5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident in North Carolina
Being involved in a car accident is a jarring experience that can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. At Green Mistretta Law, we’ve helped countless North Carolina residents navigate the aftermath of auto accidents, and we know that the actions you take immediately following a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
This is especially important in North Carolina, where the strict contributory negligence law can prevent you from recovering damages if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident. Here are five steps you should take after being involved in a car accident in North Carolina:
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
Your first priority should always be safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call 911 immediately – even if the accident seems minor.
North Carolina law requires you to report accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Having an official police report is valuable evidence for your claim, as it provides an objective account of the accident scene and may include the officer’s determination of fault.
2. Document Everything
Evidence collected at the scene can make or break your case. While waiting for police to arrive:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved, showing damage from multiple angles
- Photograph the entire accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved
- Collect names and contact information from witnesses
- Write down or record your own recollection of how the accident occurred
Remember that in North Carolina, even a small degree of fault can bar you from recovery, so thorough documentation is essential to proving the other driver was 100% at fault.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Some serious injuries, including whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding, may not show immediate symptoms.
From a legal perspective, prompt medical attention creates a record linking your injuries to the accident. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies an opportunity to claim your injuries were caused by something else or weren’t serious enough to warrant immediate care.
4. Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurance Companies
After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly, often with a settlement offer. Be extremely careful during these interactions:
- Do not give recorded statements without legal representation
- Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an attorney
- Avoid discussing fault or apologizing for anything
- Don’t sign any documents from the insurance company without legal review
Insurance companies profit by paying as little as possible on claims. Their initial offers rarely account for the full extent of your injuries, potential future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
Given North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law, having skilled legal representation is not just helpful – it’s essential. At Green Mistretta Law, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial from day one, which gives us leverage in negotiations with insurance companies.
Our experienced attorneys will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Consult with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Calculate the true value of your claim, including future expenses
- Aggressively advocate for your right to full compensation
Our team at Green Mistretta Law has the experience, dedication, and aggressive approach needed to help you get the best outcome in your case. We provide compassionate counsel throughout the process while fiercely fighting for your rights.
Time is of the Essence
Remember that North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence can disappear quickly, witness memories fade, and your case becomes more challenging to prove as time passes.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Wake Forest, Raleigh, or anywhere throughout North Carolina, contact Green Mistretta Law today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.