Do You Have to Report Minor Accidents In North Carolina?

North Carolina car accident laws can be complex and tricky to navigate on your own. The answer to the question, do you have to report minor accidents in North Carolina, is not always straightforward. Not reporting certain minor accidents can lead to legal ramifications. An experienced Charlotte car accident lawyer can review your circumstances and provide advice.

Defining a Minor Accident

Minor accidents, such as a slow-speed rear-end collision or a fender bender, tend to be more common than accidents that result in serious injuries and significant vehicle damage. These accidents may appear so insignificant that you may question whether they even need to be reported to your insurance provider or law enforcement.

North Carolina classifies vehicle collisions as reportable and non-reportable. Regardless of the type of accident, you should not leave the scene of an accident. If you do leave the scene of the accident, you could face revocation of your driving privileges or suspension of your license.

You are required to report a collision when it results in a death, injury to a driver or passenger, and property damage of $1,000 or more. Data from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles show there were 284,546 reportable crashes in North Carolina in 2024.

Reporting an Accident

Reporting an accident provides a record of the accident, which is essential for potential legal proceedings or when filing an insurance claim. A report should be filed as soon as possible to mitigate complications. The driver is typically responsible for filing the report. If law enforcement is at the scene, they will complete an official report that can be accessed for insurance and legal purposes. It is important to understand how insurance companies devalue car accident claims in North Carolina and how a formal report helps protect the value of your case.

In scenarios where law enforcement was not present at the scene, the driver will have 10 days to report the accident to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles located at 3101 Mail Service Center, 1515 N. Church St., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You will need to provide the names of the drivers, contact information, insurance information, and a detailed description of any injuries and damages.

Steps to Take After an Accident

The aftermath of an accident can be unsettling. Understanding what steps to take before you are involved in an accident can be beneficial. These are the steps you should try to follow to stay safe and protect your interests:

• If it is drivable, move your vehicle to a safe place off the road. This will help prevent further damage and not block the roadway.
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
• Turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights.
• Call the police. A formal report can be beneficial. If there are injuries, an emergency medical team can be deployed.
• Exchange information with the other driver, such as their full name, contact information, insurance policy information, name of the insurer, driver’s license number, license plate number, specific location where the accident took place, the make, model, and color of the vehicle involved.
• If there were any witnesses to the accident, gather their names and contact information.
• Document the accident scene and any damages or injuries with photos. Also record the time, date, weather conditions, and any other relevant information.
• Do not accept or make accusations of blame.
• Do not post about the accident on your social media accounts.
• Even if you feel okay, it is still prudent to seek medical attention.
• Notify your insurance company.
• Schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer.

Minimum Vehicle Insurance Requirements

Drivers in North Carolina must have liability insurance. The state has established minimums that drivers must carry, which include $25,000 in property damage liability, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, and $60,000 in total bodily injury per accident. Drivers can elect to purchase more insurance than what the minimum requires.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Understanding the difference between reportable and non-reportable accidents has financial, legal, and safety implications. Improperly classifying an accident can lead to statutory violations and denied insurance claims. The legal team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, has decades of combined experience navigating the complexities of North Carolina car accident laws.

FAQs

What Is a Non-Reportable Car Accident in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a non-reportable car accident must meet the threshold of only minor vehicle damage under $1,000 and no physical harm to any drivers or passengers. It is important to properly classify a car accident as reportable or non-reportable. If you sustain major property damage or serious injuries due to another driver’s negligence, it can be beneficial to hire a car accident lawyer to protect your rights.

What Happens if I Don’t Report an Accident in North Carolina?

Failure to report a reportable accident in North Carolina can lead to legal action and complications in filing insurance claims. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, if an individual fails to report an accident that resulted in injury, death, or damages of $1,000 or more, they can face serious legal repercussions, such as misdemeanor or felony charges resulting in a suspended license, jail time, and fines.

Do You Have to Report an Accident in North Carolina?

There are specific rules for when an accident must be reported in North Carolina, including if there were injuries or death, or if there was property damage of $1,000 or greater. Vehicle insurers rely on information generated in an accident report to determine fault, assess claims, and calculate adjustments to premiums. A reported accident can provide officer assessments, investigative findings, statements from witnesses, and diagrams. This information helps support coverage disputes.

How Long Can You Wait Until You Report a Car Accident in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, it is prudent to report a car accident as soon as possible. Your priority should always be to ensure everyone is safe and to seek medical care if someone is injured. North Carolina defines the period during which an individual must initiate legal proceedings. This is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims is three years from the date of the accident.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

The experienced team at Steven T. Meier, PLLC, can review your situation and determine if you were involved in a reportable or non-reportable accident. If your accident was reportable, we can handle the next steps, make sure your rights are protected, and assist with a car accident claim. Contact the office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.