What This Question Is Really Asking
You’re usually asking two things: (1) whether you “messed up” by not calling police, and (2) how to protect yourself now that there’s no official crash report. The key point is that a police report is helpful, but it is not the only way to document a crash. What you do next can fill many of the gaps.
A Practical Step-by-Step Path
- Write down what happened while it’s fresh: Note the date/time, general location, direction of travel, weather/lighting, lane positions, and a simple diagram. Keep it factual.
- Gather and preserve evidence: Take clear photos of all vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots), the roadway/parking garage exit area, any visible marks or debris, and any relevant signs or lane markings. Save any dashcam footage and do not overwrite it.
- Exchange and confirm basic information (if you haven’t already): Names, phone numbers, driver’s license info, plate numbers, and insurance information. If you already exchanged it, confirm it in writing (a short text or email is fine).
- Identify witnesses: If anyone saw the collision, ask for a name and contact information. A short, dated written summary from a witness can help later.
- Notify insurance promptly: Report the crash to your insurer and (if you have it) provide the other driver’s insurance information. Stick to what you know. Avoid guessing speeds, distances, or admitting fault.
- Consider whether the crash was “reportable” and make a late report if appropriate: North Carolina law requires the driver in a reportable crash to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately by the quickest means of communication. If you’re unsure whether your crash was reportable, it’s still reasonable to call the non-emergency number and ask how to document a late report in your area.
- Track symptoms (without self-diagnosing): Even if you feel fine, write down any new pain, stiffness, headaches, or limitations that show up later, along with dates. If you decide to seek medical care, those timelines often matter in injury claims.
Timing: What Can Speed Things Up or Slow Things Down
- No police report: Adjusters often rely more heavily on photos, vehicle damage documentation, witness info, and consistent statements when there is no report.
- Unclear fault: If the crash happened while turning out of a garage onto a two-way street, insurers may dispute who had the right-of-way. Good scene photos and a clear diagram can help.
- Delayed documentation: Waiting weeks to photograph damage or get repair estimates can create arguments about whether all damage came from this crash.
- North Carolina contributory negligence risk: NC follows a strict contributory negligence rule in many negligence cases. If an insurer argues you contributed even slightly to causing the crash, it can significantly affect an injury claim. That’s another reason to document carefully and avoid casual fault statements.
How This Applies
Apply to your facts: Because you did not call police and you have unrepaired left-bumper damage, your best next move is to document the damage and the garage exit/two-way street layout right away (photos and a simple diagram). Then report the crash to insurance with a clear, consistent description of the turn and point of impact. Even if you believe you have no injuries, keep a brief dated note if any symptoms appear later.
What the Statutes Say (Optional)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reporting) – Requires drivers in a reportable crash to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately by the quickest means of communication.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Common civil filing deadlines) – Lists several three-year limitation periods that often apply in negligence and property-damage cases.
Conclusion
Not calling police at the scene is common, and it does not automatically end your options. The practical fix is to create your own paper trail now: write down what happened, photograph the scene and damage, identify witnesses, and notify insurance promptly with a consistent account. If fault is disputed, damage is significant, or symptoms show up later, your next step should be to speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney to understand deadlines and how to protect your claim.
