How to Get a Crash Report in North Carolina

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How to Obtain a Crash Report in North Carolina

In the event of a vehicle accident in North Carolina, obtaining a crash report is a crucial step in addressing the aftermath of the incident. A crash report, officially referred to as an accident report, is a legal document crafted by law enforcement that provides essential details regarding the accident, including the parties involved, vehicles, and circumstances surrounding the incident.

To acquire a crash report in North Carolina, you can follow these straightforward steps:

  • Contact the Law Enforcement Agency: Reach out to the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. This may include the local police department or the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
  • Request the Report: You may request the report online, via mail, or in person, depending on the agency’s protocols. Be prepared to provide necessary details such as the date, time, and location of the accident.
  • Pay Applicable Fees: There may be a nominal fee associated with obtaining the report. Ensure to inquire about the costs beforehand.

Engaging the services of a North Carolina injury attorney is advisable following an accident. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable support by:

  • Interpreting the Report: They can help you understand the complexities of the crash report and how it impacts your case.
  • Claim Handling: Our North Carolina personal injury attorney can assist with filing claims with insurance companies, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and timely.
  • Legal Representation: If negotiations with insurers do not yield a satisfactory resolution, an attorney can represent you in court, advocating for your rights and maximizing your compensation.

For more information on how car accident claimants can report a vehicle accident to the police and on what to do right after an accident, contact our Raleigh personal injury attorney. Also, feel free to download a copy of the NC DMV-349 key to read your NC crash report once received.

If a police officer arrived at the scene of your accident, they should have given you a driver exchange form which can help locate your crash report once it is ready. The driver exchange form will have information such as the crash report number, the name of the police department, and the car insurance information. After a car accident, it usually takes three to five days for the full crash report to be finalized. However, it can take longer for large accidents with multiple vehicles involved and for accidents with several witnesses or any fatalities. To see if your crash report is complete, you can call the North Carolina DMV (NC DMV) at (919) 800-2000.

Once your crash report is ready, there are several ways you can obtain it. Depending on which police department arrived at your accident, you may be able to download your crash report easily online. Several police departments in North Carolina publish crash reports automatically to their online database where you can download them for free. These include the following agencies:

For police departments that do not publish their crash reports online, you can get a copy from the NC DMV in person or through the mail. To request a copy in person, you can visit the NC DMV headquarters at 1100 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. To obtain a copy through the mail, you must submit a TR-67A crash report request form which you can access by clicking here. Fill out the form with your name, driver’s license number, date of the accident, and location of the accident. Then mail the completed form and a check for $5.50 (made payable to NCDMV) to the following address:

Traffic Records Branch

Crash Reports Unit

3106 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27697

Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney for You

If you were injured in a car accident, contact our North Carolina car accident lawyer at (919) 800-2000 to find out more about ways to protect your rights. If you find yourself in need of legal assistance after a vehicular accident, do not hesitate to contact our dedicated North Carolina injury lawyer. We are committed to providing the guidance and representation you need in these challenging times.