Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | March 9, 2026 | Car Accidents
If you are filing a personal injury claim in North Carolina, a police report is essentially required. While you can technically start a claim without one, insurance adjusters often deny or devalue claims that lack an official accident report. In North Carolina, a police report serves as the primary evidence of fault and is required for most accidents involving injury or significant property damage.
While it is not always legally required, having a police report can be very important when filing a personal injury claim following a car crash. The police report serves as an official record, documenting key details including how the collision occurred, who was involved, and who may be at fault. This information can significantly strengthen your case when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
Without a police report, proving the circumstances of the accident and establishing liability becomes more challenging, which can affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Therefore, while it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible after your car crash.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney can gather police reports and other evidence to establish the legal elements of your claim or lawsuit. Your North Carolina car accident lawyer can also negotiate with insurance company representatives – or litigate your case in court – to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.
Is it Legally Required to Report an Accident in NC?
Under N.C.G.S. § 20-166.1, North Carolina law requires the driver of a vehicle to notify law enforcement immediately if a crash results in:
- Physical injury or death to any person.
- Total property damage of $1,000 or more.
- Damage to a vehicle seized by an officer.
Even if you believe the damage is minor, it is nearly impossible to accurately estimate vehicle repair costs or “hidden” medical injuries at the scene. Failing to report the accident could not only hurt your legal claim but could also result in legal penalties.
Why Insurance Adjusters Demand a Police Report
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Without a police report, your case becomes a “he said, she said” scenario. A formal report, namely the NC DMV-349 form, provides an objective third-party account that includes:
- Official determinations of fault and traffic citations issued.
- Diagrams of vehicle positions and point of impact.
- Statements from neutral eyewitnesses.
- Weather, road conditions, and lighting at the time of the crash.
Types of Helpful Evidence in a Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit
Strong evidence is important in a car accident claim or lawsuit for establishing liability and proving damages. Different types of evidence can significantly affect the outcome of a case. Among the most helpful types are a copy of the police report, photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage assessments.
A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a car crash claim. Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene create this official document. It includes critical information such as the date and time of the accident, the location, the parties involved, and sometimes the officers’ opinions on fault. The police report can help establish a factual account of the accident and provide credibility to your claim.
Photographs of the accident scene are another key type of evidence. These images should capture the positions of the vehicles, damage to each vehicle, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. Photos taken from different angles can help recreate the scene and provide visual proof of the extent of damage and the overall circumstances of the accident.
Witness statements are also valuable. Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can provide testimonies that support your version of events. Their statements can corroborate your account and offer an impartial perspective on what happened.
Medical records play a critical role in proving the extent of injuries sustained in the accident. These records include detailed reports from healthcare providers, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans. They help demonstrate the physical effect of the accident and establish a connection between the collision and any injuries or ongoing medical issues.
Finally, vehicle damage assessments are useful in determining the severity of the collision and the cost of repairs. Professional appraisers or insurance adjusters who evaluate the damage to the vehicles involved usually conduct these assessments. The extent of damage can help establish the force of the impact and support claims for repairs or replacement.
Each type of evidence provides valuable information that can strengthen your case and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
What to Do if the Police Didn’t Come to the Scene
Sometimes, during heavy storms or on private property, the police may refuse to come to the scene of a minor crash. If this happens, you must still protect your rights:
- File a Citizen’s Accident Report: Visit the nearest police station or highway patrol office immediately to file a report in person.
- Submit an SR-1 Form: You can download and mail a Form SR-1 to the NC DMV to officially document the crash.
- Document Everything: Take your own photos of the vehicles, the area, and the other driver’s license and insurance card.
How to Get a Copy of Your North Carolina Accident Report
Once the officer completes the investigation, it usually takes 3 to 5 business days for the report to be processed. You can typically retrieve your report through:
- The Local Police Department: Most cities (like Raleigh, Charlotte, or Goldsboro) have online portals where you can download the report for a small fee.
- The NC DMV: You can request a certified copy directly from the NCDMV via mail by filling out the TR-67A Form for a fee or online. Find the step by step process for your options on the NCDMV website.
- Your Attorney: If you hire Riddle & Riddle, we handle the retrieval of all police and investigative reports for you.
Recoverable Car Accident Damages
In a car collision claim or lawsuit, you can seek compensation for various damages. These damages are typically categorized into economic and non-economic damages, each covering different aspects of the losses you have experienced.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible and can be easily calculated. They include:
- Medical Expenses – This type of damage covers the cost of treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. You can also claim future medical expenses if you will need ongoing treatment.
- Lost income – If the car accident caused you to miss work, you can recover compensation for the total earnings you lost. This compensation includes income, salaries, and any potential bonuses or raises you may have missed.
- Property Damage – Property damage includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as your clothing or electronics.
- Out-of-pocket Expenses – These expenses are additional costs related to the accident, such as transportation costs for medical appointments or hiring someone to help with daily tasks while you recover.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify but are equally important. They include:
- Pain and Suffering – This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident and your injuries caused. It includes the discomfort, inconvenience, and reduced quality of life you experience.
- Emotional Distress – Emotional distress covers the psychological repercussions of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. It reflects how the accident has affected your mental health and overall well-being.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If the accident has prevented you from participating in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This damage reflects how your lifestyle has been altered.
- Loss of Consortium – In cases where a spouse or family member is severely injured, the affected partner may claim compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
Each type of damage aims to compensate for different aspects of the harm caused by the accident.
Protect Your Claim: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Today
A police report is a vital piece of the puzzle, but it is only the beginning. Insurance companies may still try to twist the officer’s words or ignore the evidence.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience interpreting NC accident reports and holding negligent drivers accountable. We offer a free consultation to review your report and determine the best path forward for your recovery. Call us today at (800) 525-7111 or fill out the form below. We don’t get paid unless you do.