How Police Reports May Help With Your Car Accident Injury Claim

Key Points:

  • When a police report shows the other driver was at fault for causing your injuries, you may be able to use some or all the report or testimony from the investigating officer as evidence to prove your case.
  • Georgia police reports are often used by car accident lawyers or those representing the insurance company to argue fault and as part of the settlement demand.
  • The insurance company can challenge information and conclusions included in a police report, and when this happens, a lawsuit may be needed.
  • In a Georgia personal injury trial, the police report may be admissible as evidence as business record.

Police Reports from Car Accidents are a Big Deal

Police reports are used in car accident legal claims to help accident victims achieve more compensation in a settlement payout. Without a police report, it can make obtaining more compensation challenging.

The best way to get a police report for a car accident is to call the police after a car accident. Especially if there are damages exceeding $500.

After the police officer arrives at the accident scene, they will collect evidence and detail the findings of their investigation in a police report.

When an officer arrives at a car accident scene, their main tasks are to determine who is at fault and to identify any traffic laws that might have been violated during the incident. It’s crucial to recognize that these conclusions are the officer’s judgments based on the information available at that time. However, insurance adjusters and personal injury lawyers usually place significant importance on the officer’s perspective. This is because officers are generally unbiased and strive to make fair judgments using all the information they have gathered. All of which is recorded in the police report.

If the police report states that the other driver is at fault and not you, it’s an excellent beginning for a car accident legal claim. While other factors are needed to secure more compensation, this is a strong start. This is because the report serves as documented evidence that can support your case.

If you’d like to get a copy of your police report, you can request it from the responding agency or through BuyCrash.com.

What Exactly Is in a Georgia Police Report?

In Georgia, a police report is a comprehensive summary that outlines the police officer’s investigation, findings, and conclusions regarding the car accident. Multiple police reports may be generated for the same accident, especially when more than one officer or department responds, or when the initial report requires additional information to be included.

Date, Time, Contact Info, and Location

If a police officer responded to a car accident call, the police report should encompass essential details such as the date, time, and location of the crash, along with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of the involved drivers.

Witness Statements

Furthermore, the report should include interview statements obtained by the officer from all drivers, passengers, and eyewitnesses. Ideally, the officer would gather information from witnesses, but that’s not guaranteed.

Photographs and Visual Evidence

The police officer may occasionally take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage. Even in cases where the police do not take photos, visible evidence and witness interviews are often captured by police and law enforcement body cameras and patrol car cameras. While it’s not guaranteed, they will sometimes include these photos in the police report, especially in more serious accidents.

Descriptions of Weather Conditions or Other Contributing Factors to the Accident

In addition, the officer typically notes their observations regarding road and weather conditions and creates a diagram of the accident scene. Any necessary service calls are also documented within the report.

Furthermore, police reports typically include driver identification, vehicle descriptions, ownership details, and insurance company information for each driver.

Traffic Citations and Descriptions on Laws Broken

The officer may issue a traffic citation if they believe a driver has violated a law or ordinance, and this citation is documented in the police report. Additionally, based on their investigation, the officer may establish their opinion regarding the party they believe is responsible for the accident, with these conclusions detailed in the narrative section of the police report.

How Effective are Police Officers in thoroughly and Accurately filling out all Sections of a Police Report?

The effectiveness of police officers in completing police reports accurately and thoroughly depends on several factors, including their training, experience, the complexity of the incident, and the protocols of their law enforcement agency. While experienced officers are generally more proficient, complex cases can pose challenges. The thoroughness of a report is also influenced by agency guidelines, available time and resources, and the use of technological aids like digital reporting systems. Therefore, while many officers are skilled at report writing, the quality varies based on a combination of personal, situational, and systemic elements.

If Information is Missing in a Police Report, Can it Be Added Later?

If the police report is incomplete due to the officer not documenting all the facts about the accident scene, it will need to undergo an amendment process with the police department responsible for the report. This involves submitting a request to the department, detailing the missing information and providing any additional evidence or statements that support the need for an update to the report.

Can Information in a Car Accident Police Report Be Challenged?

Yes, you, your lawyer, or representatives of the insurance company can challenge the information in a police report. In most cases, the police officer who writes the report did not witness the accident firsthand. Instead, they gather evidence through an investigation of the accident scene and by interviewing witnesses.

The information collected by the investigating officer might be incorrect, incomplete, or lead to an erroneous conclusion, even when based on accurate facts. Additionally, there is a possibility of the officer holding biases against one or more individuals involved in the accident. Drivers, passengers, and even lawyers representing the insurance company have the right to challenge a police report. This challenge can be made either in court or directly with the investigating officer or their agency. However, convincing an investigating officer to amend their report can be challenging.

