If a police officer arrived at the scene of your accident, they will file a crash report known as Form DMV-349. Crash reports contain crucial details about an accident including insurance information, witness accounts, and a report of what happened and which driver was at fault for the collision. Because of all the information they contain, crash reports use numerical codes to describe the accident details. Below is a quick guide to decode the most important information on your NC crash report.
NC Crash Report Codes
On the first page of a crash report, there will be a total of 12 numbered boxes along the right margin that provide a quick overview of who the officer determined to be at fault. For most accidents, boxes 14-19 will be most important. Boxes 14-16 will note up to three things that the first driver did or failed to do which contributed to the car crash. Likewise, boxes 17-19 will note up to three things that the second driver did or failed to do that contributed to the car crash. The codes for these “fault boxes” are as follows:
0 – No contributing circumstances indicated
1 – Disregarded yield sign
2 – Disregarded stop sign
3 – Disregarded other traffic signs
4 – Disregarded traffic signals
5 – Disregarded road markings
6 – Exceeded authorized speed limit
7 – Exceeded safe speed for conditions
8 – Failure to reduce speed
9 – Improper turn
10 – Right turn on red
11 – Crossed centerline/going wrong way
12 – Improper lane change
13 – Use of improper lane
14 – Overcorrected/oversteered
15 – Passed stopped school bus
16 – Passed on hill
17 – Passed on curve
18 – Other improper passing
19 – Failed to yield right of way
20 – Inattention
21 – Improper backing
22 – Improper parking
23 – Driver distracted
24 – Improper or no signal
25 – Followed too closely
26 – Operated vehicle in erratic, reckless, careless, negligent or aggressive manner
27 – Swerved or avoided due to wind, slippery surface, vehicle, object, non-motorist
28 – Visibility obstructed
29 – Operated defective equipment
30 – Alcohol use
31 – Drug use
32 – Other* (Described in Narrative Portion)
33 – Unable to determine
34 – Unknown
Boxes 12-13 will note any roadway circumstances that contributed to the accident, such as bad weather conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals. The codes for the “roadway boxes” are as follows:
0 – None (no unusual conditions)
1 – Road Surface Condition
2 – Debris
3 – Rut, Holes, Bumps
4 – Work Zone (construction, maintenance, utility)
5 – Worn Travel-Polished Surface
6 – Obstruction in Roadway
7 – Traffic Control Device Inoperative, Not Visible or Missing
8 – Shoulders Low, Soft or High
9 – No Shoulders
10 – Non-Highway Work
11 – Other* (Described in Narrative Portion)
12 – Unknown
Last of all, at the bottom of the first page of a crash report, boxes 28 and 32 will note airbag status along with what type of injuries the drivers and passengers sustained. Box 28 will show whether airbags deployed with the following codes:
0 – No air bags in vehicle
1 – Not deployed
2 – Deployed from front
3 – Deployed from side
4 – Deployed from both front and side
5 – Unknown
Box 32 will show what injuries the officer observed on the scene with the following codes:
1 – Fatality
2 – Disabling injury observed. This is used when the officer observes an obvious and serious injury that will prevent a person from performing normal day-to-day activities for at least one day after the crash.
3 – Evident injury observed. This is used when the officer can observe an injury that is not fatal or disabling, including bruises, swelling, and limping.
4 – Possible injury. This is used when the officer does not observe a visible injury but there are complaints of pain or there is momentary unconsciousness from the injured party.
5 – No injury
6 – Unknown
Carefully Review the NC Crash Report for Accuracy
When you receive your crash report, it is good idea to check through the information to make sure that it is accurate. For more information on how to get a copy of your crash report, you can also read our article, “How to Get a Crash Report in North Carolina.”
Importance of Getting a NC Car Accident Report After a Collision
Car accidents can be a traumatic and stressful experience for everyone involved. In the event of a collision, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are protected legally and financially. One of the most crucial steps to take after a car accident is to obtain your North Carolina car accident report.
An NC car accident report is a detailed document that outlines the specifics of a car accident, including the date, time, location, and parties involved. This report is typically filled out by law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of the accident. It also includes important details such as weather conditions, road conditions, and any contributing factors to the accident.
There are several reasons why obtaining your NC car accident report is crucial after a collision. Firstly, having a copy of the report can provide you with valuable information that can help you navigate the aftermath of the accident. The report can serve as a valuable tool for insurance companies, legal proceedings, and any potential claims that may arise from the accident.
Additionally, having a copy of the car accident report can protect you from any false or misleading information that may be presented by the other parties involved in the accident. By having an official document that outlines the specifics of the accident, you can seek to ensure that your version of events is accurately represented.
Furthermore, obtaining your NC car accident report can help expedite the claims process with your insurance company. Insurance companies often require a copy of the accident report to process a claim. By having a copy of the report readily available, you can speed up the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
In North Carolina, obtaining your car accident report is a relatively straightforward process. You can request a copy of the report from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) or the local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. You may be required to pay a small fee to obtain a copy of the report, but the benefits of having this document far outweigh the cost. A Raleigh car accident lawyer can also help you obtain your NC crash report from Raleigh Police Department, NC State Highway Patrol, Durham Police Department, or other entity.
Obtaining your NC car accident report is a critical step to take after a collision. This document provides valuable information that can help protect you legally and financially in the aftermath of an accident. By having a copy of the report, you can ensure that your version of events is accurately represented and expedite the claims process with your insurance company. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize obtaining your car accident report after a collision to safeguard your rights and interests.
A Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the Claims Process
Our personal injury attorney has been helping injured people in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, Greenville, Wilmington, Fayetteville, and other across North Carolina for more than ten years. If you were injured in a car accident and need help, you can speak to our personal injury attorney today at no cost by calling us at (888) 920-8180 or by emailing us at info@tienlawfirm.com.
Helpful Links
- Raleigh Police Department Crash Reports Online
- NC State Highway Patrol Crash Reports Online
- NC Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV)
- NCDMV Crash Report Request Form
- How to Request a Durham Police Department Crash Report: You must come to the Records Unit at Police Headquarters at 602 East Main Street. Reports are available on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also call the Records Unit at (888) 920-8180 to get a copy of a report faxed to you.