How Do I Dispute A Police Report?

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Written and Reviewed by Angel Reyes

Published on February 2025

Managing Partner at Angel Reyes & Associates
Over 30 Years of Experience in Personal Injury
Graduated From the University of Michigan Law School: Juris Doctor

A car accident police report contains valuable information that, as your attorneys, we 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 know that an inaccurate police report can sometimes occur due to errors by the reporting officer or misstatements from the drivers involved. If you believe the responding officer made a mistake in your report, you have the right to dispute the police report.

There are several reasons why the information in the report might be incorrect, such as errors in describing the events, the wrong vehicle being labeled at fault, or missing details from the parties involved. Disputing the report can be a complex process, but it’s crucial when the outcome affects your car accident claims and insurance claims. The insurance company often relies heavily on the police officer’s report to determine fault and compensation.

A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the dispute process, whether by collecting additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, or requesting corrections to the report. We are here to guide you through whether disputing a report is a necessary and worthwhile step to strengthen your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

1. If facts about the accident are wrong

If the car accident report contains incorrect information, 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 accident happened is perceived by insurers and legal teams. Since these are indisputable facts, it is typically straightforward to correct them.

To amend the report, contact the police department that filed it and provide the necessary supporting documentation. The reporting officer 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 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.

2. If you disagree with the finding of the police report

This process can be challenging. If you disagree with the findings in the accident report, such as the officer’s opinion on which vehicle was at fault, you need solid evidence to support your claim. Credible evidence may include dash cam footage from surrounding or involved vehicles, witness statements, or security camera footage from nearby businesses.

Your word alone is unlikely to persuade the police department to revise the report. Instead, you will need to present clear documentation of any factual errors or disputed information. You can request a supplemental report to add missing details, such as corrected license plate numbers or additional observations from the accident scene. The reporting officer and the police officer responsible for the case may review your submission to determine if an update is warranted.

Correcting errors in the crash report can impact your interactions with the 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.

If these facts apply to you

Call our law firm, and we’ll advise you on your next steps after your car accident. Our car accident lawyer team is here to provide guidance and ensure you understand your rights. We don’t believe in wasting anyone’s time, so during your free consultation, we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether you should attempt to change the police report or focus on strengthening your insurance claim process.

If you’re unsure about navigating complex traffic law issues, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance early. We can help gather supporting medical records, document evidence, and ensure your claim is as strong as possible. Contact us today for a free case review and let us help you seek assistance to achieve a fair resolution for your claim.

Have you or someone you know been wrongly injured?

After more than 30 years representing injury victims in car wrecks, truck wrecks, and motorcycle accidents, the experienced team of professional Dallas personal injury attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates have seen the consequences of negligence first-hand. 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.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer specialist to protect your rights against insurance companies dedicated to minimizing your claim and compensation!

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