After an accident, a police officer will provide you with an exchange slip containing the report number and the other driver’s insurance information. To obtain the actual police report for an accident in Charlotte, NC, follow the steps outlined below.
Obtaining the Crash Report Online
Charlotte accident reports are accessible online as part of a 2-step process. If you were a driver or passenger involved in the accident, you can start the process to retrieve your police report by visiting the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) website, downloading and submitting the “Request for Report” form. Once you have submitted a Request for Motor Vehicle Crash Report Form, you may get a copy of an accident report in person or on Lexis Nexis. Crash Reports are free of charge if you visit any division office or Police Headquarters counters and cost $6.00 if you would like to access it through the online-system.
In-Person Report Retrieval
For in-person collection, visit the CMPD Records Division with valid identification at 601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Reports are available free of charge for individuals involved in the accident.
Assistance from Insurance Agents
If you prefer, your insurance company or agent can request the report from the CMPD Records Division on your behalf. The division’s contact number is (704) 336-2848. Upon providing a request on company letterhead, the CMPD will send the report via email or fax to your agent, who can then forward it to you.
Requesting an Accident Report via Your Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
In Charlotte, NC, your lawyer will obtain an accident report for you. This is something your lawyer will always request on your behalf, particularly when it relates to personal injury claims or car accident claims.
To initiate this process, your lawyer will send a formal application to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Records Division or, if applicable, to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The submission must typically outline the accident details, include a consent form signed by you, and be accompanied by any fees required for the report procurement.
Jurisdictional Considerations
The CMPD handles all traffic accident investigations within Charlotte’s city limits. Accidents outside these boundaries may fall under the jurisdiction of local police or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Keep in mind that County Sheriffs typically do not complete accident reports and will refer the investigation to the Highway Patrol or local police departments.
Reports by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Reports from accidents investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol are usually available online within several business days through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s website.
Understanding the DMV-349 Form
North Carolina uses form DMV-349 for all accident reports, which requires a code manual to interpret. The DMV Crash Reports Unit collects these reports and makes them available to involved parties for a fee of $5.50.
DMV Report Options
You can obtain your report from the DMV by either visiting the DMV Crash Report Unit office in Raleigh or by mailing a completed Crash Report Request Form TR-67A to the DMV’s mail service center. The DMV does not offer fax or email services for reports.
Best Practices
Should you suffer injuries in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, our Charlotte-based legal team is prepared to defend your rights and will request the accident report on your behalf, so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. Please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, so that we can fight for your rights and get you full and fair compensation for your accident.
