What Can I Do if My Car Accident Police Report Has Errors?

After a car accident, a police report becomes a critical document. If that police report has errors, however, it could complicate your ability to seek compensation for injuries, vehicle damage and other accident-related losses.

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we have been helping injured victims for over 50 years and have a history of proven results. If you are unsure about how to seek compensation after a car accident, contact our trusted Cleveland car accident attorneys.

Not sure if you have a case? Our highly qualified legal team can help you with that. We offer a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your situation and determine if you may have legal options. Strict deadlines apply, so we encourage you to call as soon as possible.

What Documentation is on My Cleveland Police Report?

A police report serves as an official record of your car accident. The information on this report contains critical details about the vehicles involved in the crash, where the incident occurred, the officer’s assessment about what happened, and more.

Why Check the Details on Your Police Report Right Away

If there are mistakes on your police report, it could make it harder to prove your case. This is why you need to get a copy of your police report right away. Once you have it, you should immediately examine it to make sure all the details are accurate.

What Errors Could Be Found on Police Reports?

The wrong observation or notes put in a police report can create significant challenges when pursuing an insurance claim or legal action. For example, if a police officer notes in a report that you have been driving under the influence and you were not, it could be difficult to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Below are more examples of scenarios that can complicate the claim process after a car accident:

• A report listing a red sedan as the at-fault vehicle when the actual vehicle was blue
• Incorrect driver’s license number that could delay insurance processing
• Wrong intersection name that might complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings
• Misspelled names that could cause administrative challenges when filing claims
• Incorrect time of accident that might contradict other evidence or witness statements
• The report lists your car as a “Toyota Camry” when it is a “Honda Accord
• The report states the accident occurred at “3:00 PM” when it happened at “3:00 AM.”
• The report does not include statements from witnesses who saw the accident and provided their contact information.
• The report claims you were at fault for running a red light, but you have evidence showing the light was green when you entered the intersection.
• The report fails to mention that you sustained a neck injury or that there was significant damage to the rear bumper of your car.
• The report contains misspellings of names, incorrect addresses, or other typographical mistakes that could lead to confusion.

What if I Do Not Take Steps to Correct Police Report Errors?

If there is an error in your police report, it is important to correct errors without delay to protect your legal rights and financial interests.

Failing to address errors in a police report can lead to serious consequences:

• Insurance companies might delay, reduce or deny your claim
• You might receive less compensation than you deserve
• Fault could be incorrectly assigned
• Future legal proceedings could be complicated by inaccurate initial documentation

How Can I Fix Errors on Police Reports?

Fixing errors on police reports can help you strengthen your case. Below are a few simple steps you can take to fix errors on your police reports.

• Obtain a Copy of the Report: Request a copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. Most departments allow you to obtain this document online, in person or by mail.
• Carefully Review the Entire Document: Examine every detail of the report. Check names, addresses, vehicle information, accident description and any statements made.
• Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect evidence that supports the corrections you want to make such as witnesses, medical records and any other evidence you may have.
• Contact the Reporting Law Enforcement Agency: Reach out to the police department that created the report. Explain the specific errors and provide documentation supporting your corrections.
• Request a Supplemental Report: If the original agency cannot make immediate corrections, request a supplemental report that documents the needed changes.

Seeking Legal Counsel After a Car Accident? Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith

Dealing with police report errors can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from an accident. Legal guidance from a trusted attorney can help you to navigate the challenges of the legal process and help you seek compensation.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we have helped our clients recover millions in compensation. We understand how critical accurate documentation is to your case. Contact our law offices today to get answers to your legal questions. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.