What to Do If Your Car Accident Police Report Is Wrong

If you were recently involved in a car accident in Colorado and discovered that the car accident police report is wrong, it’s essential to take action. An inaccurate police report can impact your insurance claim or legal case. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the types of police report mistakes you may encounter, how to prevent errors, and what to do if the police report of a car accident is wrong. 

While mistakes on accident reports aren’t widespread, the fact is that they happen. For example, maybe the car accident report got your statement wrong, or maybe some of your personal information is incorrect. So what if the cops make a wrong car accident police report? 

Given that claims adjusters rely heavily on information obtained in police reports, it’s crucial to contact the police department right away to request a change. Please note that something you deem an error might not be one as far as the officer is concerned. That’s because there are several different types of errors. 

Types of Police Report Mistakes You May Encounter

Some of the most common errors are factual ones. Factual errors involve incorrect information, such as the wrong address on a police report in a car accident. Other mistakes occur with the accident’s date, time, location, vehicle descriptions, or driver and passenger details. Factual errors can lead to misunderstandings and delays in processing your insurance claim or legal case. Correcting these errors should be easy, provided you have the necessary documentation.  

The second type of error is a subjective one. Subjective errors are discrepancies that arise from differing opinions on the events that transpired. For example, one driver might say the other driver ran a red light, while the other driver claims they had a green light. If the police report adopts the other party’s version of events, a subjective error can arise. It can be hard to get this type of error changed because it may reflect the officer’s opinion. However, you may be able to get your statement contradicting that opinion into the report so your version of events can also be considered. Subjective errors can make it difficult for insurance adjusters and courts to determine fault and resolve the matter fairly. 

Errors of omission can also happen. This error is when the police report leaves out something that should’ve been there. For example, you told the officer you had a sore neck and back at the scene. However, the report doesn’t mention your complaints. While the responding officer might not have thought that information was necessary, the other driver’s insurance company most certainly will. In fact, the other driver’s insurance adjuster will use the lack of injury complaints at the scene to argue their case against damages. 

Tips for Requesting a Change to Your Accident Report 

Keep these helpful tips in mind if you’re going to ask for an amendment to your accident report: 

• Gather documentation. Start by gathering documents, photographs, or witness statements supporting your version of events. This evidence can help you prove that the police report is inaccurate and needs amending. 
• Ask for changes as soon as possible. Be sure to request corrections to your police report right away. Contact the issuing police department and explain the inaccuracies you found. 
• Make a new statement. If necessary, provide a new statement to the police department that offers a detailed and accurate account of the accident. Be clear about the discrepancies between your version and the initial police report.
• Include medical documentation. Include any medical documentation in your updated report if you suffered injuries in the accident. This information is crucial to establishing the severity of your injuries and can affect the outcome of your insurance claim or legal case.

Navigating the process of correcting a police report can be challenging. By following the steps mentioned above, you can confidently navigate the process and safeguard your rights in a Colorado car accident case. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can also make a significant difference in getting the information amended. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, communicate with the police department, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. 

How to Prevent Errors in Your Accident Report

Being proactive at the accident scene can help prevent or reduce the risk of errors in the accident report. When you’ve been in an accident, remember the following: 

• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and traffic signals or signs;
• Exchange information with the other driver, such as names, contact details, and insurance information;
• Gather witness statements and ask for their contact information;
• Note any relevant factors, such as weather conditions or road hazards; and
• Provide a clear and detailed account of the accident to the police officer.

Dealing with a car accident is stressful enough, and discovering an inaccurate police report can further complicate matters. By understanding the types of errors that can occur in a police report, taking steps to prevent inaccuracies, and knowing how to address mistakes, you can protect your interests and help ensure the most favorable outcome for your case.

Injured in an Accident? An Attorney Can Help 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado and are dealing with an inaccurate police report, taking immediate action is essential. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can guide you through the complicated process of correcting your accident report and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let an incorrect police report stand in the way of your recovery. When you don’t know what to do when the car accident police report is wrong, contact a skilled attorney at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. today. Let us review the report and the accident facts, discuss your case, and determine the best course of action. 

The keys to successfully resolving discrepancies in your police report are acting promptly, providing documentation, and enlisting the help of an experienced attorney. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we know what it takes to successfully recover compensation in a car accident claim—even when the police report is incorrect. We have years of experience dealing with issues exactly like these. Don’t let the other driver’s insurance adjuster make you believe you have no case when the police report has inaccuracies. Instead, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.