If you’re in an accident in an unincorporated part of Buncombe County, the North Carolina Highway Patrol will probably investigate your crash. To get a copy of the accident report that’s filed afterward, you’ll need to search for it on the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) database.
There’s some important information you’ll need to perform your search. You may also be required to file documents allowing the government to release your private information.
What Do I Need to Request My North Carolina State Highway Patrol Accident Report?
After a frightening accident on Buncombe County roads, like along I-40 through the gorge or the Leicester Highway, you may need an accident report to help secure support through an insurance claim. If you’re outside of city limits, a State Highway Patrol officer will likely respond to the scene.
To receive a copy of the collision report the officer prepares, you’ll need to go online. You can look for your report by going to the DPS Collision Reports page. You should wait at least 5 to 7 days before trying to find your report. This gives the investigating officer time to complete it and submit the document.
You can search by…
- Report number
- Name
- Driver’s License Number
- Vehicle Plate Number
This accident report won’t be certified and will have some personal information of the drivers involved redacted. Getting a certified copy will require going through the NCDMV.
How to Request a Certified Crash Report After a Buncombe County Accident
You can obtain a certified copy of your crash report by visiting the NCDMV website. This copy won’t have information redacted.
To secure your document, you’ll need this information:
- The valid North Carolina driver license or ID card number of the Requestor
- Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification number or U.S. Visa number of the Requestor
- Driver’s license number of a driver involved in the crash
- Date of the crash
There will be a $3 fee per online transaction, plus a $1.85 charge for using a credit card.
Requesting a Certified Accident Report Through the Mail
You can also download a request form, Crash Report Request (TR-67A) form, and mail it.
Traffic Records Branch, Crash Reports Unit,
3106 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
NC 27697-3106
There will be a $6.50 fee for each copy.
Requesting a Certified Accident Report In Person
The $6.50 fee also applies to requesting a copy in person. Those in need of an accident report would also fill out the Crash Report Request (TR-67A) form.
You would bring this form to one of two physical locations:
Raleigh Central Services/License Plate Agency (Go to the door that reads Vehicle Registration, NOT Driver License)
4121 New Bern Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27616
Huntersville License Plate Agency
12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident in Buncombe County?
If your crash only results in minor injuries or only car damage, you may not need a lawyer’s help to file a claim and get fair treatment. However, if you suffer a more serious injury, like a broken bone, neck or back damage, or a brain injury, a lawyer may be an important protection to have.
With higher medical bills, insurers will be trying harder to avoid responsibility. A lawyer can make sure you don’t get blamed for an accident you didn’t cause. Your lawyer also fights to get full support that covers all of your injury hardships for as long as it takes for you to recover. Contact Melrose Law to discuss your options in a free, no-obligation consultation with a real lawyer.
We serve accident victims in Buncombe County and across Western North Carolina. If you need our help to earn more, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless you win your case. Then our fee comes out of the car accident settlement money you are awarded.
