How to Read a Police Accident Report: A State-by-State Guide for Insurance Claims


After a motor vehicle collision, the police accident report becomes one of the most influential documents in your life. This official record, often called a Crash Report or Traffic Collision Report, is the primary tool used by insurance adjusters to determine fault, assess damages, and decide on settlement offers.

However, opening a police report can feel like trying to crack a secret code. Filled with cryptic abbreviations, numeric grids, and hand-drawn diagrams, it is easy to misinterpret vital information. This guide will walk you through how to navigate these reports to ensure your insurance claim remains on the right track.

1. Locating the Most Critical Data Points

While every state has its own specific layout (such as the MV-104 in New York or the CR-3 in Texas), most standardized forms share a common structure. Look for these key sections first:

  • The Case Number: Usually found in the top right or left corner. You will need this unique ID whenever you speak with your insurance company or the police department.

  • Unit Numbers: Vehicles are typically labeled as "Unit 1," "Unit 2," and so on. In many jurisdictions, the officer lists the vehicle they believe is primarily responsible for the incident as "Unit 1."

  • The Narrative: This is a written summary where the officer describes the sequence of events. Read this carefully. Even a small error here, like "Vehicle 1 turned left" instead of "Vehicle 2," can flip the liability of the entire claim.

2. Decoding Common Abbreviations and Symbols

To save space, officers use a shorthand language. Understanding these common terms is essential for an accurate reading:

AbbreviationMeaning
MVA / MVCMotor Vehicle Accident / Collision
POVPrivately Owned Vehicle
DOTDirection of Travel (N, S, E, W)
POIPoint of Impact
PDOProperty Damage Only (No injuries reported)
INJInjury
UCRUniform Crash Report

3. Understanding State-Specific Coding Systems

Many states use numeric codes to describe "Contributing Factors." Instead of writing out "Distracted by Cell Phone," the officer might simply enter "Code 31" in a specific box.

  • New York (NY): Uses a complex grid for "Physical Complaints." For example, a "Code 1" in the injury column might mean "Amputation," while a "Code 5" refers to "Internal Injuries."

  • Texas (TX): Features a detailed "Damage Scale." They use a 1–7 rating system to describe the severity of the impact, which adjusters use to see if your injury claims align with the force of the crash.

  • Florida (FL): Often includes a "Sequence of Events" section with codes for things like "Ran off Road" or "Crossed Median."

Pro Tip: Always request the "Overlay" or "Code Sheet" along with your report. This is the legend that explains what every number and letter on the form actually means.

4. Interpreting the Accident Diagram

Most reports include a bird's-eye view sketch of the scene. Pay close attention to:

  • Solid vs. Dotted Lines: Solid lines usually represent the path of the vehicle before the impact, while dotted lines show the path after the collision.

  • Arrows: These indicate the direction of travel and the point of impact.

  • Fixed Objects: Look for mentions of stop signs, traffic lights, or skid marks. If the diagram shows you had a green light but the narrative says otherwise, you have a discrepancy that needs immediate attention.

5. Identifying Fault Indicators

While some officers explicitly state who was at fault, others are more subtle. Look for a section titled "Citations Issued" or "Violations." If the other driver was cited for "Failure to Yield" or "Following Too Closely," your insurance company has strong leverage to demand a full settlement.

Even if no ticket was written, look for "Contributing Factors." If the officer checks a box for "Speeding" or "Driver Inattention" under the other driver's unit number, it serves as a powerful piece of evidence in your favor.

6. How to Correct an Error in the Report

Police officers are human, and mistakes happen—especially in chaotic weather or at night. If you find a factual error (like the wrong date or a misspelled name), contact the precinct to request a Supplemental Report.

However, if you disagree with the officer's opinion on fault, it is much harder to change. In these cases, your best course of action is to provide additional evidence—such as dashcam footage or witness statements—to your insurance adjuster or your personal injury attorney to counter the report’s findings.

Protecting Your Rights

A police report is not the final word in a court of law, but it is the "Gold Standard" for insurance companies. Knowing how to read it ensures that you aren't blindsided by an adjuster's decision and that your side of the story is accurately preserved.


 Ultimate Guide: Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident for Your Safety and Legal Protection 


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