Police Accident Reports Set the Tone for Your Car Accident Case

A police accident report is a document created by a law enforcement officer after responding to a traffic accident. It serves as a factual record of the event and contains crucial information that may impact the outcome of your car accident injury case. If the report contains mistakes, we ask the officer to correct them.

What Does a Police Accident Report Cover?

After being called to the scene, an officer should create an accident report. This helps document whether someone should be ticketed or arrested and is the starting point of our office’s investigation into a client’s possible insurance claim or lawsuit. Data from these reports can also identify accident trends that may result in efforts to improve road safety.

A police accident report typically includes the following:

• The accident’s date, time, and location
• The names and contact information of the drivers, passengers, and witnesses (if any), as well as driver’s license numbers and insurance information
• Details about the vehicles involved, such as make, model, license plate numbers, and visible damage
• A description of what led to the accident, as understood by the officer based on their observations, witness statements, and driver accounts
• Weather conditions, road conditions, and anything else that might have played a role in the accident
• A description of vehicle and property damage
• Details concerning injuries. The report will note who is injured, the extent of their injuries, whether medical attention was provided on-site, and if the person left the scene in an ambulance
• A basic sketch of the accident scene illustrating the positions of the vehicles and the direction of travel
• The officer may include their preliminary assessment of who caused the accident. The report should include if one or both drivers were ticketed or arrested

Some officers are better at investigating accidents than others, and the quality of these reports varies.

Why are Police Accident Reports Important for Insurance Claims or Legal Actions?

Claims and lawsuits are based on facts, and a police report is the first time an accident’s facts (as reported) are organized and documented. We and insurance companies use these reports to understand what happened, why, and who’s responsible.

An accident report should:

• Provide an account of the accident scene and events from the officer, a neutral third party, not just from the individuals involved, who may not fully remember what happened or disclose incriminating information.
• Include the officer’s assessment of fault, which can cut both ways. It may or may not be helpful to you or your case. If it is, it can help us negotiate a favorable settlement. If it’s not, the insurance company may deny your claim or offer very little to settle it
• Have important details like road and weather conditions, which can be significant factors depending on what happened and why
• Include witness statements gathered at the scene, which can greatly help us understand what happened. If they contradict your version of events, it will weaken your case, and supportive statements will strengthen it

Police accident reports can be powerful tools that may build up or tear down your claim.

What Can Be Done if a Police Accident Report Contains Mistakes?

No one is perfect, and an officer may make a mistake when writing a report or reaching a conclusion on fault. If our investigation into an accident reveals problems with a police report, we will contact the officer and ask that the report be amended.

Mistakes generally fall into two categories:

• Factual errors: If something is objectively incorrect, the report should be amended if new information or evidence establishes the error. Names, addresses, insurance policy, or telephone numbers should be changed to reflect the truth
• Incorrect conclusions:If the officer makes a judgment call and decides that you’re at fault for the accident, we will provide information and evidence that should change their mind. It could be photos of the scene, additional witness statements, or a video of the street from a nearby business. There’s no guarantee the office will amend the report, but it’s worth a try

If the officer blames you for the accident, but our investigation shows that’s not true and you have a strong case, we will continue with your case.

Speak To a Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Car Accident Attorney Today

If someone else’s negligence causes injuries to you or a loved one, Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyers will protect your interests and legal rights to compensation.

Call our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident and injuries. If it’s more convenient, you can complete our contact form.