9-Step Post‑Crash Checklist: What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
Detailed Answer
If you experience a collision in North Carolina, follow these steps right away to protect your safety and your legal rights. First, check for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately. North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑166) requires you to report any accident involving injury or property damage over $1,000. While waiting for emergency responders or law enforcement, move vehicles out of traffic if you can do so safely.
When officers arrive, provide a truthful account and get the report number. That police report becomes critical evidence. Next, exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information with all drivers involved. Collect contact details from any witnesses. Take clear photographs of each vehicle’s damage, skid marks, the surrounding scene and traffic signals or signs.
Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Some injuries—such as back or neck strains—may not manifest symptoms immediately. A prompt medical record creates a timeline doctors and insurers rely on when assessing your claim. Notify your auto insurer as soon as possible; most policies require prompt notice of a collision.
Preserve any documentation you collect: the police report, photos, witness statements and medical records. Create a simple accident file (paper or electronic) to keep everything in one place. Finally, consider getting guidance from a personal injury attorney.
Key Steps at a Glance
Ensure safety: Check for injuries and call 911.
Report the crash: Cooperate with law enforcement and get the report number.
Exchange information: Driver details, insurance, and witness contacts.
Document the scene: Photos of vehicles, road conditions and traffic controls.
Seek medical care: Get checked by a doctor or urgent care—even for minor pain.
Notify your insurer: Provide a timely, accurate account of the accident.
Create a file: Store the police report, photos and medical records together.
Review NC law: See N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑166 (accident reporting requirements).
Consult an attorney: Get legal advice if the claim becomes complex.
Ready to focus on recovery instead of paperwork? Wallace Pierce Law has knowledgeable attorneys who can guide you through the process. Email us at
intake@wallacepierce.com
or call us today at (919) 313‑2729.
How Do I Document and Prove Back and Neck Injuries and Lost Wages After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
Detailed Answer
Proving soft‑tissue injuries and lost income after a crash requires clear, organized evidence. Start by getting a prompt medical evaluation. Even if you decline an on‑scene ambulance, visit an urgent care clinic or your primary care provider within 24–48 hours. North Carolina uses “soft tissue” and “whiplash” claims, so physicians will perform exams, order imaging (X‑rays or MRI) and document your symptoms. Treatment notes, test results and prescriptions become your strongest proof of injury.
Keep every medical record and bill. Request itemized invoices for imaging, therapy sessions or specialist visits. If you see a chiropractor or physical therapist later, maintain detailed progress reports. Use a simple injury journal to record pain levels, medication use and how daily activities—such as bending or lifting—became more difficult. This diary helps show the accident’s real-life impact.
For lost wages, gather pay stubs for at least six months before the accident. Ask your employer for a written statement confirming the days you missed and your regular hourly or salary rate. Create a spreadsheet that calculates total wage loss, including overtime and benefits. If you’re self‑employed, collect tax returns, bank statements and client invoices.
Finally, compile everything into a damages package: medical records, treatment invoices, your diary, police report, wage‑loss spreadsheet and employer letter. Present this to the insurer or include it in your demand letter.
Essential Documentation Checklist
Medical records: ER notes, doctor reports and imaging results.
Treatment invoices: Bills for appointments, therapy and prescriptions.
Injury journal: Daily notes on pain, mobility and medication.
Employer statement: Written confirmation of days missed and pay rate.
Pay stubs or income proof: Six months before and after the crash.
Police report: Official crash report number and officer statements.
Photographs: Before‑and‑after shots of injuries (if possible).
Demand letter: A concise summary of injuries, expenses and wage loss.
Statute of limitations: File your claim within three years (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1‑52).
Handling every detail on your own can be overwhelming. If you’d rather focus on healing, turn to Wallace Pierce Law. Email
intake@wallacepierce.com
or call (919) 313‑2729 to discuss your case.
