What If the Police Report Is Wrong in a Car Accident in New Orleans?

After a car accident in New Orleans, one of the first documents people hear about is the police report. Many drivers assume this report is final and can never be questioned. That is not true. Police accident reports matter, but they are not perfect, and mistakes do happen.

If the police report is wrong, it can affect your car accident claim, insurance claims, and even future legal proceedings. Understanding how police reports work—and what to do when they contain errors—can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.

This article explains how police reports are used in New Orleans car accident cases, common errors to look for, and the steps you can take if a report does not reflect what actually happened.

What are Police Reports?

A police report serves as an official written record of a crash. It includes essential information such as the date and time of the accident, the location, vehicle details, parties involved, and a basic description of how the crash occurred.

In Louisiana, police officers are required to complete a crash report when an accident results in injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount. These police accident reports are often used by insurance companies, attorneys, and courts.

Police reports play a major role in determining fault and liability, even though the officer did not witness the crash. Because of that, reviewing the report carefully is important. An inaccurate police report can negatively impact your claim and may lead to delayed or reduced compensation.

An experienced car accident attorney can review the report with you and help identify problems that may not be obvious at first glance.

The Role of Police Reports in Car Accidents

Police reports are often the first document insurance companies review when evaluating car accident claims. Adjusters use them to decide who they believe caused the crash and whether a claim should be paid.

Law enforcement officers gather information at the accident scene by speaking with drivers, passengers, and witnesses. They also note physical evidence such as vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions.

The crash report typically includes:

• Names and contact details of involved drivers

• Vehicle information

• Insurance details

• Witness statements

• Weather conditions

• The officer’s observations

While police reports are important, they are not automatically treated as fact in court. In Louisiana, a police officer’s opinion about fault is not binding, especially when it is based on secondhand information. Still, police reports can significantly influence how a car accident case develops.

If a report contains errors, a supplemental report may be requested through the relevant law enforcement agency, such as the city police, state police, or sheriff’s office.

Identifying Common Errors

Mistakes in police accident reports are more common than many people expect. Officers often respond to crash scenes under pressure, with limited time and incomplete information.

Common errors include:

• Incorrect vehicle details

• Wrong dates or times

• Misspelled names

• Inaccurate witness statements

• Missing parties involved

• Errors about weather or road conditions

Police report errors generally fall into two categories: factual errors and subjective errors. Factual errors are objective mistakes—such as incorrect vehicle details, license plates, or dates—that can be verified and corrected with evidence. Subjective errors, on the other hand, involve disagreements over the officer’s interpretation or conclusions about the accident, such as who was at fault or how the crash occurred. Factual errors are typically easier to fix, while subjective errors may require you to submit your own statement or additional evidence to dispute the officer’s findings.

In some cases, the report may wrongly suggest that one driver was at fault. These factual errors can create disputes with insurance companies and slow down the claims process.

Spotting these issues early gives you a better chance to correct them before they cause larger problems.

The Importance of Accurate Police Reports

An accurate police report helps support a fair settlement. Insurance companies rely on reports when deciding how much to pay—or whether to pay at all.

When a report contains errors, insurance adjusters may use those mistakes to question your injuries, deny responsibility, or shift blame to you. This can reduce the value of your car accident claim.

Police reports form the foundation of many legal cases. A clear and detailed report can support witness statements, medical records, and other evidence that shows how the crash occurred.

A car accident lawyer can review the report to make sure it aligns with the available evidence and Louisiana law.

Obtaining a Copy of the Accident Report

In New Orleans, you can request a copy of your accident report from the police department, state police, or sheriff’s office that responded to the crash.

You will usually need:

• Identification

• Proof that you were involved in the accident

• The report number, if available

Once you receive the report, review it carefully. If it is incomplete or incorrect, you may request a supplemental report. This is especially important if injuries developed after the crash or new evidence became available.

Reviewing the Police Report

When reviewing your police report, take your time. Look for accuracy and completeness.

Check the following:

• Vehicle information

• Names and contact details

• Description of the crash scene

• Property damage

• Witness statements

If something does not match what you remember or what evidence shows, write it down. Gather supporting evidence such as photos, medical records, or statements from witnesses.

