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If you have been in a North Carolina car accident, one of the most important documents for your insurance or personal injury claim is the police accident report. This official document records details that can help establish fault, support your case, and provide evidence for settlement negotiations or a trial.
Here, our North Carolina car accident lawyers explain step-by-step how to get a police report in North Carolina, from the first moments after the crash to receiving your copy.
What Is a Police Report?
A police report is the official document prepared by the responding law enforcement officer after a motor vehicle collision. It summarizes the facts gathered at the accident scene and records important details, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names, addresses, and contact details of all drivers and passengers
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
- Insurance details for each driver
- Witness names and statements
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Officer’s observations and contributing factors
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1, drivers involved in accidents must notify local law enforcement resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. This action triggers the creation of the police report.
Why You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident in North Carolina
In a North Carolina accident claim, a police report can be one of the most important pieces of information. The state follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, the courts could bar you from recovering any compensation.
However, having the report allows you to:
- Show your insurance company the official account of the crash
- Verify accident details for your claim file
- Provide evidence if you must file a personal injury lawsuit in NC
Insurance adjusters and personal injury attorneys rely on police reports to help determine fault, settlement amounts, and case strategies.
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Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident in NC
If you want to obtain an accurate police report later, you need to take certain steps right after the crash. We advise clients to do the following after a car accident:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident
- Move your car to safety if possible
- Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed
- Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers
- Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives
- Give the police officer a clear, truthful account of the accident
- Request the officer’s name and case/report number
This information will make it easier to locate your NC crash report later.
Who Prepares the Report and When It’s Available
The officer who responds, whether from a city police department, county sheriff’s office, or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, prepares your accident report.
Most reports are ready within three to ten business days, but more complicated crashes or those under investigation could take longer.
How to Request a Copy of a Police Accident Report in NC
The way to obtain an NC crash report depends on which law enforcement agency investigated your accident.
Request Through the Local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office
If your accident was handled by a city or county officer:
- In person: Visit the department’s records division with your ID and case number (if available).
- By mail: Send a written request with your name, accident date, location, and the involved parties.
- Online: Many departments offer portals to search and purchase car accident reports.
You’ll usually need the date and location of the crash, plus the drivers’ names.
Request Through the NC DMV Crash Reports Database
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles stores crash reports statewide.
- Online: Use the DMV’s crash report search tool, provide the required details, and pay the fee.
- By mail: Fill out a DMV Crash Report Request (TR-67A form) and send it to the DMV Records Section with payment.
Certified copies are sometimes required for court or formal proceedings.
Request Through the NC Highway Patrol
If a state trooper investigated the crash:
- Contact the NC Highway Patrol District Office in the county of the accident.
- Verify that the report is complete.
- Request a copy in person or by mail, providing date, time, location, and involved names.
A Legal Representative Can Obtain a Police Report for You
Most car accident victims will find that obtaining a police report while recovering from their injuries can prove difficult to manage. However, you can discuss your case with our law firm during a free case consultation.
If we choose to work together, we have the staff and resources available to collect the police report as well as investigate the accident.
Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help With Your Case
Getting a North Carolina police report promptly is one of the best ways to protect your rights after a crash. The process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and act quickly.
A car accident lawyer serving North Carolina with our law firm offers free consultations to help you review your accident report, understand your options, and pursue your claim. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today to get started.
North Carolina Police Report FAQs
What does It Cost to Get a Police Report in North Carolina?
Standard reports generally cost $5 when ordered online or in person. Certified copies may range from $5 to $10, depending on the issuing agency.
Payment methods include cash, check, and credit or debit cards for in-person orders, while online payments are usually made by credit card.
How Long do I Have to Request a Police Report?
Police reports are public records in North Carolina, but each agency has a retention policy. The DMV generally keeps crash reports for at least three years. Request yours promptly to avoid delays or record purges.
What If There Are Errors in My Police Report?
Once you obtain your NC accident report, review it carefully. If you find factual mistakes, contact the agency that created the report.
Although officers rarely change their conclusions, you may be able to correct clerical errors or add a supplemental statement to the file to clarify your position.
Can the Police Report Affect My Insurance Claim?
A police report can shape your North Carolina personal injury claim by influencing how insurers view fault.
Adjusters often give significant weight to the officer’s notes, citations, and diagrams. Still, other evidence, such as photos, medical records, and witness testimony, can also be vital in proving your claim.
