A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. In the chaos and confusion that follows a collision, it can be difficult to think clearly about what you should do next. However, the steps you take immediately after an accident in North Carolina can have a profound impact on your ability to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we have represented thousands of accident victims across North Carolina, and we have seen how the decisions made in the first hours and days after a crash can make or break a case. This guide walks you through the most important steps to protect your health, your rights, and your future.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your first priority after any car accident should be safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it is important to contact law enforcement so that an official police report is created. This report will serve as a critical piece of evidence in any insurance claim or lawsuit that follows.
North Carolina law requires drivers to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failing to report an accident can result in criminal penalties and can also undermine your ability to seek compensation later.
Step 2: Move to Safety if Possible
If your vehicle is still operable and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and to reduce the risk of a secondary collision. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially if you are on a busy highway or interstate.
Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Once it is safe, exchange the following information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Driver's license number and state of issuance
- License plate number and vehicle description
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Names and contact information of any passengers
Be polite but avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. Even a simple statement like "I'm sorry" can be used against you later by an insurance company trying to deny or minimize your claim.
Step 4: Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able to do so, take photographs and video of the accident scene. Comprehensive documentation can be invaluable when reconstructing the accident and proving fault. Focus on capturing:
- Damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signs, signals, and lane markings
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Your visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or swelling
- The positions of the vehicles before they are moved
If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be extremely helpful in establishing what happened, particularly when the other driver disputes their fault.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
This is one of the most important steps, and it is one that many accident victims skip or delay. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, internal bleeding, and herniated discs, may not produce obvious symptoms right away. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days after a crash.
Seeing a doctor promptly serves two critical purposes. First, it ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated before they worsen. Second, it creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies routinely argue that gaps in medical treatment mean your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the accident. Do not give them that ammunition.
Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as reasonably possible. Most policies require prompt reporting of accidents. When you call, stick to the basic facts: the date, time, and location of the accident, and the other driver's information. Do not provide a recorded statement or speculate about fault without first consulting an attorney.
Step 7: Be Cautious with the Other Driver's Insurance Company
It is very likely that an adjuster from the other driver's insurance company will contact you within days of the accident. Be very careful in dealing with the opposing insurance company. Their goal is to minimize the amount they pay on your claim, not to help you. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement, sign a medical records release, or accept a quick settlement offer. We strongly advise against doing any of these things without first speaking to an attorney.
Quick settlement offers are almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth. The insurance company knows this, which is why they try to settle before you have had a chance to fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages.
Step 8: Keep Detailed Records
From the moment the accident occurs, start keeping a file with all documents related to the crash and your recovery. This should include:
- The police report
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for prescription medications
- Documentation of lost wages from your employer
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- A daily journal documenting your pain levels, symptoms, and how your injuries affect your daily life
Step 9: Consult with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
North Carolina has unique laws that can significantly affect your car accident claim. Most importantly, North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, which means that if you are found to be even one percent at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. This harsh rule makes it essential to have an experienced attorney who can protect you from unfair blame and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. While that may seem like a long time, evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses can become difficult to locate. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better positioned you will be to obtain a fair outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Ted Injury Law
At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we have recovered more than $500 million for injured clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Our team of experienced attorneys handles every aspect of your car accident claim, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, when necessary, taking your case to trial. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, do not wait to get the help you need. Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (800) 555-HURT or fill out our online contact form to get started.