A police report is an important piece of evidence when it comes to a car crash claim, but what if there are mistakes in it? Even small errors can affect your case, so it is important to know what to do if you find inaccuracies in your report.
In this blog, we explain how to get a copy of your police report, the types of errors you might come across and how correct them. We will cover everything from common mistakes to judgment errors and how a Lafayette injury lawyer can help you fix them.
At Galloway Jefcoat, our knowledgeable Lafayette car crash lawyers are ready to assist you with your injury case. We turn wrong into right every day, and we know what it takes to build a robust and compelling case. There is no need to navigate the complex legal process on your own. We are deeply committed to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Why Would There Be Errors on My Police Report?
Mistakes on a police report can happen for a few different reasons. In the aftermath of a crash, officers may misinterpret details or write down information too quickly, leading to errors. Sometimes, communication between witnesses, drivers, or the officer can be unclear, causing the report to contain mistakes.
Other times, the officer might make assumptions about the incident or overlook certain facts, especially when dealing with multiple incidents back-to-back. While these errors are often unintentional, they can still affect your claim if they are not quickly addressed.
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How Can I Get a Copy of My Police Report After a Car Crash in Lafayette?
To get a copy of your police report after a car crash in Lafayette, you can follow a straightforward process. Car crash reports are typically available through the Lafayette Police Department or the local law enforcement agency that responds to the scene. Here are some ways you can obtain a copy:
- Visit the Lafayette Police Department or other agency handling your crash.
- Provide basic details such as the date of the accident, the location, and the involved parties.
- Pay any required fees for the report.
- Request the report in person or, in some cases, online if available.
What Kinds of Errors Should I Look For on a Police Report?
When reviewing your police report, it is important to check for both factual mistakes and errors in judgment that could affect your case. Catching these issues early on can help make sure the report truly reflects what happened during the crash.
Factual Errors
Factual errors might include incorrect verifiable details, such as:
- Vehicles involved in the crash
- Documenting the wrong make, model or color of one of the vehicles
- Getting the name of either driver or passengers incorrect
- Making a mistake when adding the license plate
- Getting the location, date or time of the accident wrong
Judgement Errors
Judgment errors can also play a significant role. Officers may make assumptions about who was at fault based on incomplete information. There may also be misunderstandings about how the accident occurred, such as assumptions about speed or driving behavior. In some cases, the officer might get the sequence of events wrong, leading to inaccurate conclusions about how the crash happened.
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Can Police Reports Be Used As Evidence in a Court of Law?
Police reports are generally not admissible as evidence in court under the hearsay rule, but they still contain evidence that can have value for your case. Here are a few ways a police report can support your case:
- The responding officer can be called to testify in court about their observations and conclusions.
- Information in the report can be used during discovery and to prepare your case.
- Insurance companies still heavily rely on these reports during claims negotiations.
- The report can help identify witnesses and other evidence.
- Certain factual elements from the report may be admissible under specific circumstances.
Due to the value police reports add to your case, it is important to understand how errors in these documents can also negatively impact your Lafayette car crash claim.
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How Can Errors Affect Your Lafayette Car Crash Claim?
While police reports are not admissible, the information they contain can substantially influence your car accident claim from the moment it is filed.
Insurance adjusters rely heavily on these documents when evaluating liability and determining settlement offers. Inaccuracies in your police report can create significant obstacles throughout the claims process in several critical ways:
- Disputed Liability: If the report incorrectly states you were at fault or assigns an inaccurate
- Injuries Listed Incorrectly or Not At All: When a report understates or fails to mention injuries you sustained, this creates an uphill battle in connecting those injuries to the accident.
- Factual Discrepancies About the Crash: Errors in vehicle positions, traffic signal status, road conditions, or the sequence of events can undermine your version of how the crash occurred.
- Missing Witness Contact Details: If witnesses are omitted from the report or their contact information is recorded incorrectly, you lose valuable testimony that could support your claim.
- Timeline Inconsistencies: Inaccurate timestamps or chronology in the report can raise questions about the accident’s circumstances or the onset of your injuries.
- Insurance Claim Denials: Some insurers may use even minor report errors as justification to question the validity of your entire claim.
- Settlement Negotiation Challenges: Errors force you to spend valuable time disputing basic facts rather than focusing on securing fair compensation for your injuries.
How Can I Correct Mistakes on My Police Report?
If you discover errors in your Lafayette police crash report, taking prompt action is essential to protect your claim.
Here’s how to address mistakes effectively:
Request an Official Copy First
Obtain the complete accident report from the Lafayette Police Department or through Louisiana’s online crash report system before attempting any corrections.
Act Quickly
There may be time limitations for making corrections, so address errors as soon as you discover them.
Contact the Investigating Officer
Reach out to the officer who filed the report by calling the police department’s non-emergency number. Politely explain the errors you’ve found and ask about their procedure for corrections.
Correcting Different Types of Errors
Not all errors on police reports are created equal, and the approach to correcting them varies depending on whether they’re straightforward factual mistakes or more complex judgment errors.
Here’s how to address each type:
Factual Errors
Factual errors include incorrect license plate numbers, misspelled names, wrong vehicle descriptions, or inaccurate location details.
For these errors:
- Provide clear documentation showing the correct information
- Submit copies of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance documents
- Include photographs from the scene that contradict factual mistakes
- These types of errors are generally straightforward to correct with proper documentation
Judgment Errors
Judgment errors involve the officer’s opinions about how the accident occurred or determinations of fault. These are more challenging to correct:
- Focus on providing objective evidence rather than challenging the officer’s judgment directly
- Submit witness statements that contradict the officer’s conclusions
- Provide photographs or video evidence that shows a different scenario
- Consider expert testimony or accident reconstruction if the case warrants it
- Understand that these errors often require more formal procedures or legal intervention
Submit a Written Statement
Prepare a clear, factual written statement detailing the specific errors and providing the correct information. Include any supporting evidence like photographs, witness statements, or medical records.
Ask for an Amended Report
Request that the officer issue an amended or supplemental report with the corrections. Some departments may have specific forms for this purpose.
Document All Communication
Keep detailed records of all interactions with the police department, including dates, names of officers you spoke with, and summaries of conversations.
What If the Police Department Is Unwilling to Fix an Error?
If the police department is unwilling to correct significant errors, our law firm can intervene on your behalf and explore alternative options to address the inaccuracies.
Remember that even if the original report cannot be changed, having your statement attached to the file creates an official record of your objections.
Contact Our Skilled Lafayette Attorneys Today
If you found errors on your car accident police report and need help addressing them, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Galloway Jefcoat. We are ready to provide the guidance you need to make sure your report is accurate, and your case is properly managed.
There are no upfront costs if we represent you, and your consultation is free. We only receive payment for our services if we win your case.
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