When a car accident happens, everything can feel overwhelming. Injuries, confusion, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies make the moments afterward difficult for anyone. One of the most important steps you can take is making sure a police report is filed. At Timbs Injury Law, we rely on these reports to help our clients build strong claims and protect their rights.
What Information Does a Police Report Include?
A Mississippi police report contains details that become extremely valuable later in the claims process. Officers document the facts in a way that helps us show what happened and why the other driver should be held responsible. Most reports include:
- The names and contact information of everyone involved
- Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Diagrams of the crash scene
- Weather and road conditions
- Vehicle damage descriptions
- Any citations issued to the drivers
- The officer’s observations about fault
This information adds credibility because it comes from a neutral third party. Insurance companies rely on these reports heavily when determining liability.
How Police Reports Influence Insurance Claims
Insurance adjusters often begin their investigation by reviewing the police report. It helps them piece together the facts, determine who caused the collision, and decide how much they’re willing to pay. When a report clearly shows the other driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired, it strengthens your case for compensation.
Without a police report, insurance companies may question your version of events or try to blame you for part of the accident. We see this happen often when a victim didn’t call law enforcement. That’s why we always encourage people to contact police after any crash, even if injuries don’t appear serious right away.
What If the Police Report Contains Errors?
Police reports are incredibly useful, but they aren’t perfect. Officers arrive after the crash occurs, and sometimes they miss details or misunderstand witness statements. Small errors can create big problems in a claim if they’re not addressed quickly.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Wrong dates or times
- Incorrect insurance or vehicle information
- Misidentifying the responsible driver
- Missing witness statements
- Incomplete descriptions of injuries
If we find inaccuracies in a report, we work with our clients to request corrections or add supplemental statements. Even when a correction isn’t possible, we can gather additional evidence—such as photos, video, or medical records—to counter the mistake and establish the truth.
Can You Still File a Claim Without a Police Report?
Yes, but it’s harder. Mississippi doesn’t require a police report for every accident, but the absence of one makes insurance negotiations more challenging. Without the report, insurers often try to downplay injuries or argue that the accident wasn’t serious.
When someone comes to us without a police report, we build the case using:
- Surveillance footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle event recorder (“black box”) data
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical documentation
It’s still possible to win compensation, but it usually requires more work. Filing a report simply gives us a stronger foundation from the start.
How We Use Police Reports to Strengthen Your Case
At Timbs Injury Law, we use police reports to identify negligence, preserve critical details, and anticipate the arguments insurance companies may raise. The report helps us:
- Confirm fault
- Track down witnesses
- Identify errors or contradictions
- Support the timeline of your injuries
- Push back against low settlement offers
We combine the report with medical records, expert analysis, and your own account of the crash to build a complete picture of what happened. Our goal is always the same—help our clients recover full compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call Megan For Help
A police report is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in a Mississippi car accident case. It establishes key facts, supports your claim, and protects you from unfair blame. If you’re ever involved in a crash, calling law enforcement is one of the smartest decisions you can make. And when you need help navigating the next steps, we’re here to stand by your side and guide you through the entire process.