When a car accident happens, inaccuracies can sometimes appear in the subsequent police report.
When errors arise, it’s very important to correct them. This is because the police report in your case can influence the results of insurance claims and legal proceedings.
It’s a challenging situation, but the good news is there are established procedures for correcting incorrect information in a police accident report. We’ll break those down below.
As always, if you need help with your car accident case, the car crash attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse are here to help. Call (314) 350-1900 for your free consultation.
Why it’s important that police reports be accurate
When police officers respond to an accident scene, they document their observations and witness statements in a car accident report.
Insurance companies use this report as a basis to determine fault and compensation. As a result, the accuracy of a police report can significantly impact your case outcome, as any discrepancies or errors could affect the final decision.
Types of errors that can surface in police reports
Errors in police reports can be broadly categorized into two main types: factual mistakes and subjective or disputed information. Each error type poses unique rectification challenges, making it vital to understand their differences when deciding the appropriate course of action.
Factual mistakes
Factual mistakes in police reports involve objective information, such as the incorrect model or color of a vehicle, or the misplacement of numbers on a driver’s license. These errors are typically straightforward to address, as long as the necessary documentation is available. For example, if the report incorrectly states the make or model of your vehicle, you can provide a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration to prove the correct information.
To rectify factual errors on a police report, follow these steps:
- Contact the reporting officer from the relevant police department and provide them with the appropriate documentation.
- If the officer is unwilling to make the change, you may need to seek legal counsel.
- Present the matter to a judge for resolution.
Subjective or disputed information
Subjective or disputed information in police reports is more complex to rectify, as it often involves differing opinions and witness accounts. For example, an officer’s opinion may be based on one witness statement that indicates a violation of the law, while another witness statement claims that the law was not violated. This can happen when police officers respond to an incident and gather information from multiple sources.
If a police report contains subjective or disputed information, you should consider taking the following steps:
- Contact the reporting officer to discuss your concerns and provide any additional information or evidence that may support your case.
- Gather supporting evidence to challenge the accuracy of the report, such as witness statements, photographs or video footage.
- Request a supplemental or amended report if you believe the original report is incorrect or incomplete.
- If necessary, seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of disputing this type of information.
We’ll go into greater detail on these steps below.
Steps to correct wrong information on a police report
In order to correct wrong information when a report is wrong on a police report, there are three main steps to follow: gather supporting evidence, contact the reporting officer and request a supplemental or amended report.
To begin, gather the evidence that you’ll use to support your claim.
1. Gather supporting evidence
Just like any legal issue, collecting supportive evidence is vital when disputing a police report. Start by identifying the incorrect information in the report and determine what evidence you need to support your claim. This may include providing proof of the correct information, such as identifying information, vehicle information, insurance information, or other pertinent details.
Keep in mind that disputing a police report can be challenging, especially when dealing with an insurance company. It’s recommended to seek the advice of a lawyer for assistance in gathering evidence and navigating the complexities of the process.
2. Contact the reporting officer
Next, reach out to the police officer responsible for creating the police report. You can find the officer’s contact information by looking up the local police department’s website and obtaining their phone number. Remember that most officers are willing to listen to your concerns and work with you to correct any errors, so it’s crucial to approach the conversation respectfully and professionally.
It is important to contact the reporting officer promptly, as there might be a limited timeframe for report amendments. Provide them with specific details about the inaccuracies and any supporting documentation you have gathered to strengthen your case.
3. Request a supplemental or amended report
After collecting evidence and then reaching out to the reporting officer, your next move should be to request a supplemental or amended report from the officer.
This is a crucial step for personal injury claims or other legal matters where the details of the report are considered.
When to consult an experienced car accident attorney
If you have doubts about your police report’s accuracy or require help in correcting it, a seasoned car accident attorney can help. They can provide guidance and answer questions regarding the police report, as well as explore the possibility of having the report amended.
An experienced attorney can help you in the following ways:
- Navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding car accidents and personal injury claims
- Assisting with gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing your best interests in court if necessary
Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you’re facing challenges with an inaccurate police report.
Challenging inaccurate police reports in court
In some cases, disputing an inaccurate police report may require taking the matter to court.
This can be an uphill battle, as the court may be hesitant to question the judgment of police officers who responded to the accident scene. Yet, with robust evidence and a skilled attorney’s assistance, challenging and correcting a police report’s inaccuracies is possible.
Keep in mind that this process can be time-consuming and challenging, but having the support of an experienced attorney can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
Get legal help in your car accident case
Remember, you have a right to accuracy in your car accident police report. By understanding the errors that can surface in police reports and the process to correct them, you’ll be better prepared for your car accident case.
For legal help, turn to Niemeyer, Grebel, and Kruse. They can help guide you through the complexities and challenges of a car accident case. Call today for your free case evaluation – (314) 350-1900.
