What Is the Process for Contacting the Responding Law Enforcement Officer or Agency to Correct a Report in North Carolina?
Correcting a Police Crash Report in North Carolina: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Detailed Answer
When a crash report (often the DMV-349) contains a factual error—such as the wrong insurance company, misspelled names, or inaccurate vehicle positions—you have the right to request a correction. North Carolina law does not provide a formal, statewide form for the public to amend an officer’s report, but N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (investigation of accidents) and § 132-1 (Public Records Act) make the completed record public and allow you to seek a supplemental statement from the agency. Below is the practical process:
Identify the correct agency and officer. Look at the top of page 1 of the report for the agency name (e.g., Durham Police Department) and the investigating officer’s badge number.
Gather documentation. Before calling, collect proof that shows the mistake—photographs, insurance cards, vehicle registration, medical bills, or witness statements. Organize them by date to make the officer’s review easy.
Contact the officer directly. • Call the non-emergency number on the agency’s website or on the crash report. • Ask for the officer by name/badge number and reference the report number. • Be polite and concise: “Officer Taylor, I believe Box 24 lists the wrong insurer. May I email supporting proof so a supplemental narrative can be filed?”
Email or deliver written proof. Most agencies allow citizens to email the officer or records unit. Attach clear PDFs or photos and include a short cover letter explaining the requested correction.
Request a supplemental report. Officers cannot erase the original report, but they can file a “Supplemental/Continuation” page or an Amended DMV-349. Ask for written confirmation once it is submitted.
Follow up with the records division. If you do not receive an update within ten business days, call the agency’s records or evidence unit. Confirm that the supplemental report is in the file and request a certified copy.
Escalate if needed. Should the officer deny an obvious factual correction, ask to speak with a patrol sergeant or the records supervisor. If the agency still refuses, you may: • Send a written demand letter citing § 132-6 (inspection of public records); or • File an insurance dispute or court motion to admit your evidence in any later personal-injury claim.
Hypothetical Example: Maria is rear-ended in Durham. The officer transposes her license number and lists the wrong rear-driver’s insurance. Maria emails the officer a photo of her registration and the at-fault driver’s insurance card. Within a week, the officer files a supplemental page correcting Boxes 15 and 35. Maria’s insurer now processes the claim without delay.
2. Helpful Hints
Act within 30 days of receiving the report; memories fade and officers rotate shifts.
Keep communications in writing—email provides a time-stamped trail.
Stay factual. Officers will not change their opinions (e.g., fault), but they will fix objective data errors.
Request “certified” copies for insurance or court use; uncertified copies may be rejected.
If you cannot reach the original officer (retired, transferred), records staff can assign another officer to review your evidence.
For highway patrol reports, call the NCSHP Troop Headquarters listed on the form; they can forward a correction request to the trooper.
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Crash Reporting Unit (919-861-3098) can advise whether an amended DMV-349 has posted statewide.
Need help? A properly corrected crash report can make or break your personal-injury claim. Our North Carolina injury attorneys handle every step—from contacting the officer to negotiating with insurers—so you can focus on recovery. Call us today at 919-313-2737 for a free consultation.
