What Can I Do If There Are Errors on My Car Accident Police Report?

When you file an insurance claim or personal injury suit following a car accident, you’ll be able to see official documentation from law enforcement officers responding to the scene. What happens if you find errors on the police report? Will you be able to dispute police report falsehoods and change the document to more accurately reflect the circumstances of your case?

At Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC, we assist clients who find police report mistakes. Discover your options for correcting the information in this helpful guide. 

How Accident Reports Impact Your Case

To recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, attorneys must gather evidence in your favor. One vital piece of evidence in car accident cases is documentation from the responding officers. An official report often includes:

• Information about the involved motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and witnesses
• Written descriptions or photos of the vehicle’s damage 
• Details regarding the crash location and environment
• A diagram of the scene 

A cop on the scene could even add their own account of what happened, such as the cause of the crash and who is at fault. Attorneys use this information to establish liability and advocate for insurance companies to pay damages to victims. 

Request Supplemental Records for Factual Errors on Police Reports

An incorrect police report is a cause for concern, but you can easily dispute factual errors. Officials may have to amend police reports when they contain objectively false information about the parties involved. 

For example, if it’s on the record that your birthday is January 1, 1970, but the correct date on your license is January 11, 1970, chalk it up to a simple reporting officer error. Rectify the situation by bringing your driver’s license to the police department and requesting a correction. Officers will release another document outlining the false information in report A and issue report B with the correct details. 

Question Errors of Omission

Let’s say a car rear-ends you, causing vehicle damage and whiplash symptoms. A witness claims the other driver was using their cell phone at the time of the crash, which could be a contributing factor. Why does this information not appear anywhere on the cop’s record?

Law enforcement officers may omit some critical information that could impact your case’s outcome. Consult your attorney if you find errors in police reports and missing information. They’ll recommend the next steps for strengthening your claim. 

Gather Additional Evidence Supporting Your Claim

Official police records can certainly shape a personal injury case after a car accident. However, they aren’t the only piece of evidence you can use in your favor. Seasoned lawyers understand that several components are necessary for maximizing your settlement, including:

• Vehicle damage receipts and estimates: A serious collision may leave you with thousands of dollars in property damage, along with physical injuries. Attorneys use vehicle repair or replacement estimates when negotiating a settlement with insurance providers. 
• Medical records: It’s critical that you prove your injuries stem from the car wreck rather than pre-existing conditions, as this may impact your claim. 
• Witness statements: Taking the name and number of witnesses allows lawyers to receive testimonies from them sharing their accounts of the accident. 

Review Your Case With Trusted Accident Attorneys

If there are errors on police reports after a car accident, you want a qualified lawyer on your side to guide you through the process. Team up with Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC for help with car accident injury lawsuits. We have years of experience and a proven track record of successfully recovering damages for victims. 

Discuss your case with our knowledgeable legal team. Call 716-848-8000 or request a consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens if there are factual errors on my car accident police report?

A: You can request supplemental records by bringing proof of the correct information (like your driver’s license) to the police department to amend the report.

Q: What if important information is missing from the police report?

A: Errors of omission can impact your case. Consult an attorney to gather additional evidence and strengthen your claim.

Q: Is a police report the only evidence needed for a car accident case?

A: No, additional evidence like vehicle damage receipts, medical records, and witness statements are crucial for maximizing your settlement.