The aftermath of a car crash can be an overwhelmingly disorienting and emotionally charged experience. In an instant, lives are upended, and the shock of the collision permeates the scene. Drivers and passengers often find themselves dazed, grappling with a surge of adrenaline and anxiety. There is an acute sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, along with a flood of questions and worries about injuries, vehicle damage, and the potential legal or insurance consequences. Obtaining a crash report is a crucial first step in the aftermath of a car accident. This article is designed to guide you through the process of obtaining a crash report in the event of your involvement in an accident in Matthews, North Carolina.
Importance of Obtaining a Crash Report
In Matthews, North Carolina, obtaining a crash report is a fundamental step in the aftermath of a car accident. This document serves as a vital record of the incident, offering essential details such as the date, time, location, and the parties involved. Additionally, the crash report contains detailed data like weather conditions, road conditions, witness statements, as well as a description and diagram of the accident. It plays a pivotal role in insurance claims, helping determine liability and streamlining the claims process. Moreover, having a crash report ensures you have an accurate and comprehensive record of the event, which can be invaluable for legal proceedings and interactions with insurance companies. In essence, obtaining a crash report is essential for preserving accountability and clarity in the aftermath of a car accident.
How to Obtain Your Report
In North Carolina, crash reports are usually accessible to individuals directly involved in the accident, their authorized representatives, or legal counsel. Additionally, insurance companies representing any of the parties involved may request access to these reports to expedite the claims process.
- Identify the Relevant Law Enforcement Agency: Identify the law enforcement agency that handled the accident, typically the one with jurisdiction over the accident location. By precisely determining the responsible agency, you ensure that you are contacting the correct organization to request your collision report. This guide is particularly pertinent to obtaining crash reports within the jurisdiction of the Matthews Police Department.
- Information needed to request a report: To initiate a request for a Matthews crash report, specific details pertaining to the accident are essential. The information required varies depending on the method of your request and includes:
- Report Number
- Date of the Accident
- Last Name of a Driver Involved
- Location of the Accident
- Ways to Request: You may obtain a Matthews Police Department crash report through the following methods:
- Online: as of the date of this article Matthews Police Department Crash Reports are unavailable online.
- Matthews Police Department: Accident reports may be obtained in person at the Matthews Police Department, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will need to complete the a Matthews Police Department Crash Report Request Form and present the form along with a valid form of identification. Fee: Eligible parties can receive crash reports in person, free of charge.
- North Carolina DMV: The Matthews Records Division of the Police Department processes all crash reports. They submit traffic crash reports to the North Carolina DMV’s Collisions Report Division. You may obtain a certified crash report through mail or in person. Fee: the current fee is $5.50. It is recommended to confirm the current fee on the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles website or by contacting them directly.
- Ordering by Mail: To order a crash report by mail, fill out the Crash Report Request (TR-67A) form and mail it along with payment to the following address:
TRAFFIC RECORS BRANCH
Crash Reports Unit
3106 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697
Allow 10 business days from the time of receipt of the request for processing.
- Ordering in Person: To order a crash report in person, submit the Crash Report Request (TR-67A) form and payment in person at one of the following locations:
Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency
414 New Bern Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27616
(Go to the door that reads Vehicle Registration. Not Driver License)
Huntersville License Plate Agency
12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
If you are requesting five records or less, you will receive your crash report immediately. For larger requests, you’ll need to mail them into the DMV.
Correcting Errors in a Matthews Police Department Crash Report
Identifying an error in your crash report can be disconcerting, as even minor inaccuracies may have ramifications for insurance claims and potential legal actions. Taking prompt action upon recognizing these discrepancies is crucial. Start by comparing your own account, photographic evidence, or eyewitness statements with the information in the report to confirm the validity of your concerns.
Once you are confident about the error, reach out to the Matthews Police Department or the specific officer responsible for the report. Mistakes or misinterpretations by officers are not uncommon, and they are generally receptive to addressing concerns and may offer guidance on rectifying the error. If the department adheres to formal procedures, be prepared to provide documented evidence that supports your claim of an error.
Consulting a personal injury attorney can also be invaluable in ensuring the protection of your rights and the accurate representation of the accident’s facts.
Reach out to Bradford Law for Assistance
For expert guidance and support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bradford Law. Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. It’s essential to consult with an attorney shortly after the accident to safeguard your rights. At Bradford Law, we offer the professional assistance you require, understanding the physical, emotional, and financial hurdles you may be facing. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney’s fees when we successfully secure compensation for you. Get in touch with our office today to schedule a consultation with our experienced car accident lawyer.
