After a car accident in Los Angeles, emotions run high and the situation can feel overwhelming. Amid the chaos, one document often becomes central to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation: the police report.
While not the only piece of evidence in a personal injury case, police reports carry significant weight in settlement negotiations and court proceedings. Understanding how these reports are used—and what to do if they contain errors—can make the difference between a strong claim and a reduced payout.
The Role of a Police Report
When officers respond to a car accident, their primary role is to secure the scene, assist injured parties, and gather details about what happened. The information they compile is formally documented in a traffic collision report. This report often becomes one of the most important records in your personal injury claim.
Here’s what a typical police report may include:
- Basic accident details – Time, date, location, weather conditions, and road hazards.
- Driver and vehicle information – Contact details, license and registration information, and insurance coverage.
- Statements from drivers and witnesses – Recorded impressions of how the accident occurred.
- Officer’s observations – Skid marks, vehicle damage, and behavior of those involved.
- Citations or violations – Tickets issued for speeding, running a red light, or other traffic offenses.
- Diagram of the accident scene – Visual representation of vehicle positions and movement.
Because this document is created by a neutral law enforcement officer, insurance companies and courts often view it as a credible and unbiased source.
For your personal injury claim, a police report can:
- Establish initial liability by identifying who appeared at fault.
- Support causation, showing that the accident directly led to your injuries.
- Strengthen credibility, since insurers are less likely to dispute facts documented by law enforcement.
Common Mistakes in Reporting
Despite their importance, police reports are not immune to errors. A mistake—whether small or significant—can potentially weaken your claim. Being aware of common reporting issues helps you protect yourself from unfair outcomes.
1. Failing to File a Report
California law generally requires drivers to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Skipping this step can lead not only to legal penalties but also to a weaker claim. Without an official report, it becomes your word against the other driver’s.
2. Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
In the stress of an accident, victims sometimes give vague or incomplete statements to officers. Leaving out details—such as pain you’re feeling, visible injuries, or the other driver’s behavior—may cause those details to be excluded from the report. Once omitted, it can be harder to prove them later.
3. Officer Oversights
Police officers work quickly under challenging conditions. They may misrecord vehicle positions, overlook a witness, or even mistakenly assign fault. While these errors are not intentional, they can carry significant consequences for your claim if left uncorrected.
4. Not Reviewing the Report
Many accident victims don’t realize they have the right to request and review the report. By obtaining a copy, you can identify and address mistakes early on—before insurance companies use them against you.
If you find errors, your attorney may help request an amendment or provide supplemental evidence to challenge inaccuracies.
How Lawyers Use Police Reports
An experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney understands both the strengths and the limitations of police reports. While not the final word in proving liability, they often provide a valuable foundation.
Here’s how lawyers leverage these reports:
Establishing Fault
If the report indicates the other driver received a citation or was primarily responsible, your attorney will highlight this during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know that officer-issued citations carry significant weight in determining liability.
Challenging Fault Allocation
If the report unfairly attributes blame to you, your lawyer can:
- Cross-reference photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Consult accident reconstruction experts.
- Demonstrate inconsistencies in the officer’s observations.
This proactive approach helps ensure your fault percentage is not overstated, which directly affects your settlement under California’s comparative negligence system.
Supporting Damages
Police reports sometimes note visible injuries, the severity of vehicle damage, or whether emergency medical services were called to the scene. These details help attorneys establish the seriousness of the accident and connect your injuries to the collision.
Negotiating with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or questioning injury severity. Having a police report on your side gives your lawyer strong leverage to counter these tactics and secure a fair settlement.
Final Thoughts
Police reports are one of the most influential documents in a California personal injury claim. They establish key details, provide an impartial account of the accident, and often shape the direction of insurance negotiations. However, these reports are not flawless. Mistakes, omissions, or misinterpretations can and do occur.
That’s why it’s critical to involve an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer early in the process. Your attorney will not only review the police report for accuracy but also build additional evidence to ensure your claim is supported from every angle.
Don’t let missing or inaccurate reports reduce your settlement. Contact MYLAWCOMPANY.com to make sure your police report supports your personal injury claim.
