When a car crash happens, accurate documentation is crucial—especially when it comes to the police report. In Mississippi, residents depend on law enforcement to record truthful details that will later support insurance claims and potential legal action.
But mistakes do happen. Sometimes, a police report may contain errors, omissions, or statements that do not accurately reflect what occurred. When that happens, Mississippi car accident attorneys can help ensure your rights and interests are protected.
A misrepresented police report can affect every part of your case, including fault determination, compensation, and how insurance companies treat your claim. Knowing what steps to take right away can help you protect yourself and correct inaccuracies before they cause lasting harm.
1. Stay Calm and Review the Report Carefully
Once the police report is available, read it thoroughly. Do not assume everything in it is correct simply because it was written by an officer. Look closely for:
- Incorrect personal details
- Wrong vehicle information
- Misidentified road conditions
- False statements attributed to you
- Missing witness details
- Incorrect diagrams or crash descriptions
Make notes of every issue you find. This documentation will be crucial later.
2. Gather Your Own Evidence
If the police report isn’t accurate, you need your own proof to demonstrate what truly happened. Collect as much evidence as possible, such as:
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements and contact information
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage reports
This evidence may be stronger than what the officer recorded and can help you build a clear, accurate narrative of the crash.
3. Contact the Reporting Officer or Department
Most police departments allow you to request corrections or add an addendum to your report. Reach out to the officer who wrote the report or the department’s records division. Be respectful, concise, and factual. Provide:
- A written explanation of the inaccuracies
- Any supporting evidence
- Names of witnesses who can verify your claims
While officers may correct factual errors (like wrong vehicle details), they may not revise subjective conclusions. In those cases, you can request an official supplement.
4. File a Supplemental Statement
If the department declines to change the report, ask if you can file your own supplemental statement. Many jurisdictions allow this. Your statement becomes part of the official record and helps ensure your perspective is documented.
This supplement can be extremely valuable if your case goes to court or if insurance companies dispute your claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurer immediately about the inaccuracies. Provide them with:
- A copy of the incorrect report
- Your written notes
- Supporting evidence
- Your supplemental statement (if applicable)
Insurance adjusters often rely heavily on police reports, so proactively addressing issues can prevent them from using incorrect information against you.
6. Speak With an Attorney
If the police report is harming your claim or could lead to an unfair determination of fault, consulting an attorney is essential. An experienced lawyer can help you:
- Challenge inaccuracies
- Communicate with law enforcement
- Deal with insurance companies
- Protect your rights
- Build a solid case supported by evidence
Misrepresented reports can have serious consequences, but you don’t have to handle them alone.
Key Takeaways
- Police reports can contain errors—and those errors can affect your entire case.
- Review the report carefully and document every discrepancy.
- Gather your own evidence to strengthen your position.
- Ask the police department to correct mistakes or allow you to file a supplement.
- Inform your insurance company right away.
- Legal guidance can make a significant difference when dealing with disputed reports.
