Is It Possible To Amend a Police Report After an Accident in Kentucky?

When you are involved in an accident that results in injuries and significant property damage, you must call the police to the crash scene. Upon arrival, the police will gather information from all parties and draft a police report. Unfortunately, a crash scene may be chaotic, and what is recorded in the police report can be erroneous, ranging from minor clerical mistakes to more significant inaccuracies.

If your police report contains errors that could affect your case, you might wonder, “Is it possible to amend a police report after an accident?” In Kentucky, the short answer is yes, but the process can be challenging, especially if you seek to amend disputed facts. Luckily, with the help of a skilled lawyer, you can gather and present evidence to justify the amendments. Let’s explore how you can go about amending your police report.

Information Contained in Police Reports

When law enforcement officers respond to a car accident, they typically draft a detailed report that includes:

• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
• The accident’s date, time and location
• Driver details such as their names, addresses, and insurance information
• Description of vehicle damage
• A summary of injuries sustained
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• The officer’s opinion on who was at fault

When Changing a Police Report May Be Necessary

If your police report doesn’t reflect what actually happened in the accident, it may be necessary to amend it. Some of the scenarios where this may be warranted include:

Errors in the Report

If you find errors, such as misspelled names, wrong vehicle descriptions, or wrong insurance information, contact the police department immediately and provide supporting documents to correct that information.

Missing Information

If critical details are missing in the report, such as witness statements or road hazards, contact the police department to explain the omission. Also, be ready with supporting evidence to ensure the omitted information is included in the report.

Inaccurate Witness Statements

Witness accounts recorded in the report can contain errors due to misunderstandings or miscommunication. If you discover that the officer mixed up statements or omitted crucial details, it is vital that you present evidence to show this.

How To Request a Change to a Police Report

If you need to amend a police report in Kentucky, here are some helpful tips

• Act Quickly: Contact the police department as soon as possible. While changing disputed issues may be challenging, the important thing is to act because if you don’t, it could raise questions about why you didn’t address inaccuracies on time.
• Be Polite: Approach the officer with respect and patience. Being courteous can significantly improve your chances of having the report amended.
• Provide Documentation: Police officers are unlikely to make changes based on verbal claims alone. Be ready to provide solid evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or other supporting documents.
• Consult a Lawyer: If you face challenges in changing the report, a Kentucky car accident attorney can help. They can guide you through the process or assist in drafting a statement to be attached to the report if amendments are impossible.

A London Auto Accident Lawyer Is Here To Help

If your police report contains errors, contact our experienced London and Southeast Kentucky car accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm today to guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Source:

apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=54793