What to Do After a Car Accident in NC
In the aftermath of a car accident, your immediate actions matter—not just for your physical safety, but also for your legal and financial well-being. Staying calm and taking the right steps can help prevent further harm, safeguard lives, and protect your rights. Never leave the scene of an accident, even if you believe you weren’t at fault—doing so can lead to serious legal consequences. Instead, prioritize safety: turn on your hazard lights, move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so, and wait on the roadside away from danger. If anyone is injured, offer help without moving them—unless there is immediate danger, such as fire or leaking fuel.
Steps to Take After a Durham Car Accident
Safety First
Before anything else, check for injuries—yours, your passengers’, and anyone else involved. If anyone is hurt or unresponsive, call 911 right away. Immediate medical help can prevent serious health consequences and create a record that supports any personal injury claims that may follow.
Move Vehicles (if safe)
If your car is drivable and no one is seriously injured, move it to the shoulder or a nearby safe area. Blocking traffic can be dangerous and may expose you to risk further. Use your best judgment—don’t move anyone who appears seriously hurt unless they are in immediate danger.
Activate Hazard Lights
Your vehicle’s hazard lights should be on from the moment you stop. They serve as a visual alert to approaching drivers, signaling them to slow down and steer clear of the accident scene. If available, place cones or flares behind your vehicle for added visibility.
Exchange Information
Collect essential information from the other driver(s), including:
- Full name and contact information.
- Insurance company and policy number.
- Driver’s license number.
- License plate number.
- Vehicle make, model, and year.
Ask for contact information from any witnesses. Their statements can provide objective accounts that may help if liability is later disputed.
Document the Scene
Take wide and close-up photos of all vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and anything else relevant. Don’t forget details like street signs, traffic signals, or weather conditions. Write down your memory of the event as soon as possible—details fade quickly under stress.
Notify Law Enforcement
In North Carolina, you must report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage. The responding officer will complete an official accident report, which serves as vital evidence for insurance and potential legal claims. Be factual when answering questions, but avoid guessing or speculating.
Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—may not present symptoms right away. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get evaluated. Your medical records will also form a critical part of any injury claim you file.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer of the accident, even if you believe you weren’t at fault. Be honest and detailed, and follow their instructions for initiating a claim. Delays in reporting could impact your coverage or delay compensation.
Consider Legal Counsel
Navigating a claim under North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule can be particularly challenging. If you’re found even slightly at fault, you could be barred from recovering damages. A Durham car accident lawyer can assess your situation, explain your options, and protect your right to full compensation.
Important Considerations:
Police Report
Request a copy of the accident report from the responding agency. This document is essential for substantiating your claim and correcting any errors early.
Insurance Claims
Because North Carolina is an at-fault state, the insurer for the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for paying damages. However, fault must be clearly established—another reason why thorough documentation and legal guidance are crucial.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters at the Scene
Avoid making any statements to the other party’s insurer at the scene. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney if you’re contacted later. Even simple phrases like “I’m sorry” can be construed as an admission of fault.
Keep Records
Maintain a personal file that includes the police report, medical records, receipts, vehicle repair invoices, and all correspondence with insurers or attorneys. This will streamline your claim and provide leverage if disputes arise.
Do Not Accept Cash Payments
If another driver offers you money at the scene, decline politely. Accepting informal payments could void your right to full compensation later.
Filing a Claim
Submit your claim through the proper channels, whether with your own insurer or the other party’s. Include as much supporting documentation as possible to help your claim move efficiently.
Injured in a Durham Car Accident? Get Legal Support Now
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t face the uncertainty alone. At Ellis Law, we combine legal expertise with compassionate client care. Let a skilled Durham car accident lawyer help you protect your rights, build your claim, and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
My practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, including cases involving motor vehicle collisions, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries. I understand the difficulties and stresses an accident and injury can place on a person’s life and I work hard every day to ensure my clients are fairly compensated for their losses.
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