Short Answer

In North Carolina, the official crash report (DMV-349) is a public record you can order online from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles or request from the investigating law enforcement agency. Other police materials (like body-cam/dash-cam) are not automatically public and often require a court order. Your EMS and hospital records are available with a signed HIPAA authorization, and providers may charge copy fees. Request key items quickly so recordings are preserved.

Understanding the Problem

You’re a passenger injured in a North Carolina car crash asking: how do I get the police report and accident records? The goal is to collect the official crash report, any releasable police materials, and your EMS/hospital records so you can document the claim. The decision point is what to request, from whom, and in what order after the officer files the report with the state.

Apply the Law

North Carolina treats the officer’s crash report (DMV-349) as a public record that anyone can request once it’s submitted. Police investigative files are different: most are not open to the public. Certain recordings (body‑worn or dash‑cam) require a court petition for copies. Your own medical and EMS records are available to you (or your attorney) with a valid authorization, and providers may charge reasonable copy fees. The main forum for the crash report is the NCDMV/NCDOT portal or the investigating agency; a petition for police recordings is filed in the county’s Superior Court. Health care providers generally must respond to records requests within 30 days.

Key Requirements

• Crash report (DMV-349): Identify the investigating agency and request the DMV-349 once it’s uploaded; provide names, date, and location to help find it.
• Agency materials: Basic incident details may be available; investigative files are usually exempt from public release.
• Recordings/photos: Body‑cam and dash‑cam copies typically require a petition in Superior Court; ask the agency in writing to preserve them.
• Medical/EMS records: Submit a HIPAA authorization to EMS and the hospital to obtain your records and itemized bills; copy fees may apply.
• Timing: Crash reports are usually available within days after submission; medical providers generally must respond within 30 days; request preservation of recordings promptly.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crashes; reports) - Requires officers to complete and submit crash reports (DMV-349).
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 (Public records) - Defines public records accessible to the public.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.4A (Law enforcement recordings) - Sets procedures for disclosure and release of body‑cam/dash‑cam recordings.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-411 (Copies of medical records; fees) - Permits reasonable fees for copying patient medical records.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: As a passenger, you can request the DMV-349 crash report as soon as it’s available. Because you were transported by ambulance, request your EMS run sheet and the hospital’s records and itemized bill using a signed HIPAA authorization—insurance status does not limit your right to copies. If you want body‑cam or dash‑cam footage, send a written preservation request to the agency now and consider a petition in Superior Court for a copy. These records will help document your back and head injuries for settlement and any lien negotiations.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: North Carolina DMV Crash Reports portal or the investigating agency’s records unit. What: Request the DMV-349 Crash Report (search by name/date/location). When: Reports are typically posted within 5–10 business days after the crash. Official portal: NCDOT Crash Reports.
2. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Investigating law enforcement agency (records division) and, if seeking recordings, the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the agency is located. What: Written request for any releasable incident materials; separate written preservation request for dash/body‑cam; if you need a copy of recordings, file a petition for release under state law. When: Send preservation requests immediately; hearing timelines for petitions vary by county.
3. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: EMS provider and hospital Health Information Management (Medical Records). What: HIPAA authorization plus request for records and itemized billing. When: Providers generally must respond within 30 days; fees for copies may apply under state law.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Assuming the full police investigative file is public—most is not; the crash report is public, but recordings often require a court order.
• Waiting too long to request preservation of video; recordings may be overwritten under agency retention schedules.
• Not providing enough identifiers (date, location, names) to locate the DMV-349; confirm the investigating agency first.
• Submitting medical record requests without a complete HIPAA authorization or photo ID; incomplete requests are delayed.
• Relying on third-party reseller sites; use the official NCDOT portal or the agency directly to avoid errors.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with getting your North Carolina crash report, police materials, and medical records after a wreck, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today at (919) 341-7055.

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.