How to Amend a Police Report After an Accident

The crash itself was sudden, maybe even traumatic. In the aftermath, when the dust settled and the reports were filed, you probably trusted that the official version of events (the police report) would reflect what actually happened. But what if it doesn’t?

If you’ve discovered that a police report is wrong or incomplete, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not powerless. You can take action to correct the record.

Can police reports be changed? Yes, but only under certain conditions. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to amend a police report after a car accident, how long you have to do it, and what to do if the report contains errors that could affect your insurance claim or legal case.

Why a police report matters so much

You might be wondering: What’s the big deal? It’s just paperwork, right? There’s much more to it than that.

In many personal injury cases, the police report becomes a key piece of evidence. Insurance companies rely on it and attorneys refer to it. Judges and juries may read it. So, if there’s something wrong, like an incorrect date, misidentified driver, or omitted witness statement, it could damage your credibility or even cost you compensation.

That’s why amending a police report can be so important.

Can you amend a police report?

Yes, you can amend a police report, but it depends on the type of correction and the department’s policies.

Generally, there are two types of changes you might be looking to make:

Factual errors, which are the easiest to fix. For example:

• Your name is misspelled
• The wrong make or model of your car is listed
• The time or location of the crash is off
• Your insurance information is incorrect

Disputed information is harder to amend. If the report says you caused the accident, but you believe otherwise, that’s a matter of interpretation. You likely won’t get the report “changed,” but you can request that your version of events be added as a supplemental statement.

So, to answer the common question: can a police report be changed after an accident? Yes, but it may be an addition, not a replacement.

How long do you have to amend a police report?

There’s no universal deadline, but the sooner you act, the better.

Many New Jersey police departments prefer you request corrections within a few days, though each agency sets its own policy. Contact the specific department as soon as possible to learn their timeline. Others may be more flexible, especially if you’re just correcting factual details.

If you’re using the report for an insurance claim or legal case, it’s important to fix it before those processes get too far along. Once settlement negotiations start or lawsuits are filed, uncorrected errors can become roadblocks.

If you’re specifically concerned with how long you have to amend a police report, your best bet is to contact the agency that created the report. They’ll give you a clear answer based on their policy.

How do you fix an incorrect police report?

If you’ve spotted a mistake, here’s how to get started:

1. Contact the officer who wrote the report

Call the department and ask to speak with the responding officer or the records division. Give the report number if you have it.

2. Gather supporting documentation

Don’t just say the report is wrong; show why. Useful documentation may include:

• Photos or video of the scene
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Insurance or registration info
• A copy of your driver’s license

3. Write a clear statement

If the issue is one of interpretation (like fault or behavior), draft a written statement that explains your version. Make sure to stick to the facts and be respectful. Your goal is to clarify, not accuse.

4. Request an amendment or supplement

You might ask the officer to revise the report, or you might request that your statement be added to the original as a supplemental report. Either way, it becomes part of the official record.

Can you amend a police report online?

While you can access crash reports online in New Jersey, most departments require corrections to be made in person or by submitting a written request. Some departments do offer online amendment tools, especially for basic or non-injury accidents. But it depends on the local jurisdiction.

To find out if you can amend a police report online, visit the department’s website or call their non-emergency line. In some larger New Jersey cities, the process may be more formal, like an in-person or sending a written request.

Even if the department doesn’t allow full online edits, they might let you submit supporting documents through a secure portal.

What do you do if a police report is inaccurate?

The worst thing you can do is nothing. Here’s what you need to do if the police report doesn’t match the facts:

• Act quickly to identify the error and start the correction process
• Keep records of all communications with the police
• Consult an attorney if the inaccuracy could affect liability or damages in a personal injury case

The question of what do you do if a police report is inaccurate isn’t just rhetorical. Accurate information is important, especially if you’re building a legal claim.

Can you change your statement on a police report?

Yes, you can clarify or expand on your original statement, especially if you were injured, confused, or in shock when the report was filed.

If you’re wondering if you can change your statement on a police report, remember there’s more to do than erase what you previously said. The goal is giving a full, accurate picture of what happened.

You might say:

“At the time, I didn’t notice the other vehicle swerving. But upon reviewing the dashcam footage, I now realize they had crossed the center line just before impact.”

You’re allowed to change your mind if new information comes to light. But again, back it up with evidence.

Why amending a police report may require legal help

When small details go uncorrected, they can lead to big legal consequences. That’s particularly true in injury cases involving negligence, disputed liability, or insurance disputes.

A personal injury lawyer can help by:

• Contacting the police department on your behalf
• Helping draft a supplemental statement
• Gathering evidence to support your version of events
• Using expert witnesses or accident reconstruction specialists
• Ensuring the corrected report is entered into your case file

At Ferrara & Gable, we’ve seen firsthand how a single sentence in a police report can make or break a claim. That’s why we work quickly to make sure your side of the story is part of the official record.

Setting the record straight

So, can police reports be changed? Yes, they can, but it’s not always easy. Can you fix an incorrect police report? Absolutely, but it takes effort and sometimes legal help.

Whether you’re correcting a factual mistake or disputing a more serious error, the process of amending a police report can protect your rights and your case.

Need help amending a police report after an accident? Contact Ferrara & Gable to speak with an experienced attorney.