There are several ways to get Durham accident reports after a collision. You can obtain your crash report by calling or visiting the Durham Police Department’s Records Unit or through the state Division of Motor Vehicles, which collects crash reports from all law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Accident Report in Durham
If the Durham Police Department responded to your accident, you can request a copy of the crash report directly from them.
Here’s how:
- Wait for processing – Reports are usually available three to five business days after the crash. Make sure to wait long enough for the police to complete the report before making your request.
- Request by mail or in person – Visit the Durham Police Headquarters at 602 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701, or mail your request to that address. Include the report number, accident date, location, and the names of people involved to help staff find the report faster.
- Request by phone or fax – Call 919-560-4423 to request a copy of the police report or fax your request to 919-560-4971. Be sure to include the details listed above, along with your contact information.
You can also request crash reports through the North Carolina DMV since it collects reports from all law enforcement agencies statewide. However, only drivers involved in the crash, their lawyers, or their insurance companies can request these reports. You can request a crash report online via the DMV’s crash reports page on its website or by mailing a completed Crash Report Request Form (TR-67A) to:
NCDMV Crash Reports Unit
3106 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3106
You can also visit the DMV headquarters on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh or a local DMV office that handles crash reports to request yours in person.
Certified copies of DMV crash reports cost $6.50 each. You might also need to pay additional fees to order your report online. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the request method.
Why Obtaining a Durham Accident Report Is Important
A police report provides an unbiased account of the crash, including key details like where it happened, who was involved, and what the police officer observed at the scene. Insurance companies often rely on these reports when deciding who’s at fault and how to handle claims. A car accident lawyer can use the crash report and other evidence to support your claim and show how the other driver caused the crash.
What Information Do I Need to Request an Accident Report?
The details you need to request Durham police accident reports vary slightly depending on your request method.
You typically need to provide:
- Your name
- Your driver’s license number
- The crash date
- The report number (if the investigating officer gave it to you)
Get Help from Our Experienced Durham Car Accident Lawyers Now
The most efficient method to get a Durham accident report is to hire a lawyer and have them file the request. Our car accident attorneys can help you save time and avoid mistakes that might delay your case. Our attorneys can also make sure the report is accurate and collect other evidence and witness statements to support your claim.
Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group has helped many clients access their accident report requests and can fight on your behalf for fair compensation after a collision. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
