In North Carolina, even a car accident that is classified as “minor” can cause major problems, from physical injuries to inconvenient property damage. Although state law may not require you to report a minor car accident to the police, it is highly recommended that you do so to receive an official crash report for your car accident claim in Wilmington, NC.
What Is a Reportable Car Accident in North Carolina?
A minor car accident can describe a light, low-speed “fender bender” that only causes minimal property damage and no injuries. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 20-166, minor car accidents do not legally need to be reported to law enforcement.
Crash reporting is a requirement, however, if a car accident involves any of the following:
- Bodily injury
- Death to any person
- $1,000 or more in property damage to any one vehicle
This is the threshold at which a motor vehicle collision legally must be reported in North Carolina. Failing to do so could lead to serious consequences, including hit-and-run charges.
Who Is Responsible for Reporting a Car Accident?
The driver of any vehicle involved in a reportable accident is held responsible for notifying the police. The driver is required to “immediately, by the quickest means of communication, notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of the accident” (§ 20-166.1) This is typically completed by calling 911 from the scene of the crash to be connected to the closest local police department.
Insurance Reporting Requirements
You are required to report any car accidents involving your vehicle, minor or major, to your car insurance company, whether or not you are at fault. The fine print on your policy most likely has a clause requiring you to report any car accident, no matter how minor. Failing to do so could lead to issues such as your insurer denying a related claim or even dropping you as a client.
Why You Should Always Report a Car Accident, Big or Small
Regardless of the severity of your car accident in North Carolina, it is in your best interest to report it to the police. If you plan on filing an insurance claim for your minor accident so that you can get financial compensation for vehicle repairs and other bills, filing a police report can provide you with important evidence.
A police crash report will include key information, such as the details of those involved, witness statements, whether any traffic citations were issued, a description or diagram of the crash scene, official photographs, and the officer’s professional opinion on which driver is most likely at fault.
A car insurance company will ask for a police report in the early stages of a claim. If you did not report your accident, this can create a hole in your case that makes it more difficult to recover fair financial compensation. If you fail to report a reportable accident under North Carolina law, even unintentionally, this could hurt your insurance claim and lead to penalties.
Steps to Take After Reporting a Minor Car Accident in North Carolina
Once you report a car crash to the police in North Carolina, remain at the scene to collect evidence. Take pictures of both vehicles and your injuries using your cell phone. Exchange information with the other driver. If anyone has been injured, render aid to the best of your ability. Get medical care for your own injuries without delay.
You can request a copy of your police report to use for your insurance claim by ordering it on the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can also contact the local police precinct where your car accident took place to ask for a copy. Send one copy to the insurance company and keep another for your own records.
While most minor car accident cases in North Carolina do not require legal assistance, if you run into challenges, contact a car accident attorney at Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP, for a free consultation.