If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you are probably aware of how chaotic the accident scene can be, so it’s no wonder information can be misunderstood and included in an accident report after the report. Depending on the nature of this information, it could significantly impact your car accident claim. Caruso Law Offices can meet with you to discuss your situation and determine if the car accident report can be changed and how we can help with all aspects of your personal injury claim.
Important Details Included in Accident Reports
First, it is essential to understand what is included in an accident report and how it is used to understand the importance of ensuring its accuracy. Insurance companies often use accident reports to determine who is at fault for the collision. If their insured is at fault, they must pay the claim.
Police officers create accident reports after responding to the scene of a crash. These reports are viewed as a more objective form of evidence because the officer has no interest in the outcome of the case. In contrast, the drivers involved may have differing accounts because they want the insurance company to pay their damages and not blame them for it.
The accident report contains critical information, such as:
- The exact date, time, and location of the accident
- The drivers’ statements regarding how the accident occurred
- A diagram of the vehicles’ positions at the time of the crash
- Witness statements and contact information
- Descriptions of property damage
- Details regarding injuries
- Whether any traffic citations were issued
- A narrative from the officer about the accident, which may state who the officer believed was at fault
The police report may also contain photos they took at the accident scene.
Why Would You Need to Change a Police Report?
Errors can occur on police reports for many reasons. For example, the police officer could have misheard information at the chaotic accident scene or could have written notes at the time of the accident but later forgot details when they later returned to the police station to write the report. There may be information that the officer does not know and does not follow up with. For example, you could have been taken immediately to the emergency room, so there may not be a statement from you, so the officer is only left with the other driver’s narrative.
Review the accident report and make sure it is accurate. Some common examples of errors in police reports include:
- There is an incorrect list of drivers versus passengers.
- The physical description of property damage is not accurate.
- Details about your accident have been confused with details about another.
- No description of your injuries is included in the report.
- A statement you made is not correct.
Because the insurance company will request a copy of the accident report, it’s important that it only includes accurate information.
How to Amend a Police Report
In some cases, it may be possible to amend a police report containing inaccuracies, especially if it has not been finalized. You can contact the officer who completed the report, notify them of the mistake, and ask them to correct it. If you have evidence to support your request, share it. In some cases, the officer may not change the actual report, but they may add a supplemental report with the new information.
Asking a lawyer to handle this request for you may carry more weight than trying to do it yourself. Caruso Law Offices offers a free case review, so you can learn more when you contact us to schedule yours.