The police accident report is one of the most important documents you will need after a car crash in North Carolina. The report contains critical information about when and where the crash occurred, who was involved, insurance coverage, and the investigating officer’s opinions about who was at fault.
Getting a police report isn’t always easy, though. If you’ve never had to request a report, it can be confusing to know what to do. The North Carolina car accident lawyers at the law firm of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can help you get your police report. Contact us now for a free consultation.
How to Get a Police Report After an Accident in North Carolina
Reports of all accidents investigated by North Carolina law enforcement agencies are sent to the state Division of Motor Vehicles once they’re complete. According to the state government, there are three ways to obtain a completed police report. They are:
- Call the DMV at (919) 861-3098.
- Make an in-person visit to the state DMV headquarters at 1100 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.
- Obtain form TR-67A online, fill it out, and mail it to the DMV at NCDOT-DMV Traffic Records Section, 3106 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3106.
What Information Is in a North Carolina Police Report, and Who Can Use It?
Here’s the information you’ll usually find in a North Carolina police accident report:
- The names of all the drivers involved, along with their addresses, driver’s license numbers, and injury status
- Any passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved in the accident, along with their names, addresses, and injury status
- The names and contact information of any eyewitnesses
- Whether the police suspect drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident, along with any tests that were performed
- Whether anyone was ticketed or charged with a crime
- What vehicles were involved in the accident and any damage they sustained
- Where the accident happened
- The road conditions at the time of the accident
- Weather and visibility conditions at the time of the crash
- Whether any emergency vehicles came to the scene
- Estimated speeds of the vehicles involved when the accident happened
- A basic description of the events of the crash
- A sketch of the accident and the scene
- A narrative account of the accident and what may have caused it
You should request your accident report to know what’s in it and dispute any inaccuracies.
Does My Insurance Need a Police Report for My Claim?
Strictly speaking, your insurance company does not need a police report for you to file a claim.
However, a police report can be crucial to your claim in the following instances:
- The insurance company disputes fault or tries to shift fault onto you.
- The insurance company says you don’t have sufficient evidence to claim your benefits.
- The insurance company says the accident didn’t happen.
In these cases, the evidence from a police report may bolster your claim and help you get the money you need.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in North Carolina for Help Obtaining Your Police Report
Are you having trouble obtaining your police report after a car accident in North Carolina? Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, today to speak to a North Carolina car accident attorney.
