What Information Must Be Included in a Police Report?

In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, the arrival of a police officer brings a sense of order. The officer is a neutral, trained professional whose job is to document the facts of the incident. The document they create—officially known in Washington State as a “Police Traffic Collision Report”—becomes the foundational piece of evidence for your entire insurance claim.

This report is far more than just a simple summary. It is a detailed, multi-page document filled with specific codes, diagrams, and observations that insurance adjusters rely on to make their initial determination of fault. Knowing what information is supposed to be in this report, and where to find it, is crucial for understanding your claim. It allows you to verify its accuracy and effectively use it as evidence.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• It’s the Official Record: The police report is the primary official document that summarizes the facts of your car accident.
• Key Factual Information: It must include the date, time, location, and identifying information for all drivers, passengers, witnesses, and vehicles involved.
• The Officer’s Narrative and Diagram: These are the most important sections. The narrative is the officer’s written summary of what happened, and the diagram illustrates the sequence of the crash.
• Contributing Factors: The report will include the officer’s opinion on the primary factors that contributed to the collision (e.g., speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving).
• Citations are Crucial: The report will state whether any traffic tickets (citations) were issued at the scene, which is powerful evidence of fault.

Breaking Down a Washington State Collision Report

While the exact layout can vary slightly by agency (e.g., Tacoma Police vs. Washington State Patrol), all official reports contain the same core information mandated by the state.

1. The Basic Facts of the Crash

The first page will always contain the essential, top-level information that identifies the accident.

• Case/Report Number: The unique number you will use to get a copy of the report.
• Date, Time, and Location: The precise date and time of the crash, and the specific location (e.g., intersection, street address, or highway milepost).
• Weather and Road Conditions: The officer will note if it was raining, foggy, or icy, and the condition of the pavement.

2. Information on All Parties Involved

The report will have a detailed section for every driver, vehicle, passenger, and pedestrian involved. This includes:

• Driver Information: Full name, address, driver’s license number, and date of birth.
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Insurance Information: The name of each driver’s insurance company and their policy number.
• Passenger and Witness Details: Names and contact information for any passengers or independent witnesses.

3. The Officer’s Narrative and Diagram

This is the heart of the report and the first thing an insurance adjuster will read.

• The Narrative: This is a written summary where the officer describes, in their own words, how they believe the accident occurred. It is based on their on-scene investigation, their analysis of the physical evidence, and the statements they took from drivers and witnesses.
• The Diagram: The officer will draw a diagram of the accident scene, showing the layout of the road and the positions of the vehicles before, during, and after the impact.

4. The “Contributing Circumstances” Section

This is the officer’s professional opinion on the primary causes of the crash. They will use a series of codes to indicate the factors they believe led to the collision. This is where you will find notations for actions like:

• Exceeding the speed limit
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Driver inattention/distraction

5. Citations Issued

The report will clearly state if one or more drivers were issued a traffic ticket. A citation for a “rule of the road” violation is one of the most persuasive pieces of evidence an insurance adjuster uses to assign fault.

Your police report is a powerful tool, but it’s essential to remember that it is still just one piece of evidence. Officers can make mistakes, and their on-scene opinion is not the final, legally binding word on fault.

If you believe the police report for your Tacoma-area accident contains errors or does not accurately reflect what happened, it is crucial to seek professional legal advice. Search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma to find and compare trusted local attorneys who can help you correct the record or build a case with other evidence to prove your side of the story.

References

• Washington State Patrol (WSP) – Collision Records and Information:

  The official source for information on Washington State’s collision reporting system, including the forms and data fields used.

  https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/collision-records-and-information/

• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – Understanding Collision Data:

  Provides access to the manual that explains the codes and fields used on a Washington State Police Traffic Collision Report.

  https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/crash-data-reporting/understanding-data

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.52.030) – Accident reports:

  The state law that mandates law enforcement officers who investigate an accident must file a report with the WSP.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.52.030