After a collision in Concord, you can request a crash report to review the officer’s observations, statements from involved parties or witnesses, and any citations. If you were in the crash, you may request a redacted copy from the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) by mail or in person; individuals cannot order crash reports online.
Licensed North Carolina businesses and organizations, such as insurers, law firms, and licensed private investigators, may request an unredacted copy if they certify a permissible use under the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and provide required identification.
A Concord car accident lawyer can use the report to evaluate liability, gather evidence, and support a claim for damages. Reports can be requested by mail or in person through the appropriate state-authorized agencies.
Who Can Request a Police Accident Report in Concord, NC?
Eligibility to request a police accident report depends on the person or entity making the request and the purpose for which it is being used. Federal privacy laws, specifically the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), regulate who can access certain types of information within the report.
Individuals Involved in the Crash
If you were directly involved in the accident, you are eligible to request a redacted report. A redacted report omits personal information about other parties involved, such as names, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.
This version is intended to protect the privacy of all individuals while still providing the requester with important details about the accident.
Licensed Businesses or Organizations
Certain businesses and organizations, such as insurance companies, attorneys, and private investigators, may request an unredacted report if they meet permissible use requirements under the DPPA.
Unredacted reports include full personal details of every party involved in the crash, such as contact information and driver’s license numbers, which may be necessary for evaluating claims or pursuing legal actions.
To obtain an unredacted report, businesses or organizations must demonstrate that their request complies with federal regulations and provide documentation verifying their eligibility. A Concord personal injury lawyer can request an unredacted report to support their client’s case.
Steps to Request a Police Accident Report in Concord
Requesting a police accident report in Concord, NC, involves specific steps to ensure the request is processed correctly.
Complete the Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A)
The first step is to download and print the Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A) from the North Carolina DMV website. This form must be completed by hand, as it is not available in a fillable digital format. Be sure to include all necessary information, such as:
- The date of the crash
- The location of the crash
- The names of the drivers involved
It is essential to complete all sections of the form accurately. Missing or incorrect details may result in delays or rejection of the request.
Submit the Request by Mail or in Person
Once the form is completed, individuals can submit their request either by mail or in person. For example, you can attach the completed TR-67A form and include a $6.50 check or money order made payable to NCDMV.
Mail the request to the address listed on the form. Processing for mail requests typically takes up to 10 business days from the date the request is received. You can also bring the completed TR-67A form and payment to one of the designated locations, such as:
- Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency (4121 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27616)
- Huntersville License Plate Agency (12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078)
For requests involving five reports or fewer, the report may be provided immediately. However, larger requests may require additional processing time, and the report may be mailed later.
Payment Requirements
The fee for a certified crash report is $6.50. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to NCDMV. Double-check the payment amount and ensure it matches the required fee to avoid delays.
Tips to Avoid Delays
To help avoid unnecessary processing delays, make sure to:
- Fill out all sections of the TR-67A form completely and accurately.
- Include the correct payment amount and ensure the check or money order is properly filled out and signed.
- Verify that the mailing address is correct if submitting the request by mail.
How Lawyers Use a Police Accident Report
A lawyer uses a police accident report to help establish liability and seek compensation that reflects their client’s losses. For example, a Concord truck accident lawyer may use the report to identify all parties who contributed to the collision and demonstrate each party’s negligence.
By combining the report with medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence, the lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies or present a clear argument in court to pursue fair compensation for their client.
We Can Get a Police Accident Report in Concord, NC, and File Your Claim
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we work to help clients understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve after an accident. With an average of 19 years of personal injury experience per attorney, we know how to use tools like police accident reports to build strong cases and fight for fair outcomes.
Through our A & A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you never pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
