North Carolina Accident Report Mistakes That Could Affect Your Claim

If you’re in a North Carolina traffic accident, the official report is crucial. Police use North Carolina police report codes to record events, conditions, and those involved. These codes keep reports consistent, but mistakes happen. 

Even small errors in your accident report can delay claims, lower settlements, or make proving fault harder. Knowing common mistakes and how to fix them can protect your rights.

Here are eight common errors, why they happen, and why you should correct them quickly.

Wrong Contact or Insurance Information

Sometimes the officer writes down the wrong phone number, address, or insurance details. This can happen if a driver gives outdated information or the officer mishears. 

If this info is wrong, it’s harder to contact the other driver’s insurance company, which can slow down your claim.

Incorrect Vehicle Damage Descriptions

Officers may have only a few minutes to note the damage. Poor lighting, bad weather, or a busy scene can lead to mistakes. 

If the report says the damage is less than it really is, the insurance company might offer less money for repairs.

Wrong Police Report Codes

North Carolina police report codes are used to record crash causes, like speeding or distracted driving. If the wrong code is used, the fault can be assigned incorrectly. 

For example, a code for “driver inattention” might be entered instead of one for “mechanical failure,” making it look like you were careless.

Missing Witness Statements

Witnesses can be key in proving what happened. But in a rush to clear the scene, an officer might forget to write down a witness’s name or statement. Once it’s missing from the report, it’s hard to add later.

Fault Errors in the Report

Police do not officially decide who is legally at fault, but the report can still influence that decision. The officer’s notes or codes may make it seem like you were at fault, even if you weren’t. Insurance companies pay close attention to these details.

Wrong Time or Location

If the report has the wrong time or place, it can hurt your case. For example, if the time doesn’t match video footage or phone records, the other side might question your story. A wrong location can also make accident reconstruction harder.

Missing Weather or Road Conditions

Weather and road conditions are often important in proving negligence. If the report doesn’t mention ice, rain, fog, or hazards, your case may be weaker. These details can explain why a driver lost control.

Missing or Wrong Injury Details

Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, appear hours or days later. If you said you felt fine at the scene, the officer might mark “no injury.” 

Later, the insurance company may argue your injuries weren’t from the crash because the North Carolina accident report says otherwise.

Why You Should Fix Mistakes Quickly

Once a report is filed, insurance companies and lawyers treat it as an important record. If it has mistakes, they can use them against you. The sooner you get them fixed, the better your chances of getting a fair settlement.

To correct a report, contact the law enforcement agency that made it. You may need proof, such as photos, medical records, or written statements. 

Small factual mistakes can often be fixed. Changing anything related to fault is harder and may require strong evidence.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer can:

●     Read the report carefully to spot errors

●     Compare it with other evidence, like photos and videos

●     Contact the police to request changes

●     Work with experts to challenge the wrong police report codes

●     Use extra evidence to strengthen your case in negotiations or court

Lawyers who understand how insurance companies work know how to handle mistakes that could harm your claim.

Bottom Line

Your North Carolina accident report plays a big role in your injury claim. Even small mistakes can make a big difference. 

Check the report for errors, act fast to fix them, and work with a skilled lawyer to protect your rights. Being alert and taking quick action can help you get the settlement you deserve.