When it comes to personal injury claims, New York accident reports often play a central role in proving what really happened. Whether it’s a car crash on the streets of central New York or a slip-and-fall in a store, these reports provide key documentation that can impact fault, liability, and ultimately the outcome of a case.
In this article, we’ll shed light on why accident reports matter, how to obtain them, and what to do if they contain errors.
There are a couple of different types of accident reports.
The first is a police accident report, which you’ll typically see after a serious automobile accident. You can obtain this from the police department, and it often notes who the officer believes is at fault. Sometimes a traffic ticket is issued, or the report includes the officer’s opinion on liability. That makes it a crucial document in any motor vehicle case.
The second type of report comes up in slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall cases, where no one may have witnessed the incident. In those situations, we often send out an investigator to prepare a report. That report can be just as important in determining fault.
It’s usually straightforward: you can request a copy directly from the police department, and in most cases, they’ll provide it to you. The only exception is when there’s a serious criminal investigation or a significant injury under review. In those situations, the report may not be available until the investigation is complete.
I’ve seen it happen, usually when an officer makes a simple error. For example, mixing up who was “driver one” and who was “driver two.” If the officer then assigns fault based on that mistake, you could end up being blamed unfairly. The good news is that if you can show proof of the mistake, you can usually get it corrected. But if the error goes unnoticed, it could have a negative impact on your case.
With decades of experience representing accident victims across New York, attorney Peter M. Hobaica of Hobaica Law Office has built a reputation for navigating the complexities of personal injury law with skill and compassion. He has guided countless clients through cases where accident reports played a pivotal role in proving fault and securing rightful compensation. His deep understanding of how errors or omissions in reports can impact outcomes makes him uniquely qualified to advise on this topic.
If you’ve been injured, contact Hobaica Law Office today to protect your rights.
Yes, but it’s not always easy. Police officers generally take care when preparing their reports, and they’re often reluctant to make changes. That said, if you can provide clear evidence of an error, like the example above, most officers will be willing to correct the record. You just have to show them exactly where they went wrong.
We obtain accident reports in virtually every case, and no two accidents are exactly the same. While each report is important, I can’t share specific examples due to confidentiality.
For more information on New York accident reports, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (315) 624-7777 today.
With decades of experience representing accident victims across New York, attorney Peter M. Hobaica of Hobaica Law Office has built a reputation for navigating the complexities of personal injury law with skill and compassion. He has guided countless clients through cases where accident reports played a pivotal role in proving fault and securing rightful compensation. His deep understanding of how errors or omissions in reports can impact outcomes makes him uniquely qualified to advise on this topic.
If you’ve been injured, contact Hobaica Law Office today to protect your rights.
