What to Do if There’s an Error on a Car Accident Police Report?

Car accidents are stressful enough without worrying about errors in the official police report. However, mistakes happen, and a single inaccuracy could significantly impact your insurance claim or personal injury case.
This blog post outlines what to do if you find a mistake in your accident report. It covers common errors, the steps to correct them, what to do if the officer refuses to correct them, and the importance of consulting with an attorney.

Common Errors in Car Accident Police Reports

Police reports serve as a key piece of evidence in determining fault and liability after an accident. However, officers are human, and errors can occur due to the chaotic nature of accident scenes. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Factual Errors: Incorrect information about names, license plate numbers, vehicle details, or insurance providers.
  
• Omissions: Missing key details about the accident, such as witness statements or weather conditions.
  
• Misinterpretations: Officers may misunderstand how the accident occurred, potentially leading to an inaccurate assignment of fault.
  
• Subjective Statements: Statements included in the report that reflect opinions rather than facts, such as assuming a driver was speeding without concrete evidence.
  
• Bias-Related Mistakes: An officer may unintentionally assign blame based on personal biases or assumptions rather than the available evidence.
  
• Incorrect Road or Weather Conditions: If the officer misrepresents the road conditions, visibility, or weather at the time of the crash, it could lead to an unfair assignment of liability.
  
• Misquoted Witness Statements: If the police report contains inaccurate summaries of witness statements, this could affect the determination of fault and responsibility.

Since insurance companies heavily rely on police reports when processing claims, any mistake can lead to claim denials, reductions in compensation, or legal complications. That’s why it’s crucial to correct errors as soon as possible.

Steps to Take if You Notice an Error on a Police Report

If you find a mistake in your accident report, follow these steps to have it corrected:

1. Review the Report Thoroughly – Obtain a copy of the police report from the responding law enforcement agency. Carefully read through it and highlight any inaccuracies.
   
2. Gather Supporting Evidence If the error involves factual details (such as a wrong license plate number or incorrect date), provide supporting documents like your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance policy.
   
3. Contact the Officer Who Filed the Report – Reach out to the officer who prepared the report. This can typically be done by calling the police department listed on the report. Be polite and concise when explaining the mistake.
   
4. Submit a Written Request for Correction – Some police departments require formal written requests to amend a report. Your request should include:

• A clear explanation of the error
• Copies of any evidence supporting your correction
• Your contact information
  

1. Follow Up Regularly – If you don’t receive a timely response, follow up with the officer or their department. Depending on the department’s procedures, some corrections may take longer.
   
2. Request a Supplemental Report – If the officer refuses to change the original report, you may be able to submit a supplemental statement or report. This allows you to provide your own version of events alongside the official report.
   
3. Check the Insurance Company’s Interpretation – Even if the police report contains errors, insurance adjusters may still rely on their own findings. Request a review of how they are interpreting the report and provide any additional evidence to support your claim.

What If the Officer Refuses to Make a Correction?

Not all errors can be corrected, especially if they involve subjective judgments rather than factual mistakes. If an officer declines to amend the report:

• File a Dispute with the Police Department: Some departments have internal procedures for disputing reports. Check with the department about your options.
  
• Provide Additional Evidence: Photos, video footage, dashcam recordings, and witness statements can help strengthen your case.
  
• Work with an Attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help challenge the police report’s contents in court or during settlement negotiations.
  
• Get an Independent Expert Opinion: Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts can provide additional analysis that may help counter incorrect claims in the police report.

Consult with an Experienced Attorney

Insurance companies often take police reports at face value, meaning any error could impact your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you believe a mistake in your accident report jeopardizes your claim, consulting with an attorney can make a significant difference.

At Rosengard Law Group, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling car accident claims and know how to navigate legal complexities involving incorrect police reports. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Our legal team can:

• Investigate the police report for errors
• Gather additional evidence to support your claim
• Communicate directly with law enforcement to request corrections
• Challenge incorrect findings with expert testimony
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf

If you need help correcting a police report error or pursuing compensation for your accident, contact us today at Rosengard Law Group or call (856) 284-6446.