What If the Police Report Is Wrong for My Louisiana Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident and the police report doesn’t tell the full truth, you’re not alone. As a Louisiana car accident lawyer, I know mistakes happen. But even small errors can hurt your case. Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports to decide who’s at fault and how much they’ll pay. That’s why it’s important to act quickly if you think the report is wrong.

What Should I Do if the Police Report is Wrong?

If a police report contains errors, first identify whether they’re factual (e.g., incorrect dates or vehicle details) or opinion-based (e.g., fault assignments). For factual mistakes, provide supporting evidence to the reporting officer and request a correction. For subjective errors, gather strong evidence like witness statements or video footage, and consult an attorney to challenge the report effectively.

Client Story: When the Police Got It Wrong

C and K were driving through Leesville, Louisiana, late at night. A pickup truck carrying a father and his two kids turned in front of them without yielding. They had the green light. But when the officer showed up, he wrote the report blaming Christinia, based on what the other driver and a supposed “witness” said.

C and K hired us fast. That made all the difference. We found a nearby gas station with video footage showing they had the green light. It also showed the “witness” arrived well AFTER the crash happened. The real witness, someone who saw the whole thing, backed up our client’s story.

We used this evidence to get the ticket dismissed and prove to the insurance company that the truck driver caused the crash. Our clients were badly hurt. One needed surgery. They also lost their dog in the accident. Because we acted quickly and built a strong case, we secured the full policy limits and helped them move forward.

Start by Knowing What Kind of Mistake You’re Dealing With

• Factual errors: These are clear mistakes like the wrong date, the wrong car, or the wrong location. These are often easy to fix if you have proof like photos, registration papers, or dash cam footage.
• Opinions or fault: If the officer blamed the wrong person, it’s harder to correct. But not impossible. You’ll need strong evidence like witness statements, expert opinions, or video footage to challenge this kind of mistake.

Steps to Take If the Report Is Wrong

1. Contact the officer who wrote the report. Be polite, but clear. Explain what’s wrong and share any documents that support your version of events.
2. Follow up in writing. Keep a copy of everything you send. If the officer agrees, they may update the report or add your statement to the file.
3. If they refuse, you may need legal help. Sometimes, the only way to get the truth on record is to file a lawsuit and question the officer under oath.

These steps can make a big difference. If you don’t correct the record early, you could be blamed for something that wasn’t your fault and that could cost you a fair settlement.

How Do I Get My Louisiana Crash Report Corrected?

If a police report from your Louisiana car accident is wrong, take these steps:

1. Identify the error – whether factual or interpretive.
2. Gather evidence – photos, witness statements, or dashcam footage.
3. Contact the reporting officer – request a correction or addendum.
4. Submit a written request – include detailed corrections and proof.
5. Consult a Louisiana personal injury lawyer – for guidance if your request is denied or affects your claim.

Quick action ensures errors don’t harm your insurance or legal case.

Don’t Let a Mistake Define Your Case

Inaccurate reports can change the outcome of your claim. But you don’t have to accept it. If you believe the crash report is wrong, talk to someone who knows how to fix it and protect your rights. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting it corrected.

Call LJBLegal at 985-240-9773. Let’s make sure your story gets told the right way.