Have you recently been involved in an accident and now find yourself faced with the task of reviewing a police report for both insurance and legal purposes? Navigating the complexities of a police report can seem daunting, especially amidst the stress following an accident. In this blog we will break down the process, offering a clear guide on how to read a police report and other information you should know following an accident in Indiana or Michigan.
Why is It Important to Learn How to Read a Police Report?
A police report is an official record written by police officers that describes an incident, crime, or in this case an accident. This detailed report opens investigations into the accident and allows the police to take proper action.
Why does understanding how to read a police report matter so much, especially for those directly affected by the accident? Well, it’s because of the purposes that the reports serve. Police reports are used to track down involved parties, to aid investigations, to serve as legal evidence, and to be a part of public records. This knowledge is particularly valuable when pursuing legal action or claims, as the details documented in the report can significantly influence the outcome.
How to Obtain Your Police Report
In Indiana and Michigan, obtaining a police report is a straightforward process. However, procedures can vary slightly from one police department to another, so you should check with your local law enforcement for specific details.
For example, in South Bend, Indiana, to request an accident report, you will need the report number, the report date, and the driver or owner’s last name. This report can be requested either in person from the SBPD Records Bureau or online.
It’s important to note that there may be a fee associated with obtaining your report. Additionally, if your case is still open, the City Attorney may not release the report.
Understanding How to Read a Police Report
Reading and interpreting your police report is critical for your legal claim. Here is how reports are typically organized:
- Header Information: Date, time, location of the incident, report number.
- Parties Involved: Information on drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Narrative Section: The police officer’s narrative of events.
- Diagram: A visual representation of the accident scene, if applicable.
- Citations or Violations: Notation of any laws that were broken.
- Property Damage Description: A detailed description of vehicle(s) and any public property damage.
A police officer should be thorough and ask questions to see that the police report is as accurate as possible.
Detailed Walkthrough of Each Section
With this understanding of police reports and their structure, let’s take the extra step, and really understand each section.
Header Information
Much of the importance of the header information is due to its use when accurately record-keeping and organizing a reference. It also captures essential, easily overlooked details following an accident, such as the time and exact location.
Parties Involved Section
Identifying and documenting the drivers and witnesses is crucial for insurance and legal claims. This section will likely include the involved drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and license numbers. Drivers’ insurance information will also be reported, which is important to find out if a driver is insured, and if so, how much coverage they have.
Narrative and Diagram
The narrative and diagram are extremely important to understand. Here, the responding officer will report their interpretation of the events, including faults and dynamics of the accident. This typically covers the cause and severity of the crash.
Citations and Property Damage
In this section, there will be documentation of any laws broken, such as speeding, and the extent of damage to vehicles and to public property. This information can affect fault determination and drivers’ insurance claims.
The police report will make clear note of any and all property damage.
Common Police Codes and Their Meanings
There are several common police codes found in traffic accident reports. Though we can’t list all of them, here are a few examples:
Code 10-50
Accident (PD: Property Damage; PI: Personal Injury; F: Fatal). This code is used to report the accident and its type. For example, “10-50 PI” indicates an accident with personal injury.
Code 10-55
Suspected DUI. This code is used to report that one of the parties was under the influence of alcohol.
Code 10-27
Driver's license information. This is used to document the officer checking the drivers’ licenses of the parties involved.
These codes have a direct impact on legal and insurance claims. This is how accidents are defined and are evidence for attorneys and insurance companies when finding fault.
If You Disagree with the Police Report
Mistakes and disagreements on police reports happen. Whether it’s factual or transcription errors, or just a dispute, you can propose amendments. If you wish to contest the report, you will want to make sure you have some sort of evidence for the best odds of success.
If you have a disagreement, you can contact the reporting agency and request a discussion with the responding officer. If you can speak with them, raise your concerns about the report and request a correction. Try to be honest, calm, and detailed. If the officer denies your request, you can write an addendum detailing your perspective and request that it be attached to the original report.
Discussing the Police Report with Your Personal Injury Attorney
When you acquire a police report following an incident, you should consult with your personal injury attorney. This report serves as a vital document detailing the occurrence, which becomes crucial in establishing your claim. An experienced attorney, particularly one with a background in traffic accident cases, is adept at interpreting the report to reinforce your case. They can identify and highlight evidence that corroborates your account of events and the injuries sustained. Having such legal expertise ensures that all relevant aspects of the police report are leveraged effectively in negotiations with insurance companies or in court proceedings.
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Consult with Foley & Murphy
Understanding your police report is extremely important for you and your claim. They can be complicated, and the whole legal process can be overwhelming, so you would be well recommended to consult with a legal professional for an accurate interpretation and assistance with your case. With Foley & Murphy, you can find award-winning personal injury attorneys in Indiana with over 50 years of experience who are committed to you and your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
