After being involved in a car accident, one of the first things you’ll need is an accurate accident report. This document is used by insurance companies and other parties to determine who is at fault and how damages should be paid. But what happens if the report is incorrect? If you’re dealing with a false accident report, you need to act quickly and carefully to ensure your rights are protected.
A false or inaccurate accident report can create problems for your case, especially when insurance companies or the court use it to make decisions about liability. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to correct errors and present your side of the story. Here’s how to handle it if you find yourself in this situation.
Types of Mistakes in an Accident Report
Accident reports can contain two major types of errors: factual errors and subjective errors.
- Factual errors are objective mistakes. For example, the officer may have listed the wrong date or misspelled a name. These mistakes are easier to fix because they can often be proven with documents like a driver’s license or vehicle registration.
- Subjective errors are more complicated. These occur when the officer includes their own opinions or makes conclusions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. For example, if the officer wrongly believes that you ran a red light when you didn’t, it could impact your case. Unless you have evidence to prove the error, such as a traffic camera recording, it might be tough to correct.
Steps to Take When the Accident Report is False
If you find inaccuracies in the report, you’ll need to take action quickly. Here’s what to do:
1. Gather Documentation
If the report contains factual mistakes, provide documentation to support your claim. For instance, if the officer listed the wrong vehicle model or misspelled your name, show them your driver’s license or vehicle registration. The more evidence you have to support your side, the easier it will be to correct the report.
2. Contact the Officer
Once you identify the error, reach out to the officer who filed the report as soon as possible. If the officer is still working on the case, they might be able to make changes before the report is finalized. Be polite and clear about the mistakes you’ve noticed. The sooner you address it, the better.
3. Request a Supplemental Report
In some cases, the officer may not be able to change the original report. However, you can ask for a supplemental report, which allows additional information or corrections to be added. This is especially useful if new witnesses come forward or if you have new evidence that could change the officer’s conclusion.
4. Make a New Statement
If the officer refuses to amend the report or if the subjective errors are hard to prove, you can write a new statement detailing the inaccuracies. Ask for this statement to be added to the original report as an addendum. This will show that there are differing accounts of the incident and protect your interests.
5. Provide Medical Records
If you were injured in the accident and your statement was given while under medication or in pain, provide medical records that support this. If your ability to recall the accident was affected by your condition, the officer may allow you to provide a new statement for the report.
6. Seek Legal Help
If you’re struggling to get the report corrected, or if the false information is affecting your insurance claim or lawsuit, it’s time to consult an attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of a false accident report and ensure your side of the story is properly presented.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a false accident report can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. It’s important to act quickly and gather all the necessary documentation to prove your case. Whether it’s correcting factual errors or disputing subjective conclusions, the steps you take can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. If you’re finding it difficult to fight a false accident report, reach out to an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights and fight for a fair resolution.
Call CLS Law today at (855) 257-9467 to discuss how we can assist you with correcting an inaccurate accident report and ensuring that your case is properly handled.