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 collided with my vehicle. I know that police reports aren’t the final word in determining fault, but the woman’s insurance company has informed me that they won’t proceed with the investigation to establish liability until she contacts the officer who wrote the report to have it amended. They’ve been saying this for nearly a month now.
I reached out to the police department today, and they have no record of any conversation with her. However, they did note in the report that she was cited for failure to yield. It seems like her insurance is trying to delay the process until the report indicates that she wasn’t at fault, which is preventing any progress in the investigation. Is there anything I can do to address this situation?
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds really frustrating. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to want to review or contest police reports as part of their investigation process, but it can be concerning when it feels like they are trying to manipulate the circumstances of the report.
Here are some steps you can take to address this situation:
Documentation: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance companies and the police department. Note dates, times, and the names of people you spoke with.
Follow Up with the Police Department: Since you’ve already contacted them, consider following up regularly. Ask if there’s a formal process to request an amendment to the report and what information is needed from the insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance Provider: If you haven’t already, inform your own insurance company about the situation. They can advocate on your behalf and may have resources or advice on how to expedite the process.
Consult with a Lawyer: If the insurance company continues to stall the investigation, you might want to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance on how to navigate this situation and ensure your rights are protected.
Request a Copy of the Report: If you haven’t done so, obtain a copy of the police report. Confirm that all the details listed are accurate, and ensure it states the violation committed by the other driver.
Record Everything: If you suspect that the other party’s insurance is being uncooperative, documenting all interactions may help you later if you need to escalate the situation.
It’s important to stay persistent while navigating the insurance process. Hopefully, with patience and the right steps, you’ll be able to resolve this matter.