Is this typical? Requesting a police report amendment
About a month ago, I was involved in a car accident where a woman ran a stop sign and crashed into the side of my vehicle. I know that police reports aren’t definitive in determining fault. However, her insurance company has informed me that they won’t proceed with the investigation to establish liability until she reaches out to the officer who wrote the report to request an amendment. They’ve been saying this for nearly a month now. I contacted the police department today, and they have no record of any communication with her. However, the report does note that she was cited for failing to yield. It feels like her insurance is stalling until the report inaccurately suggests she isn’t at fault, refusing to move forward. Is there anything I can do about this situation?
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to rely heavily on police reports during investigations. Here are a few steps you can take to address this issue:
Document Everything: Make sure you keep a detailed record of all your communications with the police department, her insurance company, and any other relevant parties. This can be crucial if you need to escalate the matter later.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your own insurance provider about the situation. They may be able to assist you in resolving the issue with the other party’s insurance and advocate on your behalf.
Request a Copy of the Police Report: If you haven’t already, obtain a full copy of the police report for your records. This can be useful for any discussions with the insurance companies and can serve as evidence if you need to escalate the matter.
Follow Up with the Police Department: If the other party’s insurance claims there’s a need for an amendment, you can ask the police department how to proceed if they are being contacted and if any changes are being requested.
Consult with a Lawyer: If the situation persists and you feel your interests are not being represented, it might be worth consulting with an attorney who specializes in car accidents or insurance claims. They can provide specific advice on how to proceed and may be able to help you navigate any disputes.
File a Complaint with the Insurance Commission: If you believe the insurance company is acting in bad faith or unreasonably delaying your claim, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner or regulatory body.
Navigating car accident claims can be complex, but staying organized and proactive will help you in resolving the situation. Good luck!