Police Reports in Bicycle Accident Cases: Why They Matter
A police report provides official documentation of your accident. Learn how to obtain and use it.
2023-09-30 • 4 min read
police reportdocumentationlegal process
A police report creates official documentation of your bicycle accident. While not always determinative, it's important evidence for your claim.• Weather and road conditions • Parties involved • Witness information • Officer observations • Diagram of accident • Citations issued • Officer's opinion on fault (sometimes) • No official record of accident • Harder to prove it happened • Driver may deny involvement • File a report yourself at the station • Document everything independently • Get witness statements • Wrong party at fault • Incorrect diagram • Missing information • Officer bias • Contact investigating officer • Submit written correction request • Your attorney can address at trial • Based on parties' statements • May not be admissible at trial • Insurance companies may ignore favorable reports
What Police Reports Include
- Date, time, location
How to Obtain the Report
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At the Scene Ask for the case number.
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Online Many departments offer online access.
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In Person/Mail Request from records department with case number.
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Timeline Reports typically available within 5-10 business days.
If No Report Was Filed
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Why It Matters Without a report:
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What to Do
Errors in Police Reports
Reports sometimes contain errors:
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Correcting Errors
Limitations of Police Reports
- Officer didn't witness accident
Were You Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
This article is for informational purposes only. Every case is unique. Get personalized legal advice from an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
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