Car accidents can be traumatic and complicated experiences, and it’s essential to have a police report after the accident to make sense of the ordeal. A police report documents the details of an accident, including the people involved, their statements, and the officer’s observations.
However, police reports sometimes contain errors, and these errors can have serious consequences. A report error can cause your insurance claim to be denied or cite you as being liable for damages in the crash.
Knowing the steps to take if you discover an error in your police accident report can help you get an amended account that accurately represents your case. An accurate report can support your claim and help you receive compensation.
Police reports are official documents law enforcement officers create after responding to an incident, such as a car accident. They typically include the following information:
Police reports provide an objective account of what happened during an accident, which can be critical in determining fault and liability. They can also serve as evidence in legal proceedings and insurance claims, where the facts of an accident are disputed.
The contents of a police report can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident claim. Insurance companies and courts often rely on the information in a police report when deciding compensation or legal responsibility. A well-documented and accurate police report can help strengthen your case and increase your likelihood of winning a settlement.
Despite the thoroughness of police reports, police officers can sometimes make a mistake regarding the facts of the incident. Common errors in police reports include:
Police reports can contain four types of errors: factual, transcription, omission, and disputed information. Factual and transcription errors are the easiest to fix.
For example, the officer noted that your birthdate is September 18th, but it’s actually September 14th. To correct this error, you could simply take your passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate to the station and have them amend the report.
However, errors of omission or disputed information can be challenging to resolve because it can be difficult to prove the error occurred. Collecting your own evidence from the accident scene, including photos and video, can help you correct the report immediately after you notice the error.
If you spot an error in your car accident police report, take action to have it fixed as soon as possible. Consult with your car accident lawyer from The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers before making any statements about the accident. Your attorney can advise you on how to approach the police department and ensure you don’t make a statement that could be used against you regarding your claim.
If you don’t hear back from the police department, follow up with them to ensure that your request is received and that they are correcting the error. Although there isn’t a specific timeline, you or your attorney can check back every few days or once a week for updates on your report.
If your request for correction is denied, you can take a few actions to prevent the inaccurate report from harming your chances for compensation.
If you have been in a car accident in Alabama and the police report is incorrect, knowing who to call for help is essential. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Alabama car accident lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue compensation with an amended police report.
At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for you.
We understand the importance of a thorough and accurate police report and can help you take the necessary steps to correct any errors in the report. Contact us today for a free case review.