If the Challenge Wins, Can the Information on the Police Report be Changed?

If a challenge to the information on a police report is successful, it is indeed possible for the report to be amended. The process typically involves presenting compelling evidence or testimony that contradicts the original findings in the report. This evidence could include new witness statements, video footage, or other forms of proof that clearly demonstrate inaccuracies in the initial report. If the investigating officer or the relevant law enforcement agency finds this new evidence convincing, they can make corrections to the report. The extent of these changes depends on the nature of the inaccuracies and the impact they have on the overall understanding of the incident.

However, it’s important to note that altering a police report is not a straightforward process. It often requires a formal procedure, which might include legal proceedings or an internal review by the police department. The willingness of the law enforcement agency to revise the report can also vary, and in some cases, additional legal intervention, such as a court order, may be necessary to effect the change. The ultimate goal of any amendment would be to ensure that the police report accurately reflects the facts of the incident as closely as possible.

Do Car Accident Attorneys Analyze and Utilize Police Reports in their Cases?

Most personal injury law firms prioritize obtaining and reviewing the police report immediately after accepting a new case. They do this for several reasons:

  1. To gain insights into the car accident’s narrative from the perspective of the police officer and the other parties involved.
  2. To pinpoint any errors or misjudgments that occurred during the accident.
  3. To gather supplementary evidence, such as witness contact information.
  4. To uncover any undisclosed details about the accident.

These law firms actively take steps to acquire the police report as a foundational part of their case preparation.

Do Auto Insurance Companies Review Police Accident Reports?

Yes, auto insurance companies commonly examine police accident reports during the assessment of claims stemming from car accidents. Similar to car accident attorneys, they analyze these reports to ascertain whether their insured driver was at fault and to understand the complete set of facts surrounding the accident. This information aids them in deciding whether to settle the claim and, if so, the appropriate amount for the settlement.

Can a Police Report Be Used as Evidence in a Car Accident Claim?

Yes, a police report can serve as evidence in a car accident claim. It is a crucial document as it offers an independent account of the accident, typically provided by a law enforcement officer who investigated the scene. It’s important to understand that the value of the police report lies not in the document itself, but in the information it contains. This report is a key source where a substantial amount of information is compiled and verified by an independent third party, namely the police officer. If the report is missing information, or is not properly filled out, it makes the evidence weak.

Is Having a Police Report Required to Receive Compensation for a Car Accident Claim?

No, lacking a police report can complicate matters, but it’s not insurmountable. A police or incident report is valuable as it provides insurance adjusters and car accident lawyers with an experienced police officer’s perspective on the event.

Promptly calling the police to the accident scene ensures that evidence is collected and witness statements are recorded while the details are still fresh. This practice helps preserve critical evidence and establishes a clear record of the events. It can also maintain honesty among those involved, aid in recalling details later, and prevent the loss or oversight of important evidence.

Challenges That Come with Using a Police Report as Car Accident Evidence

You may have some challenges to overcome if you want to use the police report as evidence in your car accident claim. Depending on how the police report was written, an insurance carrier can still use the report or the officer’s conclusions to deny your claim. Even if the report states you were not at fault, an insurance company may still argue for a different conclusion, making a successful settlement negotiation difficult.

You will usually want to get a copy of the police report as soon as possible to pursue compensation for your damages. It can take several days or longer to get a copy because some officers and departments do not finalize their reports for up to a week.

FAQs About Car Accident Police Reports

How Long Do You Have to Make or File a Police Report After a Car Accident?

In Georgia, car accident victims are required to file a police report if the accident results in property damage exceeding $500, injuries, or fatalities. It is advisable to file this report as soon as possible, preferably at the scene or shortly after the accident occurs. While Georgia law does not specify a strict deadline for filing a police report, doing so promptly ensures that the details are accurately recorded and can be crucial for any subsequent insurance claims or legal actions. Failure to report an accident that meets these criteria can lead to legal consequences.

Why Is Some Information in My Georgia Accident or Incident Report Blacked Out?

In your Georgia accident or incident report, some information may be blacked out or redacted to protect personal and sensitive data. Georgia law mandates the safeguarding of personal information such as social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and personal addresses to prevent identity theft and protect individual privacy. Additionally, certain details might be withheld to maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations or due to legal restrictions on disclosing information about minors or victims of certain crimes. This redaction process is a standard legal practice aimed at balancing the need for public access to information with the protection of individual privacy and security.

It was a difficult time for me and my family. With the accident happening in GA and me living in AZ. But this team was spectacular. They are patient and understanding. They got everything done in the middle of a pandemic. Great law firm. Great people.

five stars
Damein D.
linkedin icon