Although not admissible in court, the police report from your car accident contains a wealth of important information regarding your crash. In the event that your accident was caused by a negligent driver, this information is crucial to insurers.
Generally, police reports contain the following information:
- Specific details including the date, time, and location of the accident
- Detailed contact information including names, addresses, email, and phone numbers for any drivers involved in the crash as well as any witnesses
- Statements from witnesses, or drivers involved in the collision
- Law enforcement officer’s account about what caused the crash and whether a citation was issued to either driver
- Details about the level of damage to all vehicles involved
- Description about injuries that may have occurred
- Photos of the scene of the accident including damage to the vehicles
- Rudimentary diagram showing the accident scene and moment of impact
Assuming your police report is accurate, it can be an important piece of evidence in proving that the defendant acted negligently. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer Bronx, a detailed police report can be the factor that tips the scales in your favor.
How to correct a mistake on a police report
Like the rest of us, police officers are human beings who make mistakes. Carefully review your police report to ensure the information lines up with what happened in the accident. If you discover discrepancies, here are some tips on how to get them resolved:
- Move quickly — Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it is available. Next, contact the officer responsible and explain there are errors that need to be fixed.
- Be polite and respectful — Everyone makes mistakes. Be polite and respectful to the officer.
- Provide detailed documentation — If you are certain a mistake was made, bring detailed documentation that can show the officer that the report contains errors that must be revised.
- Provide a statement — If the “mistake” is disputed by the officer who authored the report, write up your own statement about what happened. Then, make a copy and ask that it be attached to the police report.
- Hire an experienced attorney — In addition to protecting your rights and helping you file a claim, a skilled lawyer can correspond with police and insurers on your behalf.
When a car accident causes you serious injury, the last thing you need to worry about is mistakes on your police report. After seeking prompt medical attention, consult with a personal injury lawyer Bronx about the road ahead.
Contact a compassionate injury lawyer in the Bronx
The The Law Offices of Evan W. Kohn is proud to provide injured New Yorkers with top tier legal representation. Whether you were injured in an auto accident or slip and fall, we fight aggressively to help you rebuild your life. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a skilled accident lawyer, call 718-409-5500 or contact us online.