After a collision in North Carolina, quick and clear action preserves your legal rights. First, call 911 and ensure law enforcement documents the crash. A police report creates an official record of fault, weather, road conditions and parties involved. Next, seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. Soft‑tissue damage and internal injuries often surface days later. A prompt medical record ties care directly to the accident. Notify your auto insurer as soon as possible. North Carolina law requires policyholders to report collisions “promptly.” Early notice helps avoid coverage disputes. Collect contact and insurance details from all drivers involved, as well as names and badge numbers of responding officers. Preserve photos of vehicle damage, road signs, skid marks and weather conditions. Write a brief memo about how the crash occurred while details remain fresh. Keep all medical bills, prescriptions and receipts for out‑of‑pocket expenses like rental cars. North Carolina gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, so track deadlines carefully. While you can handle a claim on your own, an attorney from Wallace Pierce Law can guide you through complex issues such as multiple insurers, comparative negligence rules under N.C.G.S. § 1B‑1, and pending medical liens. Ultimately, acting promptly at the scene and in the hours that follow can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and denied claims. If you prefer professional support, our attorneys at Wallace Pierce Law stand ready to assist. Contact us at intake@wallacepierce.com or call (919) 313‑2729.

Most car accident claims settle without filing a lawsuit. To begin negotiation, gather the police report, medical records and itemized bills. Review the report to confirm fault allocation and any conflicting statements. Collect treatment notes, prescriptions, and proof of lost wages. This documentation becomes the core of your demand package. Next, calculate your damages: medical expenses, future care estimates, lost income and pain and suffering. North Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule (N.C.G.S. § 1B‑1). If you share fault and your percentage exceeds 50%, you cannot recover. Carefully analyze any partial liability the insurer may assign. Draft a clear demand letter. State the accident facts, your total damages, and a deadline for response—typically 30 days. Include supporting exhibits: medical records, repair estimates, wage statements and the police report. Send the demand by certified mail or secure electronic delivery to the insurer’s claims adjuster. Expect a counteroffer. The adjuster may dispute liability or reduce claimed damages. Respond strategically: provide additional records, cite legal precedent or clarify policy limits. If medical liens exist, negotiate reductions with healthcare providers so you retain more recovery. If negotiations stall, you may file suit before the three‑year deadline. However, a well‑prepared demand often prompts insurers to settle. Our attorneys at Wallace Pierce Law handle demand preparation, liability analysis and lien negotiations on a contingency basis—no fees unless you recover. For personalized assistance, email intake@wallacepierce.com or call (919) 313‑2729.