Right after a wreck, the adrenaline is still running and it’s easy to forget one of the most important documents you’ll need in the days that follow: the official crash report. Whether you’re dealing with an insurance adjuster, trying to piece together what happened, or just starting to think about whether you have a claim, that report is often the first solid piece of documentation you’ll have. Here’s how to actually get your hands on it in Burlington.
Who Investigated Your Crash Matters
The agency you request your report from depends on who responded to the scene:
- Burlington Police Department — for crashes within Burlington city limits
- North Carolina State Highway Patrol — for crashes on highways or in unincorporated parts of Alamance County
- Alamance County Sheriff’s Office — for crashes outside city limits that fall under county jurisdiction
If you’re not sure which agency responded, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) receives crash reports from every law enforcement agency in the state and can be a fallback source once your report has been filed.
Requesting a Report From Burlington Police Department
Reports are generally not available immediately after a crash — most agencies need a few business days to finalize and enter the report into the system. Requesting too early is one of the most common reasons people run into delays.
Reports investigated by Burlington PD are typically available within 3 to 7 business days after the crash. You have a few options:
- Online: Burlington PD’s crash reports are searchable through its online crash report database using details like the report number, driver’s license number, or vehicle plate.
- In person: Visit the Records Section of the Burlington Police Department with a valid photo ID.
- By mail or through an attorney: If you’re already working with an attorney, they can typically request the report on your behalf using basic crash details, which can save you the back-and-forth if information turns out to be missing or incomplete.
Requesting a Report From NCDMV or NC State Highway Patrol
If North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated your crash, or if you’re not sure which agency handled it, NCDMV’s Traffic Records Branch is a reliable place to request a copy:
- By mail: Submit a completed request form (Form DMV-349) along with the required fee to the NCDMV Traffic Records Branch, Crash Reports Unit. Processing typically takes about 10 business days.
- In person: Bring your completed form to a License Plate Agency location for same-day service on a single report request.
What to Do If There’s an Error in Your Report
Crash reports aren’t always perfect. Wrong contact information, an incorrectly recorded statement, or an error in how the crash is described can all show up on the official record — and those errors can end up shaping how an insurance company evaluates your claim if they’re not caught and corrected early. If you spot something that doesn’t match what actually happened, most agencies allow you to submit a supplemental statement or request a correction, but the process and required documentation vary by department, so it’s worth confirming the specific steps with the agency that filed the report.
Keep a Copy for Your Own Records
Even if your attorney or insurance company ends up handling most of the paperwork going forward, it’s worth keeping a personal copy of the crash report along with any photos, medical records, and repair estimates you gather. Having your own file means you’re never depending entirely on someone else to track down a document you may need again later, whether for a follow-up claim, a records request, or simply your own peace of mind.
Why This Document Matters More Than It Seems
The crash report often becomes the foundation that everything else in a claim gets built on: it establishes who was involved, what agency responded, and often includes an officer’s initial assessment of how the crash happened. Insurance companies rely on it heavily, which means it’s worth having someone review it closely — not just file it away — especially if your injuries turned out to be more serious than they first appeared.
For the most accurate way to search for a report filed within Burlington city limits, the Burlington Police Department’s official crash report search is the direct source for reports investigated by BPD.
You Don’t Have to Sort This Out on Your Own
I know firsthand how disorienting it is to try to track down paperwork, understand what it means, and deal with an insurance company all while you’re still recovering. I went through a serious wreck myself, and that experience is exactly why I do this work now — so injured people in Burlington and across the Piedmont have someone in their corner who’s actually lived through what they’re going through.
If you’re dealing with a crash report that doesn’t tell the full story, or you’re not sure what your next step should be, it’s worth getting a second set of eyes on personal injury claims in Burlington NC before you talk to the insurance company any further.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.