Founding Partner
If you were in a car accident in Charlotte and didn’t call the police, you can still file a claim, but you may face problems with insurance and North Carolina reporting laws. State law requires drivers to report crashes that cause injury, death, or significant property damage. If you do not make a report when required, an insurer may question fault or deny parts of your claim. You can still take steps to protect yourself, including documenting the crash, gathering evidence, and filing a delayed report. Our Charlotte car accident attorneys explain what the law requires and how to move forward if the police were not called.
When Are You Legally Required to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC?
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-166.1, drivers must report an accident to law enforcement if it involves any of the following:
- Injury or death
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
- A hit-and-run or an uninsured driver
In Charlotte, this typically means contacting the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. However, calling 911 is the quickest way to report an accident. Reporting the accident creates an official record, which can be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Even if the damage appears minor, filing a report can help avoid disputes or complications later.
What Are the Consequences of Not Reporting a Car Accident?
Failing to report a qualifying accident in Charlotte can lead to serious consequences:
- Legal penalties: Not reporting an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage may be considered a misdemeanor under North Carolina law, potentially resulting in fines or other penalties.
- Insurance issues: Without a police report, it may be harder to prove fault or document damages. Insurance companies often require official documentation to process claims.
- Weakened legal defense: If the other driver later claims injuries or files a lawsuit, the absence of a police report can make it more difficult to defend your version of events.
- Claim denial or reduction: Insurance providers may deny your claim or reduce your payout if there’s no official record of the incident, especially if the facts are disputed.
In short, not calling the police can complicate your ability to recover damages and protect yourself legally.
Common Misunderstandings About Reporting Accidents in North Carolina
Some drivers mistakenly believe they don’t need to report an accident if it seems minor. Here are a few common misconceptions:
“No one was hurt, so I don’t need to report it.”
Even if no one is injured, property damage over $1,000 still requires a report under state law.
“We agreed to handle it ourselves.”
Informal agreements often fall apart, especially if one party later claims injuries or changes their story.
“My insurance company doesn’t need a police report.”
Most insurers prefer or require a police report, particularly when fault is unclear or contested.
Knowing the law helps you avoid costly mistakes and protect your legal rights.
What Should You Do If You Didn’t Call the Police After a Crash?
If you didn’t report the accident at the scene, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Preserve evidence: Save any photos, witness contact information, and documentation of vehicle damage or injuries.
- File a late report: You can still report the accident to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department or the North Carolina DMV. While immediate reporting is ideal, a delayed report is better than none.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer promptly and provide any available documentation. Be honest about the timeline.
- Consult an attorney: A car accident lawyer can help assess your situation, advise you on liability, and guide you through the next steps.
Taking action quickly can help limit the impact of not reporting the accident right away.
How a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney Can Assist You
If you didn’t call the police after your accident, an experienced Charlotte car accident attorney can help you take corrective steps. Legal counsel can:
- Evaluate your case and identify any legal risks
- Assist with filing a late report or gathering supporting documentation
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if a dispute arises
Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can improve your chances of a favorable outcome, especially when official documentation is lacking.
Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you didn’t report your car accident to the police, don’t wait to get help. At Bradford Law, we assist drivers throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas with the legal and insurance challenges that follow a crash. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your rights.
