Here’s What to Do When There is Wrong Information on a Police Report After Your Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, a detailed police report contains valuable information that a car accident attorney can use to build your case.
An official accident report typically includes vehicle details, damage assessments, the position of the vehicles, and notes on which driver is considered at fault.
However, it’s important to understand that it may contain misstatements from the officer or the other drivers involved. If you believe the responding officer made a mistake, you have the right to dispute the incorrect police report.
Here is everything you need to know about fixing wrong information on a police report.
So, Can a Police Report be Contested?
There are several reasons why there might be wrong information on a police report, such as errors in describing the events, the wrong vehicle being labeled at fault, or missing details from the parties involved. According to Texas law, you have a right to dispute the incorrect police report to strengthen your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
While it can be complicated to dispute a police report, it’s crucial when the outcome affects your car accident insurance claims. The insurance company often relies heavily on the police officer’s report to determine fault and compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process of disputing a police report, whether by collecting additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, or requesting corrections to the report.
Factors That Lead to an Incorrect Police Report
In the wake of a car accident, tension, chaos, and emotions run high. Therefore, it is easy for information to be misrepresented or left out – leading to an incorrect police report.
- If There is Wrong Information on a Police Report
If there is wrong information on a police report following your car accident, such as the wrong location, street name, insurance details, or vehicle information, it is crucial to address these factual errors as soon as possible.
These types of errors can impact how the car accident is perceived by insurers and legal teams.
Since these are indisputable facts, it is typically straightforward to correct them.
Factual errors are the easiest to fix on an incorrect police report, as you can have the officer amend the details if you provide evidence of the correct information.
- If You Disagree with the Findings of the Incorrect Police Report – Especially When it Comes to Fault
The process of disputing a police report can be challenging. If you disagree with the findings in the car accident report, such as the officer’s opinion on which vehicle was at fault, you need solid evidence to support your claim.
Unfortunately, your word alone is unlikely to persuade the officer to revise the incorrect police report. You will need to present clear, credible documentation to support your claim of wrong information on a police report.
Credible evidence may include dash cam footage from surrounding or involved vehicles, witness statements, or security camera footage from nearby businesses.
Correcting errors in the incorrect police report can impact your interactions with the accident insurance company and the legal standing of the parties involved, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome for your claim. Ensuring all information is accurate is a crucial step toward protecting your rights and achieving fair compensation.
- You Can Dispute a Police Report Online or in Person to Clarify Ambiguous Statements
In the heat of the moment, some information may get lost in translation.
Sometimes, the language used in the incorrect police report might be ambiguous and incorrectly imply fault. You are entitled to seek an amendment by disputing the police report to clarify any vague statements, ensuring all information on the report accurately conveys the circumstances of your accident.
- Adding Missing Information to Fix an Incorrect Police Report
Immediately after a car or truck accident, some information might be deemed insignificant by the reporting officer. Other details might be accidentally overlooked.
However, these details might become vital in building a strong case at a later date.
You are entitled by law to request a supplemental report to add missing details to your formerly incorrect police report – including additional observations from the scene, corrected license plate numbers, or witness statements that weren’t previously taken into account.
How Long Do You Have to Amend a Police Report?
Ideally, you should try to dispute the police report immediately.
The moment you notice wrong information on a police report, reach out to the officer who filed the incorrect police report. If you wait too long, your chances of a successful dispute decrease drastically.
To correct wrong information on a police report, contact the police department that filed it and present the necessary documentation to prove your case.
The reporting or investigating officer may review the evidence and issue an updated crash report with the correct details. If discrepancies arise over what occurred at the accident scene, it may be more challenging to resolve. In such cases, you may need to formally dispute a police report to ensure the record accurately reflects the events of the car accident.
Taking these steps can help protect your rights and support any claims you may need to file.
Angel Reyes & Associates is Here to Help You Dispute a Police Report After Your Car or Truck Accident
Partner with one of the amazing personal injury attorneys at our law firm, and we’ll advise you on your path to disputing a police report.
With a 98% success rate and over 30 years representing injury victims in car wrecks, truck wrecks, and motorcycle accidents, our incredible team of personal injury lawyers will hold your hand every step of the way.
If you have sustained injuries because of a car wreck that was not your fault, contact us now for a free and confidential case review. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for the emotional and physical toll this accident has taken on you.
Allow us to guide your way by removing the stress from the equation as we handle all communication and negotiation on your behalf – starting with helping you dispute the incorrect police report from your car accident. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face. You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
Just remember, you are not alone.
