Short Answer

In North Carolina, you can get the official collision report (DMV-349) from the law enforcement agency that investigated your crash—city police, county sheriff, or the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Have the report or incident number, date, location, and driver names ready, and expect a small copy fee. Reports are usually available within a few days, but timing and request methods vary by agency.

Understanding the Problem

You’re asking how, in North Carolina, you can obtain the police crash report after officers responded to your collision, and you still don’t have the report. This matters because insurers rely on the official report for liability decisions, and it contains key facts like diagrams, narratives, and cited violations that can affect your property damage claim.

Apply the Law

North Carolina treats law enforcement collision reports as public records. The investigating agency prepares the DMV-349 report and makes it available upon request. You typically request it from the agency’s Records Division (or, for State Highway Patrol, the District Office/records portal). Agencies may need several days to finalize and upload the report.

Key Requirements

• Identify the agency: Determine whether a city police department, county sheriff, or N.C. State Highway Patrol investigated.
• Provide details: Have the report/incident number if given on scene; otherwise provide the date, location, and names of drivers.
• Pay the fee: Expect a modest copy fee; payment methods vary by agency (in person, mail, or online).
• Allow processing time: Reports usually post within a few business days; complex collisions can take longer.
• Request format: Ask for the DMV-349 crash report; agencies may also give you a basic “exchange” sheet at the scene.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Collision reports) - Law enforcement crash reports are public records; officers must prepare and submit collision reports.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 132-6 (Public records inspection and copies) - Describes the public’s right to inspect and obtain copies of public records and pay applicable fees.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because officers responded to your crash, a DMV-349 should exist and is a public record. Request it from the investigating agency’s Records Division using the incident or report number from your exchange sheet; if you don’t have that, provide the date, location, and parties. The report will capture each driver’s statements and a diagram—useful given the other driver claims you turned in front of them and your insurer denied coverage.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You, a family member, your insurer, or your attorney. Where: The Records Division of the investigating agency in North Carolina (city police, county sheriff, or N.C. State Highway Patrol District Office). What: Request the DMV-349 crash report; provide the report/incident number or the date, location, and involved names. When: Typically available within 3–7 business days after the crash, but timing varies by agency.
2. Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the agency’s online portal if offered; pay the copy fee. If you’re unsure which agency responded, call local non‑emergency dispatch with the date/time/location to confirm.
3. Receive the report (paper or electronic). Review it for accuracy and follow the agency’s process to request corrections if you spot clear errors (like misspelled names or wrong insurance information).

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If no officer investigated or the crash was too minor to be “reportable,” an official DMV-349 may not exist; you might only have the on‑scene exchange information.
• Some personal information may be redacted; requestors still receive the narrative, diagram, and essential crash facts.
• Delays happen with multi‑vehicle or contested crashes; check back weekly if it’s not yet posted.
• If the report lists wrong insurance details, promptly request the agency’s correction process and send the corrected report to your insurer.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with a denied property damage claim and need the official crash report to move things forward, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.