Official NC Resources for Accidents

The Bottom Line

When navigating a car accident claim in NC, official government resources can provide critical information, forms, and assistance. This page compiles the most useful NC and federal resources in one place, explains what each one does, and tells you when you would use it. Bookmark this page for quick reference throughout your claim process.

NC State Resources

NC Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: ncdot.gov/dmv

What it does: The NC DMV handles driver licensing, vehicle registration, and accident reporting. After a car accident, you may interact with the DMV for several reasons.

When you would use it:

• Filing Form DMV-349 -- NC law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the DMV. This is separate from the police report.
• Checking your driving record -- Your driving record may be relevant to your claim or insurance rates.
• License reinstatement -- If your license is suspended due to an accident-related issue (such as failure to maintain insurance).
• Verifying another driver's insurance -- You can verify whether the other driver has active insurance through the DMV.

NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI)

Website: ncdoi.gov Consumer hotline: 855-408-1212

What it does: The NCDOI regulates insurance companies operating in NC. It is your primary resource when an insurance company is not treating you fairly.

When you would use it:

• Filing a complaint against an insurer -- If the insurance company is unreasonably delaying, denying, or undervaluing your claim
• Understanding your insurance rights -- The NCDOI publishes consumer guides explaining NC insurance requirements and your rights as a policyholder
• Verifying an insurer is licensed -- Confirm that the other driver's insurance company is licensed to operate in NC
• Reporting an uninsured driver -- If the other driver does not have insurance as required by law

NC Court System

Website: nccourts.gov

What it does: The NC court system handles civil lawsuits, including car accident cases that do not settle through insurance negotiations.

When you would use it:

• Filing a small claims case -- For claims of $10,000 or less, you can file in magistrate court without an attorney
• Filing a civil lawsuit -- If your claim exceeds small claims limits or the insurance company refuses to settle fairly
• Looking up court records -- Check on the status of a filed case or look up public records
• Finding court forms -- Download forms for filing civil actions, subpoenas, and other legal documents

NC General Assembly (Statutes)

Website: ncleg.gov

What it does: The NC General Assembly website provides free access to all NC General Statutes -- the state laws that govern car accidents, insurance, negligence, and related matters.

When you would use it:

• Looking up specific statutes referenced in your case (e.g., contributory negligence, statute of limitations, insurance requirements)
• Researching NC traffic laws under Chapter 20 of the General Statutes
• Understanding recent law changes -- such as the October 2025 insurance minimum increase

NC State Highway Patrol

Website: ncdps.gov/our-organization/law-enforcement/state-highway-patrol

What it does: The NC State Highway Patrol investigates accidents on state highways and interstates. If your accident occurred on a highway, the Highway Patrol likely responded.

When you would use it:

• Obtaining your accident report -- Request a copy of the Highway Patrol crash report
• Reporting a hit-and-run on a state highway
• Following up on an investigation for a serious or fatal accident

NC Industrial Commission

Website: ic.nc.gov

What it does: The NC Industrial Commission handles tort claims against state government agencies (under the Tort Claims Act) and workers' compensation claims.

When you would use it:

• Filing a claim against NCDOT or another state agency for poor road conditions or an accident involving a state vehicle
• Workers' compensation claims if you were in a car accident while working
• Understanding the Tort Claims Act process and filing requirements

NC Bar Association

Website: ncbar.org

What it does: The NC Bar Association is the professional organization for NC attorneys. It provides resources for finding a lawyer and reporting attorney misconduct.

When you would use it:

• Lawyer Referral Service -- Get matched with an attorney in your area who handles car accident cases. Call 919-677-8574 or use the online directory.
• Checking an attorney's license -- Verify that a lawyer is licensed and in good standing
• Filing a complaint about an attorney who has acted unethically or incompetently

NC Legal Aid Organizations

If you cannot afford an attorney and your case does not attract contingency-fee representation, these organizations may help:

Legal Aid of North Carolina

Website: legalaidnc.org Phone: 866-219-5262

Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income NC residents. While they do not typically handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, they can provide advice, referrals, and assistance with related issues like insurance disputes.

NC Equal Justice Alliance

Website: ncequaljusticealliance.org

A coalition of legal aid organizations across NC. Their website can help you find legal assistance in your area.

Law School Clinics

Several NC law schools operate legal clinics that provide free legal services:

• UNC School of Law -- Chapel Hill
• Duke Law School -- Durham
• NC Central University School of Law -- Durham
• Campbell University School of Law -- Raleigh
• Wake Forest University School of Law -- Winston-Salem
• Elon University School of Law -- Greensboro

Clinics are staffed by law students supervised by licensed attorneys. Availability varies by semester and case type.

Federal Resources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Website: nhtsa.gov

When you would use it:

• Vehicle recall information -- Check if the vehicle involved in your accident had an open safety recall that may have contributed to the crash
• Crash test ratings -- Understand your vehicle's safety ratings
• Reporting a vehicle safety defect -- If you believe a vehicle defect caused or contributed to your accident (see our product liability guide for more)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Website: fmcsa.dot.gov

When you would use it:

• Commercial truck accidents -- Look up a trucking company's safety record, inspection history, and insurance information
• SAFER System -- Search for trucking company records at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Filing a complaint about an unsafe commercial vehicle or driver

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Website: ntsb.gov

When you would use it:

• Major accident investigations involving commercial vehicles, hazardous materials, or significant public safety concerns. The NTSB investigates and publishes detailed reports that can serve as evidence.

Quick Reference: Which Resource for Which Situation

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a complaint against an insurance company in NC?▾

You can file a complaint with the NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI) online at ncdoi.gov, by phone at 855-408-1212, or by mail. The NCDOI investigates complaints about unfair claim practices, unreasonable delays, and improper denials. While they cannot force a settlement, a complaint creates a record and may prompt the insurer to re-evaluate your claim.

Where do I get a copy of my NC accident report?▾

You can request your accident report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene (city police, county sheriff, or NC State Highway Patrol). Many NC agencies offer online report requests through their websites. You can also request reports through the NC DMV. Reports are typically available within 5-10 business days.

How do I look up NC traffic laws and statutes?▾

NC General Statutes are available free online through the NC General Assembly website at ncleg.gov. Chapter 20 covers motor vehicle laws. You can search by statute number or keyword. The site is updated regularly as laws change.

Is there free legal help for car accident victims in NC?▾

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance in NC. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves low-income residents. The NC Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service and free legal clinics. Law school clinics at UNC, Duke, NC Central, Campbell, Wake Forest, and Elon may also assist with certain cases. Most personal injury attorneys also offer free initial consultations.

How do I report an accident to the NC DMV?▾

If your accident caused injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the NC DMV using Form DMV-349. This is separate from the police report. The form can be submitted online through the NC DMV website or by mail. Failure to report can result in license suspension.