Proceedings: Discrepancies or errors in police reports can be used by the opposing party to challenge your claims.

While police reports are vital in car accident cases, they are not immune to errors. Identifying and correcting these errors can significantly affect your claim’s outcome. By following these steps and seeking legal advice when necessary, you can help ensure the accuracy and fairness of your case.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Following a Car Crash

A skilled car crash lawyer can be your guide and advocate, helping you focus on healing while they tackle the legal issues of your case, including straightening out any mistakes in the police report that could affect your claim.

Here’s how they can assist you:

• Legal Expertise: Car accident lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of car crashes. They have a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations related to police reports and can provide you with the necessary legal advice throughout the amendment process.
• Evidence Gathering: A lawyer will help you gather all the relevant evidence to support your claim. They will assess the existing report, review witness statements, collect additional evidence, and consult with experts if necessary. With their experience, they can identify any missing information or inconsistencies that need to be addressed.
• Communication with the Police Department: Your attorney will act as your representative when communicating with the police department. They will submit the amendment request, provide supporting documentation, and follow up on the progress of your case. Having a legal professional handle these interactions can increase the chances of a successful amendment.
• Negotiations: If the errors in the police report have significant implications for your case, your lawyer can negotiate with the opposing party or their insurance company on your behalf. They will use the amended report and supporting evidence to advocate for a fair outcome.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Munley Law for a free consultation to discuss your claim.