A police report is a vital piece of evidence in many car accident claims. It can provide key details about the collision from a neutral and authoritative source. But what about accidents that law enforcement never investigated? Can you claim a car accident without a police report?
Yes, it’s still possible to file a claim without a police report. However, having a report could strengthen your case and make it easier to prove fault after an accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Charlotte can give you more details about other evidence you may use to support your claim.
Do You Have To Report a Car Accident to the Police in NC?
In North Carolina, law enforcement officers must file a police report after accidents that caused a fatality, an injury, or property damage of $1,000 and up. Essentially, this means you should call the police and notify them of any collision unless it was a minor accident.
Failing to let the police know that an accident occurred might result in criminal charges and fines. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and call law enforcement just in case.
Moreover, some common car accident injuries, like brain and internal organ injuries, may not be obvious immediately after the collision. An accident that initially seemed like a minor scrape could cause serious damage, and a police report will often play a crucial role in supporting a claim.
Why Police Reports Are Useful in Claim Investigations
A police report is valuable evidence that insurance companies look into to determine who caused the accident. It could also support your case in court if the insurance company refuses to settle your claim and you’re forced to litigate.
If the officer who wrote the accident report acts as a witness, the report could refresh their memory when they testify. Although the report alone isn’t enough to determine fault, and other findings could refute the police officer’s statements, it still carries a lot of weight.
To source a copy of the police report describing your accident, contact the NC Division of Motor Vehicles, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, or your local law enforcement agency.
What the Police Report Includes
An accident report will usually cover the following:
- A description of the accident scene, including key details like traffic signs, weather, and road conditions
- Information on all the people and vehicles involved in the accident, such as ID and driver’s license numbers, VINs, and the vehicles’ models and make years
- The names and contact info of any witnesses
- In accidents that involve commercial vehicles, the carrier’s DOT number
- The seating positions drivers and passengers occupied at the time of the accident
- Details of any Breathalyzer or other impairment tests performed on the scene
- Any injuries or damage the collision caused
- An approximate diagram of the collision
Additionally, the reporting officer will usually give their impressions of what likely led to the accident. For example, the officer may mention that it appears as though one of the motorists was driving carelessly or ignored the right of way.
What If You Don’t Have a Police Report?
Can you claim a car accident without a police report? This question may arise, for example, if you discover an injury some time after the accident or if an extreme weather event prevents the police from responding to non-emergencies. Alternatively, you may be unable to rely on a police report as evidence if you believe the officer made a mistake but they refuse to amend the report.
In this case, you must base your claim on other evidence, like photos from the accident scene, dash cam footage, witness statements, and medical reports. Your lawyer may also recommend using an authority like an accident reconstructionist or a forensic investigator to establish what happened during the accident. With enough proof and a skilled lawyer, you could still win your case even if you don’t have a police report.
Injured in a Car Accident in North Carolina? Call Yale Haymond Law PLLC
Can you claim a car accident without a police report? Potentially, yes, if you work with an experienced motor vehicle and distracted driving accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, call our legal team at Yale Haymond Law PLLC. Our hardworking lawyers will help you present an ironclad case and advocate for your rights until your claim settles.
Call 704-800-HELP (4357) or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
