Cop left me off the accident report entirely — now the other driver's insurance won't talk to me

This happened to something similar with my cousin — he was a passenger and the officer only listed the two drivers. What ended up helping was getting a written statement from everyone else who was at the scene: the other driver, witnesses, even the tow truck guy who showed up. Not a perfect fix, but it gave him something to show the insurance company while they sorted out the report.

A few things worth knowing: police reports are actually amendable, but the process varies by department. Most departments have a formal "supplement" or "amendment request" process — sometimes you have to submit it in writing to the records division, not just show up and ask for the officer. I'd skip trying to catch the officer in person and instead send a written request (email or certified letter) to the records unit specifically asking for a supplemental report to be added. Keep copies of everything you send.

Also — and this is important — even without an amended report, insurance companies can accept other forms of proof. Witness statements, photos, medical records that reference the accident date, even your own written statement. The adjuster may be using the report issue as an easy excuse to stall.

That adjuster telling you they "can't proceed" is almost certainly a stall tactic, not a hard rule. Insurance companies love a technicality because it delays the clock on your claim. Don't let them close your file while you're chasing the police department. Send them something in writing — even a simple email — stating you were a passenger in the vehicle and you're preserving your claim. Get it on record with them NOW.

Not legal advice, but this kind of documentation gap is actually pretty common and not necessarily fatal to a claim. An attorney can often help fill the evidentiary record through other means — medical records, witness affidavits, photos, cell phone data placing you at the scene, etc. If the department keeps stonewalling, there are also ways to formally compel a records correction. Might be worth a free consult just to understand your options before more time passes.

Please don't let the insurance and report stuff distract you from actually documenting your injuries thoroughly with your doctors. Make sure every appointment, your chiropractor is noting exactly what you report — pain levels, what movements hurt, how it's affecting your sleep or daily activities. That clinical record becomes really important if this drags out. Also if the pain isn't improving or gets worse, push for an MRI. Soft tissue injuries after rear-ends are sneaky.

Former adjuster here. The rep you spoke to probably flagged your file with a note saying "claimant not listed on report" and that's becoming a wall. But I'll tell you — internally, adjusters have discretion to accept supplemental evidence. The real problem is nobody wants to be the one who "made an exception." If you escalate to a supervisor and come armed with photos, medical records timestamped to the day after the accident, and a written statement from your roommate confirming you were in the vehicle, a reasonable supervisor will move forward. The front-line rep just doesn't want to own the decision.

Stop calling. Write everything down — certified mail, email with read receipts, whatever creates a paper trail. The department, the adjuster, all of it. Verbal conversations disappear. Written requests don't. Also, your roommate needs to give you a signed written statement confirming you were in the car. Get that done this week.