I’ve Been in a Car Crash, what do I Do?
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life, and they can happen to anyone, anywhere. If you find yourself involved in a car accident in North Carolina, knowing the right steps to take can help protect your legal rights, ensure your safety, and improve your chances of a fair insurance settlement or personal injury claim.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in North Carolina:
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Your first priority after a car accident should always be safety. If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road. If the cars are too damaged to move, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check for injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, immediately call 911 for medical assistance.
Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to contact law enforcement. A police report is a key document for insurance claims and legal purposes. The police will document the scene, which can provide vital evidence if there are disputes over who is at fault.
2. Gather Important Information
It is essential to collect information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes:
Driver’s information: Name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
Insurance details: The other driver’s insurance company, policy number, and the make, model, and year of their vehicle.
Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Additionally, take detailed notes about the accident scene, including the location, time, weather conditions, and the events leading up to the crash.
3. Document the Accident Scene
In North Carolina, documenting the scene is crucial for supporting your version of events. Take photographs of:
The damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved.
The positions of the vehicles after the crash.
Any visible injuries you or your passengers may have.
Road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant factors (e.g., skid marks, weather conditions, or traffic lights).
If you can, sketch a diagram of the accident scene. This can help illustrate how the accident occurred, especially if there is confusion over liability.
4. Do Not Discuss Fault or Liability
It can be tempting to apologize or say something that might be interpreted as admitting fault at the scene of the accident. However, in North Carolina, as in most states, liability in a car accident case is determined later based on evidence, witness testimony, and police reports.
Avoid discussing who caused the accident with the other driver or the police. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement and only share information that is relevant and truthful. Avoid making statements like, “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry,” as these could be misconstrued as admissions of fault.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. Seeing a healthcare professional can ensure you receive the treatment you need and help document any injuries related to the crash.
Keep detailed records of any medical treatments you receive, including doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and hospital bills. This documentation will be important if you pursue a personal injury claim.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. North Carolina is an "at-fault" state, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for damages. However, your insurance policy may include coverage for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, or other costs.
Report the details accurately: When speaking with your insurance company, provide all the facts, but avoid giving too much detail until you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney.
Understand your coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not, particularly in terms of liability, medical payments, and collision coverage.
7. Contact Triangle Legal
If you were injured in the accident or the damages are significant, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a personal injury attorney. Here at Triangle Legal, our team can guide you through the claims process, help protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury claims: If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will help you get compensated.
Property damage claims: We can also assist with recovering costs for vehicle repairs or replacement.
Insurance disputes: If your insurance company is refusing to pay for damages or offering an unfair settlement, we can help negotiate or litigate on your behalf.
8. Be Aware of North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
North Carolina has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. In general, you must file a personal injury claim within three (3) years from the date of the accident.
It’s essential to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss these important deadlines. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in the loss of your ability to seek compensation. Give us a call or text at (919) 590-3647, we are happy to help any time!
This article was prepared by Triangle Legal for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of the law or legal advice. North Carolina laws change frequently and could affect the information in this article. For legal advice, you may contact an attorney at our law firm via phone/text at (919) 590-3647 or online (https://www.triangle.legal).