Clear documentation helps support your request for corrections.

Challenging an Inaccurate Report

If you find an inaccurate police report, you are allowed to challenge it. Start by collecting evidence that supports your version of events.

This may include:

• Photos from the accident scene

• Medical records

• Witness statements

• Dashcam or security footage

You can contact the police department or other law enforcement agency that prepared the report to request changes. In many cases, officers will attach a supplemental report rather than change the original.

How to Correct an Inaccurate Police Report in New Orleans

Correcting an inaccurate police report in New Orleans involves several important steps to ensure your version of events is properly documented:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect all supporting materials, such as photos from the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, vehicle registration, and any other objective documentation that can verify the facts.

2. Highlight or List Inaccuracies: Carefully review the police report and make a list of all errors or omissions you have identified. Clearly note whether each is a factual error (objective mistake) or a subjective error (disagreement with the officer’s interpretation).

3. Contact the Reporting Officer or NOPD: Reach out to the officer who prepared the report or the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to request a correction. Provide them with your list of inaccuracies and supporting evidence.

4. Provide Objective Evidence for Factual Errors: For factual errors—such as incorrect names, vehicle details, or dates—submit objective evidence (like a driver’s license, insurance card, or medical records) to support your request for correction.

5. File a Written Supplemental Report if Needed: If the reporting officer refuses to amend the original report, you can file a written supplemental report. This allows you to attach your version of events and supporting evidence to the official record.

6. Attach a Detailed Statement for Subjective Errors: For subjective errors, such as disagreements over fault or the officer’s conclusions, prepare a detailed written statement explaining your perspective. Attach this statement to the police report as a supplement.

7. Contact the Police Department’s Records Division: If you are not satisfied with the response or the corrections are not made, contact the police department’s records division to submit a formal request for correction. This step ensures your concerns are officially documented and reviewed.

By following these steps and providing clear, objective evidence, you increase the likelihood of successfully correcting the accident report and protecting your rights during the claims process.

The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer helps protect your rights from the start of the claims process. This includes reviewing police accident reports and identifying errors that could affect your case.

An experienced car accident attorney can:

• Communicate with law enforcement agencies

• Work with insurance companies

• Help gather evidence

• Represent you in legal proceedings

Having legal guidance helps reduce the risk of mistakes that could weaken your claim.

Preserving Important Evidence

Evidence matters in every car accident case. Preserving it early can make a major difference later.

Helpful evidence includes:

• Photos of vehicle damage

• Witness contact information

• Medical records

• Repair estimates

• Written notes about how the crash occurred

Keep copies of all communications with insurance companies and law enforcement officers. This information supports your claim and helps your attorney build a strong case.

Avoiding Common Mistakes at the Accident Scene

After a car crash, emotions run high. Some mistakes can hurt your claim later.

Try to avoid doing the following:

• Admitting fault

• Guessing about injuries

• Giving recorded statements without advice

• Signing documents too quickly

Stick to providing basic information to the police officer and seek medical care as soon as possible.

Insurance Company Investigations and Car Accidents

Insurance companies often conduct their own investigations. They may review police reports, speak with witnesses, and analyze physical evidence.

Insurance adjusters may look for reasons to limit or deny claims. Having accurate documentation helps protect you during this process.

A car accident attorney can handle communications with insurers and help ensure your claim is supported by solid evidence.

Court Proceedings and Car Accident Claims

Some car accident cases end up in court, especially when fault is disputed or injuries are serious.

Court proceedings can involve:

• Reviewing police reports

• Examining witness statements

• Presenting medical records

• Questioning insurance decisions

Legal representation helps ensure your case is presented clearly and fairly.

Your Next Steps After an Inaccurate Police Report

A police report is an important document after a car accident in New Orleans, but it is not always accurate. Errors can affect insurance claims, legal cases, and the compensation you receive.

Review your accident report carefully. If something is wrong, take action early. Supporting evidence and legal guidance can help correct mistakes and protect your claim.

If you were involved in a car accident and have concerns about an inaccurate police report, speaking with a car accident attorney can help you understand your options. Burnham Law Firm offers a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and next steps. Give us a call today.