The Importance of Police Reports in Car Accident Cases

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, one of the first things you should do—after making sure everyone is safe and seeking medical attention—is to call the police. This step is more than just a formality; the police report created at the scene can play a crucial role in the outcome of your personal injury claim. At Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, our experienced and dedicated Indianapolis automobile accident attorneys have seen firsthand how vital police reports can be in helping accident victims in Indianapolis establish liability and recover the compensation they deserve.

In the aftermath of a crash, emotions run high, memories can be unreliable, and facts can quickly become disputed. The police report serves as a neutral, third-party account of what happened, documenting critical details that can support your version of events and lend credibility to your legal or insurance claim.

What Is a Police Accident Report?

A police report is an official document prepared by the responding law enforcement officer who arrives at the scene of the accident. This report typically includes a wide range of information, such as:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Identifying information for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Descriptions of the vehicles involved
• Statements from the drivers and witnesses
• A diagram of the accident scene
• Observations of vehicle damage and any injuries
• Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash
• Any traffic citations or violations issued
• The officer’s initial assessment of fault

This documentation is often compiled shortly after the accident occurs, when the physical evidence is fresh and the participants’ recollections are still intact. That immediacy makes police reports an especially compelling form of evidence.

Establishing Fault Through a Police Report

One of the most important functions of a police report is to help establish who was at fault for the crash. Indiana is a comparative fault state, which means that the amount of compensation you can recover may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages at all. For this reason, demonstrating the full extent of the other driver’s responsibility is essential.

Police officers are trained to assess accident scenes objectively. While they may not have witnessed the crash themselves, they use witness statements, physical evidence (such as skid marks or vehicle damage), and their own experience to form a preliminary opinion on what happened and who may be to blame. Although this opinion is not final or legally binding, it can carry a lot of weight with insurance adjusters, attorneys, and even judges or juries.

For example, if the officer notes that the other driver ran a red light, was speeding, or was cited for reckless driving, those facts can strongly support your claim that the other driver was negligent. On the other hand, if the report suggests that you contributed to the accident, your attorney will need to develop a strategy to deal with that conclusion.

Supporting Your Insurance Claim

Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports when evaluating accident claims. Adjusters use the report to confirm the basic facts of the crash, assess liability, and determine whether a claim should be paid—and if so, how much.

If the report clearly indicates that the other driver caused the accident, it can make the claims process go more smoothly. The insurance company may be more inclined to settle quickly and offer a fair amount. Conversely, if there is no police report or the report is vague or inaccurate, the insurer may question your account of the crash and use the uncertainty to justify a lower settlement offer or deny the claim entirely.

This is one of the many reasons it is crucial to call the police after an accident, even if it seems minor at the time. Without an official report, you are left with little more than your word against that of the other driver, which can weaken your case considerably.

Using the Police Report in a Lawsuit

If your case ends up going to court—either because the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or because of a dispute over liability—the police report can serve as a valuable piece of evidence.

While Indiana courts typically consider police reports hearsay (since the officer did not personally witness the crash), there are ways the report can still influence the proceedings. For instance, your attorney may call the officer to testify about their observations and findings. The report can also be used to refresh a witness’s memory or impeach inconsistent testimony.

Moreover, the police report often provides a foundation for building a strong legal argument. It may contain leads on additional evidence (such as witness names or surveillance footage) and help your attorney reconstruct the events leading up to the accident. By identifying key details early on, the report allows your legal team to conduct a more focused and effective investigation.

When a Police Report Contains Errors

While police reports are generally reliable, they are not infallible. Officers can make mistakes or include statements that you disagree with. If you believe the report contains factual inaccuracies—such as an incorrect location, wrong vehicle information, or a misstatement of what you said at the scene—you may be able to request a correction or add a supplemental statement. However, changing an officer’s opinion about fault is typically more difficult.

In such cases, it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can gather additional evidence to challenge the report’s conclusions. At Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, we know how to address unfavorable police reports and present a compelling case backed by witness testimony, expert opinions, photographs, medical records, and more.

What to Do at the Scene to Help Your Case

If you’re physically able to do so, there are steps you can take at the scene of the accident to make sure the police report is as accurate and helpful as possible:

• Be clear and truthful when speaking with the officer. Avoid guessing or speculating about what happened.
• Ask for the names and contact information of witnesses, and encourage them to speak to the officer.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
• Get the officer’s name and badge number, and ask how you can obtain a copy of the report.

You’ll typically be able to access the report from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department or the Indiana State Police through their respective online portals or in person.

Get Help From an Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer

Handling a car accident claim can be difficult, time-consuming and stressful, overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with painful injuries, employment issues, vehicle damage, and pressure from insurance companies. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle this process by yourself, nor should you. At Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, we help accident victims throughout Indianapolis protect their rights, pursue justice, and recover the compensation they need to move forward.

A well-documented police report can be a powerful tool in your case—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, build a strong legal strategy, and advocate aggressively on your behalf every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Indianapolis, contact Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the answers—and the compensation—you deserve.