About how long does it usually take for a fatal accident report to be completed and posted? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, an investigating law enforcement officer generally must prepare the initial written crash report within 24 hours of the crash, and the report then moves through agency and DMV processing before it shows up in the places that “post” crash reports. In practice, a basic report may be available within days, but a fatal crash can take longer to be finalized or supplemented—especially if the death occurs after the crash, more investigation is needed, or the case ties into a criminal investigation.

Understanding the Problem

In a North Carolina fatal crash, families and insurers often need to know when the official crash report will be finished and when it will show up through the investigating agency or the Division of Motor Vehicles. The timing question usually turns on whether the investigating officer has completed the initial crash report and whether any follow-up work—like a death-related supplement—must be added before the report looks “complete” in the system.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law requires an investigation and a written crash report for a “reportable” motor vehicle crash. The investigating officer generally must complete the written report within 24 hours, and if the officer is not with the State Highway Patrol, the local law enforcement agency must forward the report to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within a set time after receiving it. If a person later dies from the crash and the death was not included in the original report, the officer must file a supplemental report that includes the death. Separately, a county medical examiner has a short deadline to report certain death information to DMV.

Key Requirements

• Initial written crash report: For a reportable crash, a law enforcement officer must investigate and prepare a written report on a short timetable.
• Forwarding to DMV for statewide records: If a local agency receives the report, it must send it to DMV within a specific number of days after receipt.
• Supplemental reporting for a later death: If the person dies after the crash and the death was not on the original report, the investigating officer must add a supplemental report that reflects the death.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reporting; investigation; timing; public records) – Requires a written crash report generally within 24 hours, sets a 10-day forwarding window to DMV for local agencies, and requires a supplemental report if a crash-related death is not captured in the original report.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: No case-specific facts are provided, so the timing depends on how the crash was investigated and how quickly information flows from the investigating officer to the investigating agency and then to DMV. If a death occurs at the scene (or is known immediately), the initial report may include the fatality and be ready sooner. If the person survives for a time and later dies, the report may need a supplemental filing, which can delay when the report looks “complete” in systems that post or index reports.

Process & Timing

1. Who prepares: The investigating law enforcement officer. Where: The crash is investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agency (city police, sheriff, or State Highway Patrol). What: A written crash report is prepared; a supplemental report may be prepared if a death occurs later and was not included. When: The officer must generally complete the written report within 24 hours of the crash; if the officer is not with the State Highway Patrol, the local agency must forward the report to DMV within 10 days after receiving it.
2. DMV processing/posting: After the report reaches DMV, it may take additional time for indexing, scanning, data entry, and vendor/public-portal updates. This timing varies and often does not happen instantly after the statutory “forwarding” step.
3. Final “fatal” status in the record: If the death was not included in the original report, the investigating officer must file a supplement that includes the death. Some systems may not reflect a fatality until that supplement is accepted and processed.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “Completed” versus “posted”: A report can be completed by the officer but not yet appear online due to agency review, DMV processing, or portal update schedules.
• Later death and supplemental report: If the injured person dies after the crash, the fatality may not show up until the investigating officer submits the required supplemental report.
• Ongoing criminal investigation: A fatal crash can overlap with a criminal investigation, which may lead to additional investigation work and delayed finalization of details even if a basic crash report exists.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, the investigating officer generally must prepare the initial written crash report within 24 hours, and a local agency must generally forward it to DMV within 10 days after receiving it. Even so, a fatal crash may not appear as “posted” right away because of processing time and, in some cases, a required supplemental report when a death occurs after the initial report. The practical next step is to request the crash report from the investigating agency or DMV as soon as the report number becomes available.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney

If you’re dealing with a fatal crash and need to understand how to get the crash report (and what delays may mean for a wrongful death case timeline), our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.