Individuals can request crash reports through NCDMV by mail or in person; however, copies available to the public may contain redactions to protect personal information. Attorneys may obtain fuller versions of the report under federal privacy laws.
An attorney will obtain an accident report in Gastonia, NC, to help build a case after a collision. These reports include details such as the officer’s account of the crash, witness statements, and any citations issued.
A Gastonia car accident lawyer can analyze the report to identify evidence and determine liability.
Federal Privacy Laws And Their Impact On Reports
A Gastonia personal injury lawyer can obtain an unredacted accident report and use it to build a claim for compensation.
The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 2721–2725, regulates how people access crash reports so that personal information contained in motor vehicle records, including police accident reports, is protected from misuse.
Details like names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and other sensitive information are restricted unless the requester meets specific federal requirements.
Redacted Accident Reports
Individuals personally involved in a crash can request a redacted crash report through NCDMV by mail or in person. Individuals cannot order crash reports online. Licensed North Carolina businesses or organizations that meet DPPA permissible-use rules may be able to order unredacted crash reports online.
Unredacted Accident Reports
Unredacted reports, which include full personal details, are only available to certain businesses or organizations with a legitimate and permissible use under the DPPA.
For example, insurance companies, private investigators, and attorneys, such as a Gastonia truck accident lawyer, may request an unredacted report if they demonstrate a valid purpose, such as evaluating liability or pursuing a legal claim.
Steps To Request A Police Accident Report In Gastonia
Individuals involved in a car accident can obtain a police accident report by following specific steps. In North Carolina, reports can be requested by mail or in person, but not online. Below is a guide to help you through the process.
Requesting By Mail
To request a report by mail, individuals need to complete the Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A). This form must be completed and submitted with your request. Be sure to include accurate details about the crash, such as the date, location, and names of the drivers involved.
Once the form is complete, mail it along with a $6.50 check or money order made payable to NCDMV to the address listed on the form. The payment must be signed and submitted correctly to avoid delays. Processing can take up to 10 business days after the request is received.
Requesting In Person
For those who prefer to request the report in person, it can be done at select locations. Bring the completed TR-67A form and the $6.50 fee (check, money order, or other accepted forms of payment). Depending on how the crash was reported, you may also need to request the report through NCDMV at 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
If requesting fewer than five reports, they may be provided immediately. For larger requests, reports will need to be mailed after submission.
Fees And Processing Times For Crash Reports
Obtaining a police accident report in North Carolina requires a small fee. For a certified copy of the crash report, the cost is $6.50. Payments must be made by check or money order payable to NCDMV. It is important to ensure the payment is signed and submitted correctly to avoid delays in processing.
For requests made by mail, processing typically takes up to 10 business days from the date the request is received. This does not include mailing time, so individuals should plan accordingly if the report is needed for a claim or other purposes.
For requests made in person, reports are often available immediately if fewer than five reports are requested. Larger requests may take additional time and may need to be mailed.
How A Gastonia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Gastonia car accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance when it comes to obtaining and using a police accident report as part of a claim. From accessing the report to building a strong case, their role is crucial to seeking fair compensation.
Obtaining The Police Accident Report
Lawyers are eligible to request unredacted copies of police accident reports under federal privacy laws, giving them access to the full details of the crash.
They can handle the process of obtaining these reports through the appropriate channels, ensuring nothing is overlooked or delayed.
Analyzing The Report
A lawyer will thoroughly review the accident report to identify key information, such as:
- The officer’s observations about the scene.
- Driver and witness statements.
- Any citations issued that may indicate fault.
This analysis helps the lawyer understand how the report aligns with other evidence and supports their client’s version of events.
Gathering Additional Evidence
While the accident report is an important document, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Lawyers can collect additional evidence to strengthen the case, including:
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Witness testimonies or expert opinions
By supplementing the report with further evidence, a lawyer can create a more comprehensive argument for their client.
Addressing Inaccuracies In The Report
If the accident report contains errors, such as incorrect details about the crash, driver information, or citations, a lawyer can take steps to correct them.
This may involve contacting the reporting officer or submitting additional documentation to clarify the facts.
Using The Report To Pursue Compensation
The information from the police report and other gathered evidence is critical when negotiating with insurance companies.
A lawyer can use these details to establish liability, counter attempts to minimize the claim, and seek fair compensation. If negotiations fail, the report can also serve as key evidence in court.
We Can Explain How To Get A Police Accident Report In Gastonia, Nc
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we understand how important it is to have the right resources and guidance after a car accident. With an average of 19 years of personal injury experience per attorney, we’ve spent decades helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
Through our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
