The way the accident is viewed by insurance companies and others can be a significant factor depending on a police report. Things can go wrong, however. When there is incorrect information in the report, or the report incorrectly describes what occurred, you may wonder, can a police report be changed after an accident?
In some cases, yes. The process will vary by the police department, type of mistake and local practices.
Can a Police Report Be Changed After an Accident?
Can a police report be changed after an accident depends on what needs to be corrected. Police departments don’t rewrite a report that someone else wrote. Rather, they might fix factual inaccuracies or update factual information in a supplemental or amended report.
If there is a factual error in the police report, such as the vehicle information, incorrect location or other factually incorrect information, contact the department that prepared the report. State what the error is and evidence to support the correction.
For example, an officer may have recorded the wrong vehicle information, misunderstood something a driver said, or accidentally left out an important fact. In these situations, you can contact the police department or investigating officer and explain the specific error.
How to Amend a Police Report
If you wonder about how to amend a police report, the first thing you should do is reach out to the police department that is investigating the case. Inquire if you can get a police report Correction or provide extra details.
Evidence can include:
- Photos or video of the accidents.
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage photographs
- Medical / insurance records
For example, if the report states that you were traveling in the wrong lane but photographs show your vehicle was in the correct lane, explain the discrepancy and provide the photographs.
A police department may correct an obvious factual mistake, add information, or prepare a supplemental report. However, it may not rewrite the original report simply because one party disagrees with the officer’s assessment.
If you want to know how to get a police report amended, be specific about what is incorrect. The department could correct the error, add additional information, or leave the original report as is.
What If the Report Incorrectly Assigns Fault?
One of the more serious situations occurs when a police report incorrectly assigns fault. A police officer’s opinion about fault can influence an insurance investigation, but it is not necessarily the final word on legal liability.
If you disagree with the officer’s conclusion, focus on evidence rather than simply stating that the report is unfair. Photos, video, witness accounts, traffic signals, vehicle positions, and other physical evidence may help establish what actually occurred, particularly when comparative negligence becomes an issue.
You can ask the department whether the officer can add a supplemental report or correct a factual error. If the officer’s conclusion is based on an interpretation of the evidence rather than a factual mistake, getting it changed may be more difficult.
This is also where legal advice can be valuable, particularly if the accident resulted in significant injuries, property damage, or a disputed insurance claim.
How Long Do You Have to Amend a Police Report?
The answer to the question how long do you have to change a police report will depend on the individual case. The deadlines and process differ for each area and police department.
On the other hand, it is best to raise an error as soon as possible. Prompt action will help to maintain evidence and a witness history.
It is not always necessary to dispute the police report. Not always is an amended police report required to challenge the police report. It’s also possible that you can offer further proof to your insurance provider or law firm.
Conclusion
So, can a police report be changed after an accident? Sometimes. Disagreements over fault can be more difficult to change, as can disagreements over an officer’s interpretation of the facts.
If you think that the report is mistaken, reach out to the investigating agency promptly, follow the process to amend a police report and present evidence to support your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a police report be changed after an accident?
Yes, factual errors can be amended and/or filled in, depending on the procedures of the police department and the circumstances of the accident.
How long do you have to amend a police report?
There is no absolute time limit. Contact the investigating department as soon as possible to learn about its specific requirements.
How do you amend a police report?
Notify the police department that prepared the report, explain the nature of the error and give evidence to substantiate the correction.
Can you amend a police report yourself?
No, don’t tamper with an official report yourself! Ask for an amendment to the investigation report or an additional investigation report.
What if a police report incorrectly assigns fault?
Collect photos, videos, witness information and other evidence. If you wish to add a supplemental statement, or correct any factual errors, you can request them from the department.
How do you get a police report amended?
Inquire to the investigating police department about their amendment guidelines. You might have to make a written request and provide documentation.
What is an amended police report?
An official update or addition to a report, can it add corrections to factual information or can it include relevant information found later.
What if the police refuse to change the report?
Request if there is any additional documentation or written statement to be made a part of the record. An attorney will also be able to assist in the case if it is quite serious.
Can an insurance company rely on a police report?
Yes, insurers might want to look at that, but they might also look at photos, witness statements, damage to the car and more.
Why is a police report correction important?
Correcting inaccurate information can help ensure that insurers and other parties have a more accurate record of what happened during the accident.