What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

The moments after a North Carolina car accident are chaotic and stressful. You might be dealing with painful injuries or wondering how you’ll pay for your vehicle repairs and medical expenses. There’s one question looming above all others in your mind: What do I do now?

First, take a deep breath. Then follow this guide from our North Carolina personal injury lawyers on what to do at the scene of a car accident. By following these steps, you can protect your legal rights and avoid making an already challenging situation worse.

Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries

The first thing to do at the scene of an accident is to make sure you’re safe and check yourself and others for injuries. Start by moving to a secure area, if possible, to avoid further harm from other cars. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that something’s wrong. Then, check yourself and others involved for any injuries. Even minor pain could signal something serious, so don’t ignore it. Next, call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or trapped. Quick medical attention can prevent injuries from worsening and protect your health. Staying calm and focused during these moments can help ensure everyone’s safety.

Call Emergency Services and Law Enforcement

Calling emergency services and the police is essential after a serious car accident so anyone with injuries can get the help they need. North Carolina law requires drivers to report collisions involving property damage, injuries, or death as quickly as possible. Dial 911 to notify emergency responders about the crash and provide details about the location and any visible injuries. Emergency personnel can offer immediate medical assistance and ensure everyone is safe.

Law enforcement will document the accident, creating a police report that serves as an unbiased record of the incident. This report is vital for any future personal injury claims.

Document the Accident Scene

State law also requires that you stay at the scene of a collision until the responding officer completes their investigation or allows you to leave. While you wait for emergency responders to arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle crash and assess the situation, take some time to document the scene. If possible, collect the following information:

• Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks
• Photos of all involved vehicles and their license plates
• Pictures of any visible injuries
• The responding officers’ names, badge numbers, and the police report number
• Notes about the time, date, location, and weather conditions at the time of the crash
• Any statements from the other driver(s), including apologies or acknowledgments of fault
• Documentation of nearby surveillance cameras or traffic cameras that might have recorded the accident

Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Statements

At the scene of the accident, you should avoid suggesting you’re at fault or making detailed statements. The other driver or their insurance company could use anything you say against you later. Even a simple apology might be interpreted as admitting responsibility for the car crash. Stick to exchanging necessary information and providing factual details to the police. Let investigators and insurance adjusters determine liability based on the evidence. Watching your words helps ensure you don’t unintentionally harm your legal case or limit your ability to seek compensation.

Exchange Information with Other Involved Parties

Exchanging information with other drivers involved in the collision is an essential and legally required step. Gather their names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Also, request their insurance company name, policy number, and vehicle registration details. Be sure to note their vehicles’ make, model, and license plate numbers.

Sharing this information helps ensure you have what you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action if necessary. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, give the responding officers their description, vehicle information, and any partial details.

Get Contact Info for Any Witnesses

Testimony from eyewitnesses is crucial in personal injury claims because they can provide neutral perspectives on what happened and who caused the collision. If any eyewitnesses are at the scene, politely ask for their names and contact information, including their phone numbers and email addresses. Their statements can help clarify confusing details, especially if the other driver denies responsibility for the crash. If possible, write down what each witness saw while it’s fresh in their minds. Providing this information to your attorney or insurance company strengthens your case and helps ensure a fair resolution.

Report the Collision to Your Insurer

Reporting the crash to your insurance company promptly is critical for protecting your rights and beginning the car accident claims process. Most auto insurance policies require you to report an accident within a few days to preserve your right to compensation, so failing to report it could jeopardize your coverage.

When speaking with your insurer, stick to the basic facts of the collision, such as the time, location, and parties involved. Avoid speculating about fault or providing unnecessary details, as an insurer could use your words against you later. Let the evidence and accident report speak for themselves. If you don’t know how to proceed, consult an attorney before contacting your insurance company.

Contact Hardison & Cochran for Legal Guidance

Once you’ve taken the steps listed above after a car wreck, contact Hardison & Cochran for help from our experienced North Carolina injury attorneys. We have over 40 years of legal experience and have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including $497,734 for a car accident victim. We’ll handle all the legal work to make this process as easy as possible for you. Here’s what one satisfied client said about their experience with our firm:

“From the very first contact I had with Hardison & Cochran I could tell that my best interest was a priority. My Case Manager was always ready to help me and get answers to any questions that I had. Ben Cochran handled my case and I can say that he kept me informed of how it was progressing as well as making sure I saw the doctors I needed to see. When it came time to settle my case Ben went the extra mile for me!” – Greg W.

If you’re ready to speak to our North Carolina car accident lawyers, contact us now for a free consultation.