If a police crash or incident report contains wrong information, you can request a correction—often called an “amendment” or “supplemental report.” In North Carolina, the process is not spelled out in one single statute, but several laws and agency rules guide officers and the public. Follow the steps below:
Obtain a copy of the report through the law-enforcement agency or, for a crash, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1, most police reports are public records, so you have a right to review them.
Collect documents, photos, video, witness statements, or medical records that show the report is wrong. Clear evidence persuades the reporting officer and their supervisor.
Locate the officer’s name and badge number on the report. Call the agency’s non-emergency line and politely request to speak with that officer. Most departments allow officers to file a supplemental narrative that corrects or clarifies facts.
Follow agency policy—usually a brief letter or email—to:
Include contact information and keep a copy of everything you send.
If the officer will not amend the report, ask to speak with a supervisor or records custodian. Politely cite N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (for crash reports) or the agency’s written directive, which usually authorizes corrections when presented with credible evidence.
Some agencies allow an injured driver, passenger, or witness to submit an MV-349 Supplemental Crash Report for the DMV file or a personal affidavit for an incident file. Even if the officer declines to change the report, your statement becomes part of the record.
In a personal-injury claim, your lawyer and insurance adjuster can request amendments on your behalf. Adjusters often accept a supplemental statement to override minor report errors when assigning fault.
Maintain copies, dates, and names for every contact. If litigation becomes necessary, these records show that you acted diligently to correct the mistake.
Correcting a police report protects your personal-injury claim and ensures that insurers, medical providers, and the court rely on accurate facts. Our firm helps clients gather evidence, communicate with officers, and safeguard their legal rights.
Need help fixing a police report and protecting your injury claim? The attorneys at Wallace Pierce Law have years of experience guiding North Carolinians through every step. Call us today at 919-313-2737 for a free consultation.
