Is this situation typical? Requesting changes to a police report
About a month ago, I was involved in a car accident where a woman ran a stop sign and collided with my vehicle. I know that police reports aren’t definitive in determining fault. However, her insurance company has informed me that they will not proceed with the investigation into liability until she speaks with the officer who wrote the report and gets it amended. This has been their stance for nearly a month.
I reached out to the police department today, and they have no record of her contacting them. They did indicate, however, that she was cited for a failure to yield in the report. It seems like her insurance company is trying to delay the investigation until they can get the report changed to show that she wasn’t at fault. Is there anything I can do to address this situation?
It sounds like a frustrating situation you’re dealing with. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to shift liability, especially when it comes to car accidents. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance company, the police department, and any other relevant parties. This includes dates, names, and the content of conversations.
Request a Copy of the Report: If you haven’t already, request a copy of the police report for your own records. This can be helpful to have on hand when dealing with the insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance Company: If you haven’t already, inform your own insurance company about the situation. They may be able to advocate on your behalf or assist you in navigating the claims process.
Follow Up with the Police Department: If the other party’s insurance is claiming they need the police officer to amend the report, it might be worth following up with the police department again to clarify the situation and ensure that they are aware that the report cites her for failure to yield.
Seek Legal Advice: If this issue persists, it may be beneficial to reach out to a lawyer who specializes in car accidents. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and help you understand your rights.
File a Complaint: If you feel that the insurance company is not acting in good faith or is delaying the process unjustly, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner.
It’s unfortunate that you’re in this position, but by staying organized and proactive, you can work toward resolving the issue more effectively. Keep pushing for clarity and fairness in your case. Good luck!