If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, the responding police officer likely created a formal report, known as a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This document is crucial in car accident claims, as insurance companies rely heavily on its contents to determine liability and compensation.
But what if your accident report contains errors or omissions? Mistakes in these reports, whether factual inaccuracies or subjective misjudgments, can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. The good news is that in many cases, accident reports in Texas can be corrected or supplemented. Below, we’ll walk through the types of errors that can occur, the process for addressing them, and how Adley Law Firm can help you ensure your accident report accurately reflects what happened.
Why Accuracy in an Accident Report Matters
Accident reports are often viewed as key evidence by insurance companies and legal teams when determining fault and assessing damages. A single error—whether it’s a missed injury, a factual mistake, or an incorrect assumption of fault—can drastically reduce your compensation.
For example, if an officer incorrectly notes that you were partially at fault for a collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may use this information to justify denying or devaluing your claim. Ensuring the accuracy of your report is vital for protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Common Errors in Texas Accident Reports
Accident report errors generally fall into the following categories:
1. Factual Errors
These mistakes often involve basic information, such as the date, time, or location of the crash. They might also include incorrect driver details, such as names, birthdates, or vehicle registration numbers. While these errors may seem minor, they can cause confusion or delays in your case and should be corrected promptly.
2. Transcription Errors
Transcription errors occur when the officer misinterprets or misrecords information. For instance, you might tell the officer the other driver appeared to be speeding at 50 mph, but the report may inaccurately state they were traveling at 30 mph. Such discrepancies can alter fault determinations and affect the outcome of your claim.
3. Omissions
Some accident reports fail to include critical details, such as specific injuries, vehicle damage, or witness statements. For example, if you informed the officer at the scene that you were experiencing back pain but this information wasn’t recorded, it could complicate your injury claim later.
4. Subjective Errors
Subjective errors involve the officer’s personal interpretation of the events. For instance, the report might incorrectly suggest you contributed to the accident based on the other driver’s version of events. While these errors are harder to amend, adding a supplemental statement to the report can help provide a more accurate picture.
Steps to Amend a Texas Accident Report
1. Correcting Factual or Transcription Errors
Start by obtaining a copy of your accident report through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or the police department that filed it. Carefully review it for errors.
To correct factual or transcription errors, contact the officer who prepared the report. Provide documentation to support your claim, such as a copy of your driver’s license or photographs of the crash scene. Most officers are willing to amend simple mistakes when presented with clear evidence.
2. Adding Omitted Information
If important details, such as injuries or property damage, were omitted, request that the officer update the report. You may need to provide medical records or photos to substantiate your request.
3. Addressing Subjective Errors
Correcting subjective errors is more challenging, as they involve the officer’s opinion or interpretation. However, you can ask the officer to add a supplemental statement from you describing your version of events. This additional perspective can be invaluable for clarifying disputed details.
How Errors in Reports Can Impact Houston Accident Claims
Inaccurate accident reports can significantly affect your claim. Insurance companies often use these documents as primary evidence to assign fault. Errors—whether they involve incorrect information about speed, injuries, or fault—can be exploited to deny or undervalue your claim.
For example, if the report incorrectly states that you failed to yield or were speeding, an insurance company may argue that you contributed to the crash. This could reduce your compensation under Texas’ modified comparative fault rules, which lower your settlement if you are found partially at fault.
When to Contact an Attorney
Correcting errors in an accident report is not always straightforward, especially if the investigating officer is unwilling to amend their findings. That’s where Adley Law Firm comes in. We have extensive experience working with accident reports and police departments and can ensure that your report accurately reflects what happened.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from working with law enforcement to gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. Don’t let inaccuracies in your accident report jeopardize your right to compensation.
How Adley Law Firm Can Help
If you’re dealing with an inaccurate accident report, Adley Law Firm can assist you in ensuring the document reflects the facts. Here’s how we help:
- Obtaining and Reviewing the Report: We’ll secure a copy of your accident report and carefully analyze it for inaccuracies or omissions.
- Communicating with Law Enforcement: Our team can work directly with the investigating officer to request amendments or submit supplemental information on your behalf.
- Gathering Supporting Evidence: If necessary, we’ll collect additional evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or expert opinions, to back your claim.
- Protecting Your Rights: We’ll handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure they cannot use inaccuracies in the report to unfairly reduce your compensation.
