Short Answer

In North Carolina, you ask the investigating police department to file a supplemental crash report correcting or adding missing facts, such as a child’s injury. You cannot change the report yourself, but the officer can amend it if you provide clear, verifiable information (e.g., report number, proof the child was an involved occupant, and medical/EMS records). Make the request in writing and follow up with the officer or Records Division.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, can a parent ask the investigating police department to correct a DMV‑349 crash report to add a minor child’s injury that was left out? You want the report to reflect your child’s involvement and current treatment because the original crash report omitted the child’s injury.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, the DMV‑349 crash report is prepared by the investigating agency, and only the officer or agency can issue a supplemental report to correct or add information. Parents or guardians can request a correction, but they must supply reliable documentation that confirms the omitted facts. There is no formal court appeal to force a change; the process runs through the investigating agency’s officer and Records Division. Act promptly; procedures and response times vary by agency.

Key Requirements

• Investigating officer controls amendments: You cannot edit a DMV‑349 yourself; the officer must issue a supplemental report.
• Provide verifiable facts: Include the crash report number, date/location, proof your child was an involved occupant, and medical/EMS documentation of injury.
• Use the proper channel: Submit a written request to the investigating agency’s Records Division or directly to the reporting officer, following any local form or procedure.
• Parental authority: As the child’s parent/guardian, you can request the correction and provide records for verification.
• Timing matters: Ask as soon as you notice the omission; older reports can be harder to supplement once archived.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Accident reports) - Governs law enforcement crash reporting and limits how reports are used.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 132-6 (Public records; inspection and copies) - Confirms the right to obtain a copy of the crash report and related public records.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because your child’s involvement and injury were omitted, you should ask the investigating department to issue a supplemental report. Provide the report number, identify your child as an involved occupant, and attach medical or EMS records showing treatment for the crash. The at‑fault driver’s insurer already acknowledging the child helps corroborate the correction. If the agency declines, you can submit a written statement for the file and use your medical records to advance the claim.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Parent/guardian of the minor. Where: The investigating police department’s Records Division or the officer who wrote the DMV‑349 in North Carolina. What: A written request to amend/supplement the crash report, including the report number, child’s full name and DOB, proof of involvement (e.g., EMS run sheet, hospital intake), and a brief statement of the correction sought. When: As soon as you discover the omission.
2. Follow up with the Records Division to confirm assignment to the reporting officer. Typical review can take 1–4 weeks, but timing varies by agency and workload.
3. Receive either a supplemental/amended crash report or a written response. If declined, request that your written statement be attached to the file and provide the materials to the insurer directly.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If the new information cannot be verified (no records linking the child to the crash), the officer may decline to amend.
• Medical privacy for a minor matters—share only what is necessary to verify involvement and injury; consider redacting unrelated information.
• Corrections that alter fault determinations face higher scrutiny; focus on factual omissions (occupant and injury) and supply objective records.
• Do not wait to finish treatment before requesting a correction; timing can affect whether an officer is willing or able to supplement the report.
• Even without an amendment, insurers can evaluate your claim using medical records and witness statements; do not delay care or notice to the insurer.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with a crash report that left out your child’s injury, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call us 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.