Quick answer: To fix an error in a North Carolina crash report (DMV-349), (1) get a copy of the report, (2) mark the inaccuracies, (3) collect proof (photos, video, witnesses, medical records), (4) ask the investigating officer or agency for a supplemental or amended report, and (5) follow up in writing and keep a paper trail. If the agency won’t change it, add your written statement to your insurance claim and have your attorney provide supporting evidence.
The crash report (North Carolina’s DMV-349) is a starting point for insurers. It includes who was involved, insurance info, a short description of what happened, codes for conditions and causes, and any citations. It is not the entire case, and you should never let a single box or code decide your claim.
North Carolina law explains what an officer must include, how quickly a report must be filed, and who can get copies. See G.S. 20-166.1. For example, officers must make a written report within a short window and local agencies must forward reports to NCDMV within set deadlines. The statute also explains what parts of a report are public records and when a crash report may (or may not) be used in court.
Bottom line: the report matters to insurance, but your claim turns on evidence. That’s why a Durham injury lawyer builds cases with photos, video, downloadable “black box” (EDR) data, medical records, and witness statements—not just a single form.
Order the DMV-349 as soon as it’s available. You can request a certified copy from NCDMV online, by mail (using form TR-67A), or in person. Start here: NCDMV Crash Reports.
If your crash happened in the City of Durham, you can often retrieve it through the city’s provider on a crash report portal. Ask the responding agency where your specific report will be posted.
Not sure whether a crash should have a report? North Carolina uses the DMV-349 for “reportable” crashes—fatalities, non-fatal injuries, property damage of $1,000 or more, or any damage to a seized vehicle.
Don’t skim. Check the narrative, the diagram, and the numbered boxes with two-digit codes (weather, lighting, road surface, contributing circumstances, and more). Keep the code key and the Instructional Manual handy while you review.
Helpful links if you’re decoding a report:
The official DMV-349 Instructional Manual (how officers complete the form) — PDF
NCDOT code charts for the numbered boxes — see the code references provided in the manual.
Circle or highlight each mistake. Common ones include:
Wrong time, lane, direction, or point of impact.
Mix-ups in vehicle or driver information.
Missing witnesses or incorrect phone numbers.
Incorrect “contributing circumstances” codes (for example, marking “distraction” or “speed” when the scene evidence shows otherwise).
Make a short list of what’s wrong and how you know. That makes the next step easy for the officer and more likely to succeed.
Bring facts, not arguments. Good proof includes:
Scene photos and video (dashcam, nearby businesses, traffic cameras).
Vehicle photos and repair estimates (they help show force and direction).
Witness statements and accurate contact info from the report’s witness section.
Downloadable EDR (“black box”) data when impact speed or braking is disputed. Use a qualified professional so data isn’t lost.
Medical records that tie your injuries to the crash, obtained with proper authorizations.
Contact the investigating officer or the Records Unit at the agency listed on page 1 of your report. Be respectful and specific. Provide a copy of the report with your markings and attach your proof (links or files). Many departments will add a supplemental narrative or correct a clear clerical mistake when you provide reliable evidence.
Officers follow the DMV-349 Manual and their local policies. The manual itself confirms what belongs in a report and the deadlines for filing. Use that to keep your request focused and professional.
If you’re in Durham, locate the department and records page on the City’s site. Then follow up by email or in person if needed.
You still have options:
Submit a concise written statement to your insurance adjuster explaining the inaccuracies, with your exhibits attached. Ask the adjuster to consider your statement and evidence when evaluating liability.
If a witness was left off, have them give a signed statement and make sure their contact info gets to the insurer.
Let your attorney handle officer follow-up and evidence preservation letters (“spoliation” letters) for private video, EDR data, or other time-sensitive evidence.
Remember, your case is built on evidence, not just a report. Even experienced practitioners warn: don’t rely exclusively on the Collision Report.
Reports & timing. Officers investigate reportable crashes and file a written report on a tight timeline. The statute spells out forwarding and public-records rules. See G.S. 20-166.1.
Public record & court use. The statute explains which accident reports are public records and when they may be used in court. Reports by officers are generally public; reports by non-officers are for DMV use and not evidence.
Where to get a copy. Certified reports are available from NCDMV. You can order online or by mail with form TR-67A at the NCDMV Crash Reports page.
When a Durham injury lawyer gets involved early, the job runs on two tracks:
(1) fix the paper trail so it reflects the facts and
(2) build a claim that stands on its own.
Here’s how lawyers help:
We decode the DMV-349 quickly. We compare the narrative to the coded boxes (cause, conditions, injury status, citations, and more) and flag inconsistencies for the officer.
We secure fragile evidence. We send preservation letters the same day when camera footage or vehicle data could be lost, then schedule inspections with the at-fault carrier or property owner.
We gather medical proof the right way. We use HIPAA-compliant authorizations, track providers, and audit records so the medical story lines up with the crash mechanics.
We talk to the officer respectfully. Officers appreciate short, evidence-driven requests. When a correction is warranted, many will add a supplement or clarify the narrative in their own words, consistent with the DMV-349 Manual.
Not necessarily. Officers choose codes and may write a brief narrative. Insurers still have to weigh all evidence—including photos, vehicles, witness statements, and any EDR data—before deciding liability. That’s why you gather proof and ask for clarifications or a supplemental report instead of debating opinions.
As soon as possible. The statute requires the agency to investigate reportable crashes and file quickly, and reports may be forwarded to DMV within days. The faster you supply solid proof, the more likely your correction request gets timely attention. See G.S. 20-166.1.
For court or for certain insurance processes, yes—order a certified copy from NCDMV. For talking with the officer, a standard copy is fine. You can start here: NCDMV Crash Reports.
Get their statement and contact info, then send it to the officer and insurer. Use the witness section on the report as a starting point to double-check numbers.
Some crashes aren’t reportable under North Carolina’s rules. If there is no DMV-349, you can still build your claim with evidence, photos, and statements.
Send one tidy packet:
Your marked-up report.
A one-page cover letter that lists each correction you seek.
Your exhibits.
If you’re referencing codes or the Instructional Manual, include page citations. Keep your tone polite and neutral—it goes a long way with busy records staff and officers. For code references, consult the official DMV-349 Instructional Manual.
If you were hurt in a Durham car accident and a crash report error is standing in your way, a Durham injury lawyer can help you fix the record and move your claim forward. The right attorney will decode the DMV-349, secure the evidence that proves what happened, and press insurers to account for the full impact on your life—medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care.
Summary: Get the DMV-349, mark what’s wrong, collect proof, and ask the investigating officer for a supplement or amendment. If the agency won’t change it, add your statement and evidence to your claim and push the insurer to evaluate the whole picture—not just one form. Know the Durham process and the North Carolina rules, and act fast to preserve the evidence that matters. See G.S. 20-166.1 for the statutory framework.
Call to Action: Wallace Pierce Law has experienced attorneys who handle crash reports and injury claims every day. Email intake@wallacepierce.com or call [(919) 313-2737](tel:(919) 313-2737). The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help.
