What If the Police Report Is Wrong After a Car Accident in California?
You’ve just been in a car accident. You’re shaken but confident in what happened. Then the police report arrives — and the details are completely wrong.
Whether it misstates the facts, blames you unfairly, or leaves out critical information, a flawed police report can feel like a massive roadblock — especially if you’re filing an insurance claim or injury case.
The good news? Police reports are not the final word, and there are steps you can take to challenge errors and protect your rights.
How Important Is the Police Report in a Car Accident Case?
Police reports often carry weight with insurance companies. They’re written by a neutral third party and typically include:
- The officer’s observations
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Diagrams or notes on vehicle damage
- A preliminary determination of fault (sometimes)
Insurance adjusters rely heavily on these reports during the claims process. If it’s wrong, it can impact whether your claim is accepted — and how much you’re offered.
That’s why it’s critical to correct the record as soon as possible.
Common Errors in California Police Reports
Mistakes in accident reports happen more often than people realize. Common issues include:
- The officer misunderstood what happened or arrived after the fact
- The report only includes one driver’s version of events
- Important witnesses were not interviewed
- The location or time of the accident is incorrect
- Your injuries weren’t noted if symptoms appeared later
- You were misquoted or your statement was taken under stress
Even small errors can raise doubts about your credibility or the severity of the crash.
Can You Dispute or Amend a Police Report in California?
Yes. While officers are not required to change a report, you can formally request a correction if you believe it contains factual errors.
Steps to take:
- Get a copy of the report (usually from the local police department or CHP)
- Review it carefully and highlight the mistakes
- Write a clear, factual explanation of what is incorrect
- Submit supporting evidence (photos, medical records, video footage, witness statements)
- Ask the officer to file a supplemental report or amendment
If the officer refuses to revise the report, your attorney can submit your version of events as an official statement to the insurance company — and challenge any unfair conclusions using independent evidence.
Will a Wrong Police Report Affect My Injury Claim?
It depends; while a police report isn’t the only factor insurance companies or courts will consider, an inaccurate one can complicate your case — particularly if it shifts blame or downplays your injuries.
Insurance companies may use the report to:
- Deny liability
- Reduce your settlement offer
- Blame you entirely or assign partial fault
- Dispute the cause or severity of your injuries
But remember: police reports are not admissible as evidence at trial in most personal injury cases. That means your case can still succeed — if it’s supported by strong medical records, witness testimony, and clear evidence.
This is where having a skilled personal injury lawyer makes all the difference.
How a Lawyer Can Help If the Police Report Is Wrong
If the report is inaccurate, don’t panic — get strategic. An attorney can:
- Review the report line by line
- Gather independent evidence to prove your version of events
- Contact witnesses or accident reconstruction experts
- Push back against insurers relying solely on the report
- Help you request a formal correction or add your own statement
Most importantly, a lawyer can shift the focus away from the flawed report and back to the facts that matter — your injuries, your losses, and your right to fair compensation.
The Police Report Isn’t the Final Word — Let’s Set the Record Straight
If the accident report doesn’t match what actually happened, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Don’t let an officer’s mistake or a rushed summary affect your injury claim or settlement.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll review your police report, investigate the facts, and fight to make sure your voice — and your case — are fully heard.
