But what if the report is wrong?
Maybe an officer misheard a statement, mixed up the vehicles, or missed a key detail. It happens more often than you might think. And while it complicates your claim, it doesn’t have to ruin it.
Here’s what you can do to protect your rights and strengthen your case if you spot an error in your police report.
Review the Report Carefully
Once the police report is available, read every line carefully. Look for errors in the basics, including names, addresses, license numbers, and vehicle information. Then check the factual details, including:
- Time of day
- Weather
- Direction of travel
- Officer’s description of the accident
Finally, look at the narrative and diagram sections. If they don’t match what actually happened, or if the officer’s summary seems incomplete, make note of those discrepancies right away.
Gather Your Own Evidence
A police report is just one piece of evidence. Your own documentation can be just as important. Collect photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If you have witness contact information, reach out to confirm what they saw.
Your medical records, repair estimates, and even phone GPS data can help establish what really happened. When an officer’s report contains errors, these details can make your version of events more credible.
Contact the Reporting Officer
If the mistake is factual, like an incorrect vehicle description or misspelled name, you can often request a correction. Start by contacting the officer listed on the report. Be polite and professional, and explain what you believe is inaccurate. Provide documentation that supports your correction, such as photographs, medical reports, or witness statements.
For more serious errors or disputed interpretations, you can ask that your version of events be added as a supplemental statement to the report. While the officer may not change their conclusions, having your account officially noted can be valuable later in the claims process.
Notify the Insurance Company
If you’ve already filed an insurance claim, notify your adjuster immediately. Send copies of your evidence and any written communication with the police department. Insurance companies often rely heavily on reports, but they do consider additional evidence, especially when it’s well-documented and clearly presented.
Keep in mind that the adjuster’s goal is to close your claim quickly, not necessarily to make sure every detail is correct. That’s why it’s important to stay proactive and organized.
Don’t Assume the Report Decides Everything
Many people believe that a police report automatically determines who’s at fault, but that isn’t true. It’s an important factor, but it’s not the only one. Insurers, judges, and juries can reach different conclusions based on all the evidence.
If your report contains errors but the rest of your documentation supports your claim, you still have a strong case. The key is presenting your side clearly and with consistent evidence.
Get Help If the Error Affects Your Claim
When a police report contains serious mistakes, such as assigning fault incorrectly or omitting key witness statements, it can make the claims process more stressful and complicated. Having an experienced advocate on your side can make a big difference in how your case moves forward.
If you believe a police report error is affecting your auto accident claim, Shugarman & Mehring can help you gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and protect your right to fair compensation. You don’t have to handle it alone. We’ll make sure the truth is heard and your claim is taken seriously.
ShugarmanMehring
Phone: 