Having a police officer file a report after a traffic accident is an important first step in ensuring that accurate information on the crash is available to your insurance company. However, there are times when there may be a need to correct a police report if the officer made an error or if facts were misrepresented or omitted. When this occurs in most jurisdictions there is a process to follow to have the report amended and the correct information inserted.
Get a Copy
It is important to get a copy of the police report and check the information for accuracy, especially if the insurance company indicates sometime inaccurate is in the report. Verify that:
- All witness are listed correctly
- Information on the car accident is factually correct
- There is no bias or favoritism expressed by the police officer towards one driver or the other with regards to how the facts and information is reported
If you do have concerns you then have the option to correct those errors or fight the validity of the report with the insurance company.
Making Corrections
To correct a police report it is important to have some type of evidence, information or documentation that proves your perspective. This may include pictures, witness statements, video that may have been taken by someone or personal information you provide. Many police departments will allow the reporting officer to amend the report once the errors, omissions or mistakes are pointed out. Other departments many require a more formal process where you submit the documentation and it is reviewed before the report is modified. Typically with this option you will also need to fill out the respective departmental form.
Attorneys Can Help
Even with a copy of the amended and corrected police report, insurance companies may be unwilling to consider changing their current offer. This typically occurs when fault is more clearly assigned to the opposing driver and his or her insurance company is going to have to pay much more than they originally believed. If that company doesn't accept the amended police report an attorney can help get the settlement that you deserve. While the claim may have to go to court, your attorney can also request alternative dispute resolution options such as arbitration, mediation or direct negotiation to attempt to decrease your costs and speed up the settlement process.
