How to Access Charlotte Car Accident Reports
Our experienced North Carolina car accident attorneys can help
In the aftermath of being involved in a motor vehicle accident in or around the Charlotte area, one of the most crucial things that you will need is the accident report. However, those first few hours or days after a car crash can be chaotic, and obtaining a police and accident report is likely the last thing on your mind. After all, you are injured and traumatized and dealing with bigger problems.
Further, the process of obtaining a car accident report can be confusing – but you don’t need to worry. At Price, Petho & Associates, our dedicated team understands the integral role that car accident reports play when it comes to helping injury victims like you secure compensation. We have the information and resources you or your loved one need, and we can help.
What would you like to know?
How do I get my car accident report in Charlotte?
One of the best ways – if not the best way – to prove your injury case after a car accident is through the police report. The accident report can help show who was at fault for the accident, as well as provide crucial information for your insurance company.
When most people need their vehicle accident report, they will generally have to obtain their copy by going to the North Carolina DMV website and completing the TR-67A Crash Request Form, printing it out, and mailing it in. Additionally, those who have been involved in a crash can also call the North Carolina DMV to have the request form mailed to them to fill it out and send it back in. The DMV will mail the report back. Accident reports cost $5.50 for a certified copy.
Accident victims can also visit the North Carolina DMV headquarters in person to get a copy of the accident report, but this can present challenges. Your injuries may be too severe, or you may be without a vehicle due to the car accident. If you cannot retrieve your accident report for these or any reason, our attorneys can help.
Can a Charlotte attorney get my accident report for me?
Yes, we can. Previously, anyone involved in a motor vehicle crash was able to access his/her accident report online. However, in early 2021, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department determined that they would no longer make accident reports available through their website. This decision prompted the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates to work with the North Carolina DMV to secure permission to gain direct access to the DMV website to obtain copies of accident reports.
We did this so that we could expedite the claims that we work on for our clients. We understand the importance of obtaining a crash report as soon as possible so that the insurance claim can begin. Car accident victims should not have to wait weeks or months to obtain settlements that can help pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Regardless of the future actions of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department concerning accident reports, our offices will always be able to help.
How do I read a police report from my car accident?
A North Carolina police crash report (DMV-349) contains a wide variety of information. Police are required to fill out a report if a motor vehicle accident resulted in:
- One or more fatalities
- Personal injury
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
- Damage of any amount to a seized vehicle
- A seized and forfeited vehicle
Your accident report is broken up into eight sections across two pages, from the top down:
- General information section. This lists the location, time, and date of the accident, as well as the number of vehicles involved. It also includes the distance to the nearest intersection or landmark, and even the latitude and longitude.
- Unit section. The unit section provides more specific information about the drivers and/or pedestrians involved in the crash, including names, contact information, and driver’s license information. The officer may also note here if a driver is suspected to be under the influence.
- Owner section. If different than the driver, this provides information on the owner of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident. It also lists vehicle information, like the VIN, make, model, style, and license plate number, as well as insurance information and a first estimate of damage.
- Contact section. The bottom of Page 1 lists the contact information of everyone involved in the crash, including any witnesses on the scene. The reporting police officer will also note if anyone received emergency medical care and, if so, where he/she was taken to receive treatment.
- Events. On top of Page 2, you’ll find the officer’s report of the sequence of events that led to the accident. This includes things like vehicle maneuvers, work-zone related, vehicle defects, and other causes. It also notes road conditions and features, including number of lanes and surface type.
- Diagram. Next, the officer will provide a diagram of the accident scene, including all involved vehicles and their positions.
- Description of accident. The next section is the officer’s description of what happened.
- Property damage. Finally, the officer lists any non-vehicle property damage, along with the contact information for the owners and witnesses to that damage. This section also notes if any traffic citations were issued at the scene.
You can access the full Instructional Manual here. Of course, if you have any concerns or questions about your police report, the Charlotte car accident attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates are happy to help.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
What if there is a mistake on my Charlotte police report?
If you believe there is an error on your police report, we can help you get that straightened out as well. This is especially important if an accident mistakenly assigns you at fault, even partially, for the crash that caused your injuries. Remember, police officers base their reports on many people’s accounts of the accident, including the at-fault party. Further, many police officers simply do not place much importance on filling out a report accurately if they don’t believe the accident is serious – however, it is not their decision to make.
If you find an error on your accident report, you can go to the department and request a supplemental report with new information. Typically you will have to provide evidence, and even this will not guarantee a new report. Asking for a new report in writing can help establish a paper trail. In the event you are having trouble, or just need help from the start, feel free to consult with our attorneys to secure a supplemental report.
Is there a car accident attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has an office at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we are happy to make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Skilled accident lawyers helping secure police reports in North Carolina
If you or somebody you love has been involved in a motor vehicle crash, contact the Charlotte car accident attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates today. Our team has extensive experience handling vehicle accident claims, and we understand the importance of securing the compensation you need. We want to help you get the car accident report related to your claim so that you can get what you need, fairly and promptly. For a free consultation, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Related Articles:
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.