Short Answer

In North Carolina, you usually cannot “edit” a crash report yourself, but you can take practical steps to correct the record. Start by requesting the report, reviewing it carefully, and promptly contacting the investigating law enforcement agency to ask about its process for supplements or corrections. Even if the report is not changed, you can still protect your injury claim by gathering independent proof (photos, witness statements, medical records) and giving your insurer a clear written explanation of what is wrong.

Understanding the Problem

If you were in a North Carolina car crash and the police report you are obtaining leaves out important facts or includes mistakes, you may be wondering whether you can get the investigating officer or agency to fix it before your insurance claim moves forward.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, law enforcement officers investigate “reportable” crashes and must prepare a written crash report on a set timeline and forward it through the proper channels, including to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The crash report is an important document for insurance and injury claims, but it is not the final word on what happened. If the report is incomplete or inaccurate, the usual approach is (1) ask the investigating agency about its correction/supplement process and (2) preserve and present other evidence that fills the gaps or contradicts the mistake.

Key Requirements

• Get the right report: Make sure you are reviewing the correct crash report (right date, location, drivers, and report number) and that you have the full report, not just a short summary.
• Act quickly: Request a correction or supplement as soon as you spot an issue, while memories are fresh and supporting records (photos, video, 911 logs) are easier to locate.
• Focus on objective errors: Corrections are most realistic for clear factual mistakes (wrong vehicle, wrong insurance, wrong location, wrong passenger list) rather than disagreements about fault.
• Use written, organized support: Provide a short written explanation of what is wrong and attach supporting items (photos, witness contact info, tow receipt, medical visit paperwork) so the agency can evaluate it efficiently.
• Build your “backup file” either way: Even if the agency does not change the report, you can still prove your case through independent evidence and consistent documentation.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reports and investigations) - Requires investigation of reportable crashes, sets timelines for the officer’s written report and forwarding to DMV, and treats law-enforcement crash reports as public records available by request.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-26 (DMV records; copies furnished; charge) - Addresses DMV records and the ability to obtain certified copies of certain DMV records (fees and processes can apply).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, you were involved in a motor vehicle accident and you are in the process of obtaining the police report. Because North Carolina law requires an investigating officer to prepare and forward a written report for reportable crashes, you should first obtain and review that report for accuracy. If it is missing key details or contains mistakes, your next move is to contact the investigating agency promptly and ask whether the officer can file a supplement or otherwise document the correction, while you also gather independent proof that supports your version of events.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (or your attorney/insurance adjuster) requests the crash report. Where: Typically through the North Carolina DMV (Crash Reports unit) or the investigating law enforcement agency’s records division. What: Request the crash report by report number (if you have it) and confirm you receive all pages/diagrams. When: As soon as it is available; for reportable crashes, the officer generally must complete the written report within 24 hours and the report is forwarded through the required channels.
2. Ask for a correction/supplement: Contact the investigating agency (police department, sheriff’s office, or Highway Patrol, depending on where the crash occurred) and ask for its procedure to request a correction or supplemental report. Provide a short, factual written summary of the specific items you believe are wrong or missing and attach supporting documentation.
3. Confirm what changed (if anything): If the agency issues a supplement or amended version, request an updated copy for your records and provide it to the insurance company handling the claim. If the agency declines to change the report, keep a copy of your written request and submit your supporting evidence directly to the insurer.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “Mistake” vs. “disagreement”: Agencies are more likely to correct objective items (names, vehicles, location, insurance, passenger list) than to rewrite conclusions about how the crash happened.
• Waiting too long: Delays can make it harder to locate witnesses, preserve video, or get the officer to revisit details.
• Relying on the report alone: A crash report is helpful, but your injury claim usually rises or falls on the full evidence picture (medical records, photos, witness statements, vehicle damage documentation).
• Unclear communication: Vague requests (“the report is wrong”) tend to go nowhere. Identify the exact line/item you want corrected and provide a clear reason with backup.
• Not keeping a paper trail: Keep copies of your correction request, attachments, and any response. If the report is never changed, that documentation can still help explain the discrepancy to an insurer.

Conclusion

If a North Carolina crash report is missing details or contains mistakes, you typically address it by promptly requesting the report, then contacting the investigating law enforcement agency to ask about a correction or supplemental report process and providing objective supporting documentation. North Carolina law sets timelines for officers to prepare crash reports for reportable accidents, so act quickly once the report is available. Next step: submit a written correction request with supporting proof to the investigating agency as soon as you identify the error.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a crash report that does not match what happened, an attorney can help you organize the right evidence, communicate with the investigating agency and insurance company, and protect your claim timeline. Reach out today.

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.