You should understand North Carolina car accident report basics if you get hurt in a crash someone else causes. Although the police report isn’t evidence itself, it could provide information to help establish liability and show another person is at fault.
How Do I Report a Car Accident in North Carolina?
Reporting a car accident in North Carolina is straightforward. You can report a car crash by contacting the local police department if it happened in a city or town or the State Highway Patrol or sheriff’s office if it occurred outside a city or town.
According to state law, reporting a car accident in North Carolina is a requirement if the driver of any vehicle is in a collision causing someone’s serious bodily injury or death.
What Information Is in a North Carolina Police Report, and Who Can Use It?
Crash reports contain relevant information about accidents investigated by law enforcement, such as:
- The date and location of the collision
- The names of everyone involved
- Each driver’s vehicle information
- Auto insurance details
- A brief description of the officer’s understanding of the events
- Any citations issued for traffic violations
Anyone involved in the case can request a copy of the police report, including people in the crash, their lawyers, and their insurance companies.
Does My Insurance Need a Police Report for My Claim?
Insurance companies often review police reports while investigating claims. The officer might write a determination of fault. Although it’s only the officer’s opinion, many insurers use reports against accident victims, especially if the details allow them to deny liability. Keep in mind that the courts have the final say on who was at fault for a crash in North Carolina.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report from an Accident?
Are you wondering how to get a police report after a car accident? Visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) website. You can request a certified copy using one of these methods:
- Complete the Request for Motor Vehicle Information form, write a check for $5.50, and mail the form and payment to the Traffic Records Branch in Raleigh.
- Complete the Request for Motor Vehicle Information form and bring it to the Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency with payment.
Obtaining a North Carolina Police Report Online
For accidents investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, you can request a copy of the crash report on the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website. The information you can use to search for your report includes:
- Report number and the last name of someone listed on the report
- Last name and the month and year of the collision
- Driver’s license number and the month and year of the accident
- Vehicle plate number and the month and year of the crash
Call Our North Carolina Attorneys Before Filing a Car Accident Claim
The North Carolina car accident attorneys at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can help with every aspect of your car accident case. You should not wait to retain our services. When you hire us, we will diligently gather evidence and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call or contact us online for a free consultation if you sustained injuries in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence.
