When you are involved in a car accident in North Carolina, it is very important that you follow certain steps while still at the scene of the accident. Obviously, your safety and the safety of others around you is paramount, so consider that first before attempting to perform any of the steps below:
- If possible, move to safety. You and your vehicle may come to more harm if you remain in an active traffic lane. If your car cannot move, or if you are injured and cannot move, stay where you
are and call emergency services immediately. - Provide the police with an honest report on what you believe happened. If the other driver was acting aggressively, make sure that you note that fact when speaking with the police. Details like this, when offered at the scene, may carry more weight than vague details recalled some time after the event.
- NEVER admit any guilt or responsibility for the accident even if you feel you may have been partly at fault. North Carolina is a contributory negligence law state, whereby if it can be demonstrated the injured party shares even a fraction of the responsibility for an accident, they cannot claim compensation. Allow an accident reconstruction expert to determine who caused the accident and why then let your car accident attorney look at the evidence to assess the validity of your proposed claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you believe that your injuries are minor, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. During and after an accident your adrenaline is high. Your body may not even experience the pain or discomfort from an injury until some time after it occurs. Additionally, the headache or neck stiffness that you can feel at the scene of the accident may not be your nerves; it could be a sign of something more serious. Your health is too important to place you at risk.
- Write down what you remember about the accident. As soon as you can, write down everything that you remember about the accident. If you cannot write due to the injury, ask someone to take notes on your behalf. Write down what you remember about the weather, the traffic, the time of day, and everything you remember about the other driver. This will all be very useful to your car crash lawyer in building a case.
- Do not give a statement to the insurance company until you have spoken with your car accident lawyer about your case.
Speak to an experienced attorney. Protect your rights and speak to an experienced car crash lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney will represent your case to the insurance company and manage all of the legal aspects on your behalf. Your lawyer understands all of the details of a North Carolina accident claim and they will make sure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
Involved in a car or motorcycle accident? Our team of experienced injury lawyers can help you get a fair settlement for your case – contact us today.
