How to Handle a Wrong Police Report After a Car Accident
If a police report incorrectly assigns fault to you, it does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries. Police officers often arrive at accident scenes after the incident has occurred, and their reports may be based on incomplete information, statements from the parties involved, or assumptions rather than direct observation. This means that even if the report assigns blame incorrectly, there are still many ways to prove what actually happened. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering crucial evidence such as dash cam and body cam footage, photographs of the scene and vehicles, witness statements, and medical records. These pieces of evidence can help accurately establish liability and counter any incorrect information in the police report.
In Texas, the law follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. For example, if your total damages from medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering amount to $100,000, and you are determined to be 20% at fault, you could still recover $80,000. Even partial recovery can make a meaningful difference in covering your expenses and helping you recover.
Insurance companies are aware that police reports can influence claims, and they may attempt to use errors in the report to minimize your compensation. This is why having a skilled attorney is critical—they can challenge inaccurate fault assignments, document all injuries and damages, and negotiate effectively with insurers. Attorneys at the Kaufman Law Firm have extensive experience handling cases where police reports are misleading or incorrect, ensuring that you are not unfairly penalized and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. By carefully reviewing all available evidence and building a strong case, an attorney can hold the responsible party accountable and maximize your recovery, even when initial reports seem unfavorable.
