After a car accident, the police or crash report becomes a key piece of evidence in a personal injury claim. It documents what happened, who was involved, and how the incident was described at the scene. But what if the report is wrong, or missing critical facts? While you can request corrections, the rules and deadlines for doing so differ significantly between Florida car accidents and Texas car accidents.

At RTRLAW, we help injured drivers and passengers in both states understand these procedures, act quickly, and ensure their version of events is properly documented and preserved.

What is the Key Information Typically Found in an Accident Report?

Whether you’re in Florida or Texas, the police or crash report typically includes:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names and licenses of drivers involved
• Vehicle descriptions and registration details
• Weather/road conditions and scene sketches
• Witness statements or contact information
• Any citations issued or initial findings regarding fault

Accident report errors are more common than most people realize. Law enforcement officers often complete reports under stressful conditions, dealing with injuries, damaged vehicles, traffic control, and witness statements, all while working against the clock. It’s easy for small mistakes to slip through.

How Common Are Accident Report Errors?

Studies from insurance industry data and legal reviews suggest that as many as 1 in 5 crash reports contain at least one factual or clerical error, ranging from simple typos to incorrect assessments of fault. In serious collisions involving multiple vehicles, the chance of error increases even further because the details become more complex.

Even a small inaccuracy can create major problems later. If the report lists the wrong driver as “at fault” or omits a critical witness statement, insurance companies may use that information to deny or minimize your claim. Reviewing your report carefully, and correcting mistakes early, is essential to protect your rights.

What is the Most Common Accident Report Error?

The most frequent mistake found in accident reports involves inaccurate or incomplete descriptions of how the crash occurred. Officers rely on statements from drivers, witnesses, and visual clues at the scene, but they don’t always have the full picture. Skid marks, vehicle positions, or conflicting stories can lead to an incorrect narrative being recorded.

Other common issues include:

• Incorrect vehicle or driver information (wrong license numbers or insurance details)
• Misspelled names or addresses that delay claim processing
• Errors in the crash diagram, such as reversed vehicle positions
• Misunderstood witness statements or incomplete contact details
• Missing injury documentation, especially when symptoms appear days later

Because insurers treat police reports as authoritative, even small factual mistakes can have big financial consequences. Having an attorney review your report and pursue corrections can prevent misunderstandings that harm your claim.

When and Why Might You Need to Correct a Police Report?

There are many situations where correcting or updating a police report is necessary, and each state has different ways to go about it.

In Florida, for example, you may need a correction if:

• There’s an error in the long-form crash submitted under Florida Statute § 316.066 (which mandates submission within 10 days after investigation for serious crashes)
• If critical facts were omitted such as new evidence, like dash-cam or witness statements, was discovered after the initial report

In Texas, you may need to correct a Texas Peace Officer’s “Crash Report” if:

• Factual errors exist (Wrong vehicle, name, time)
• New evidence emerges after the report is filed (Though Texas law does not specify a strict deadline for amendments, legal advisors warn that acting quickly improves your chances of success.

Corrections matter because an inaccurate report can undermine your credibility, reduce your ability to claim compensation, or lead to fault findings against you.

What Steps Should You Take to Amend or Update a Police Report After an Accident?

If you discover an error or omission in your police report, taking action quickly is critical. The sooner you contact the reporting agency, the better your chance of having the correction accepted.

Here’s what to do:

• Obtain a certified copy of the crash or police report as soon as available.
• Review the report thoroughly and note any mistakes like names, vehicle info, injuries, scene diagrams.
• Gather supporting evidence such as photos, medical records, witness statements, dash-cam footage.
• Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.
  • In Texas: Reach out to the reporting officer/department and ask for their amendment process. There’s no fixed deadline, but faster is better.
  • In Florida: Reach out to the agency that submitted the long-form report under § 316.066
• Submit a written request or supplemental statement that explains the error and includes your evidence.
• Notify your insurer or attorney of the requested amendment to incorporate the corrected version in your claim.
• Act promptly. Even where no statutory deadline exists, acting quickly is critical to preserving your case.

Not every correction will be officially changed within the report itself, and some departments may instead attach your statement as a supplemental report. Either way, it’s valuable evidence that becomes part of the case record.

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your correction is properly documented and that the report accurately reflects the facts that support your claim.

Why Accuracy Matters & How RTRLAW Can Help

An accurate crash report can dramatically affect your insurance claim or legal case. If the report lists you at fault or omits key facts, insurers may use that against you when negotiating compensation. At RTRLAW, our attorneys review every detail, identify necessary corrections, work with law enforcement and insurers, and safeguard your rights while you focus on healing.

If you were injured in an accident in Florida or Texas and believe the crash report contains errors, don’t delay. Time can work against you even when no statute explicitly sets a deadline. Call RTRLAW at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free, confidential consultation. We will help ensure that the facts of your case are properly documented and protected.