Can a Police Report Be Changed After an Accident in Ohio? Here’s How
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Akron or anywhere in Ohio, the responding police officer will typically file an official crash report. This document can play a crucial role when dealing with insurance companies and legal claims.
But what if the report contains errors? Can you get it changed? The good news is that in some cases, you can request changes—but the process depends on the type of mistake and the officer’s willingness to amend it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to correct a police report after an accident and what to do if the officer refuses to make changes.
What Is a Police Report and Why Does It Matter?
Shortly after an accident, you can obtain a copy of the traffic crash report by contacting the Akron Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, or another relevant agency.
A police report generally includes:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- Driver and passenger details
- Insurance information
- Vehicle damage and injuries
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- The officer’s assessment of fault and possible violations
Since insurance companies often heavily rely on police reports when determining fault and approving claims, any mistakes in the report could impact your ability to recover compensation.
Common Reasons for Changing a Police Report
You may want to request a correction if you find:
Factual Errors – Incorrect details such as the wrong date, time, vehicle make, or driver’s name.
Misstatements – If the report inaccurately reflects what you or a witness said.
Missing Information – Important details, like additional injuries or property damage, were left out.
Incorrect Fault Assessment – While harder to change, you can dispute the officer’s determination with supporting evidence.
Since Ohio’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years, you should address police report errors as soon as possible to avoid complications.
How to Request a Change to a Police Report in Ohio
If you need to correct a police report in Akron or elsewhere in Ohio, follow these steps:
1. Review the Report Thoroughly
Obtain a copy and highlight the incorrect or missing details.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
Provide documentation such as:
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records proving injuries
3. Contact the Reporting Officer
Reach out to the officer who wrote the report and politely present your evidence. If the mistake is factual, the officer may be willing to issue an amendment or supplement the report with additional information.
4. Request a Supplement Report
If the officer is unwilling to revise the report, ask if you can submit your own written statement to be added as a supplement.
What If the Officer Refuses to Make Changes?
Not all errors can be corrected. An officer’s opinion on fault or violations is subjective and unlikely to be changed. However, you can still take action:
- Submit Your Own Statement – Many police departments allow accident victims to attach a personal account to the report.
- Work With an Attorney – A car accident lawyer can challenge an inaccurate report when negotiating with insurance companies or in court.
Let Our Akron Car Accident Attorneys Help You
If an incorrect police report is affecting your ability to seek fair compensation, don’t try to handle it alone. The experienced legal team at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law can help you:
- Correct errors in your accident report
- Gather evidence to dispute inaccuracies
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Fight for maximum compensation
Call us today for a free consultation! Let us help you protect your rights and recover what you deserve. Click here to schedule a free consultation
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
