Is this situation typical? Amending a police report
About a month ago, I was involved in a car accident where a woman ran a stop sign and hit my vehicle. I know that police reports aren’t the final word on fault in an accident, but her insurance company has informed me that they won’t proceed with determining liability until she speaks with the officer who wrote the report and gets it amended. They’ve been saying this for almost 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 that she was cited for failure to yield in the report. It appears that her insurance is trying to delay the investigation until the report reflects that she wasn’t at fault. Is there anything I can do in this situation?
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to request amendments to police reports, especially if they believe the report is not in their client’s favor. However, it’s concerning that the insurance company is delaying the investigation for so long.
Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with the insurance company and the police department. This includes dates, times, and the names of the people you speak with.
Request a Copy of the Police Report: If you haven’t done so already, obtain a copy of the police report for your records. This might help provide clarity on the findings.
Contact Your Insurance Company: If you have your own insurance, let them know about the situation. They may be able to assist you or take on the claim if the other party’s insurance is delaying the process.
File a Complaint: If you believe the insurance company is being unreasonable, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance regulator. They can offer guidance and may help resolve disputes.
Consult an Attorney: If you continue to face issues, it might be worth consulting with a legal professional who specializes in car accidents. They can provide you with tailored advice and potentially help move the process forward.
Follow Up with the Police: If the other driver hasn’t contacted the police, consider asking the police department if you can formally request a review of the report. They may not amend it based on the insurance company’s request, but they may be able to clarify any miscommunication.
Staying proactive and persistent is key in these situations. Good luck!