You can obtain a police accident report in Waxhaw, NC, either by mail or in person at the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV); however, as an individual involved in a collision, you will only be able to access a redacted police report.
The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits who can access unredacted reports to protect the personal privacy of those involved in a collision. Lawyers and insurance adjusters, for example, can access unredacted reports.
Since North Carolina’s “contributory negligence” laws bar you from recovering anything if you share even just 1% of the fault, insurers will try to use any inaccuracies in a police report to deny your claim.
A car accident lawyer in Waxhaw can get your police accident report and request amendments to any errors that could leave room for an insurer to shift fault onto you.
Getting a Police Accident Report in North Carolina Is Difficult to Do on Your Own
Without the help of a Waxhaw personal injury lawyer, you can only access a redacted police report, which lacks certain personal information under the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721-2725).
Working with an attorney simplifies the entire claims process, as well. Experienced lawyers know what’s required to access and interpret these reports and can review the report to identify any inaccuracies that can compromise your claim.
Under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws, any errors on a police accident report can give insurance companies leeway to shift blame for the accident onto you and deny paying you anything at all.
How an Attorney Uses a Report to Protect Your Claim From Blame-Shifting Tactics
Insurance companies also have access to unredacted police reports, and they may use them to shift blame onto injured victims by twisting details from the report, misrepresenting data, or emphasizing inconsistencies.
An attorney uses an accurate police report to counter such claims. For example, a truck accident lawyer in Waxhaw can identify traffic citations that highlight the other driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, demonstrating that you were not at fault.
A lawyer can also request amendments or clarification of any errors or inconsistencies from the responding officer. Lawyers also compile additional evidence, like eyewitness accounts, to counter any attempts to unjustly assign blame to you.
How an Attorney Uses the Unredacted Report to Protect Your Claim
When dealing with a serious accident claim, an unredacted accident report can be critical in building your case. Unlike redacted versions available to the public, unredacted reports include complete details, such as names and contact information for witnesses, that may strengthen your ability to prove fault and support your claim.
An attorney uses the unredacted report in several important ways:
- Verifying details: They’ll analyze driver statements, citations, and first responder reports to understand how the crash occurred.
- Examining reckless behavior: The report may include notes on speeding, distracted driving, or other violations that clearly point to the other driver’s fault.
- Cross–referencing evidence: Attorneys compare the findings of police reports to other evidence, such as photos of vehicle damage or surveillance footage, to identify any potential reporting errors that an insurance company could use against you.
Every piece of evidence counts when negotiating a settlement for accident-related injuries and losses. Insurance companies go through the same documents with a fine-toothed comb, looking for opportunities to disqualify your claim, which makes legal representation so important.
How to Request a Redacted Report Through the NCDMV
You can request a redacted copy of a police accident report, which omits sensitive personal information to protect privacy. You cannot request this report online, though. You either have to mail in your request or visit the NCDMV in person at certain locations.
If mailing the form, take the following steps:
- Complete the Crash Report Request Form (TR–67A): Download the form from the NCDMV website or pick one up at an NCDMV office. Fill in accurate details about the accident.
- Attach the payment: The NCDMV requires a $6.50 fee for each report request. This must be paid by check or money order, made payable to NCDMV. Be sure to confirm the amount, as incorrect payments can delay your request.
- Submit the request by mail: Mail the completed form and the payment to the address specified on the TR-67A form.
Processing can take between seven and ten business days from the time your request is received. If you need the report quickly, consider visiting an NCDMV office in person at the Huntersville License Plate Agency or the Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency.
Contact Auger & Auger After a Waxhaw Car Accident
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’ve been serving North Carolina accident victims since 1995. We know how to handle the challenges of contributory negligence laws and fight back against insurance companies’ efforts to deny your claim.
With our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, there’s no upfront cost and no attorney fees unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the accident report, correct any errors, and protect your claim.
