What to Do After a Car Accident in Durham

In-Depth Support & Guidance

Being in a car accident can be overwhelming. Each year, there are more than 200,000 motor vehicle-related accidents in North Carolina alone. It is fortunate that a significant number of these motor vehicle-related accidents involve property damage to vehicles and other personal property only. However, one in three motor vehicle-related accidents results in personal injury to the drivers or passengers involved. Our Durham attorneys can help you take the important steps needed to back up your personal injury claim right after an accident.

Use your free consultation to receive guidance by calling (919) 887-7892 or by contacting us online. Wallace Pierce Law can help gather the evidence you need to support your claim.

Important Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you take certain steps to protect yourself and your legal interests. The following is an exhaustive list of actions you should take if you are ever involved in a car accident: 

Always Stop

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is always a good idea to stop and call the police for assistance. Regardless of how much damage has been done or how minor the injuries may appear, it is important to never leave the scene of an accident. North Carolina General Statue § 20-166 criminalizes any driver’s failure to stop at the scene of a crash in which the vehicle he or she is driving is involved, a driver’s failure to remain at the scene of such a crash, and a driver’s facilitating of the premature removal of his or her vehicle from the scene. This law may apply regardless of whether you caused the accident or not.

Preserve the Scene

It is important to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers by notifying other drivers that there has been an accident. You can prevent other car accidents by turning on your emergency hazard lights or pulling your vehicle off to the side of the road if your vehicle is operational. If your vehicle is disabled, it is recommended that you turn on your emergency hazard lights, exit the vehicle, and maintain a safe distance from the roadway to avoid additional injuries.

Call the Police

If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to call the proper authorities to respond to the accident. Under North Carolina law, if your accident occurred within a municipality, you must notify the police department in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1(a). However, if the accident did not happen in a municipality, then you should notify the appropriate state highway patrol, the local sheriff, or county police. In North Carolina, law enforcement typically creates two very important documents at the scene of the accident. The first is the driver exchange of information, providing all parties with some important preliminary information.

 The second document is a DMV-349 accident report. The accident report contains detailed descriptions by the responding officer to the facts, mechanics, and circumstances surrounding the accident. The accident report can often take several weeks to be finalized by the responding office. It is commonplace for the insurance company to request that you provide a copy of the police report when you file your insurance claim, even if that claim is just property damage. 

It is important to remember that when you are involved in an accident you should remain stationary in order to preserve the scene unless doing so would place you or other drivers in additional danger or interfere with traffic flow.

Be Accurate

When the law enforcement officer arrives on the scene, please be sure to follow their instructions as specifically and in as timely a manner as you can. If you feel that you cannot safely comply with the lawful instructions of the officers, it is important that you express your concerns as professionally and politely as possible. When the law enforcement officer arrives at the scene, make sure to clearly, accurately, and simply describe the events to the best of your ability.

 It is important to refrain from guessing, speculating, or accusing the other driver of anything. State the facts as accurately and simply as possible. If the officer asks if you are injured and you are uncertain whether you are injured, simply state that you are uncertain rather than replying that you are not. It is all too common that pain and injuries from car accidents present hours after the actual accident. It is highly recommended that you make sure that the statements made by the other drivers and passengers are accurate as well.

Take Pictures

As most individuals carry some form of smartphone that is equipped with a camera or video recorder, it is strongly encouraged that you document the scene by taking pictures of the vehicles and general area of the accident from a variety of angles. If you do not have a camera or smartphone, ask a witness to document the scene with their camera or phone and ensure that the images are sent to you. 

If you are injured, it is important that you document your injuries as best as you are able, when it is appropriate to do so. If you cannot document your own injuries, request that a friend or passenger do so for you. Additionally, if you cannot take pictures at the scene of the car accident, take them as soon after the accident as possible.

It is recommended that you do the following activities in the safest possible manner:

• Document the entire scene from a slight distance and from numerous angles
• Document the entire scene from the perspective of each of the drivers or parties involved
• Identify and document the direction of travel for each vehicle or person involved
• Identify and document the final resting place of each vehicle in a clear manner
• Identify and document all points of collision with each and every object, including other vehicles, persons, or property
• Photograph all debris and all debris patterns
• Photograph all vehicle damage from numerous angles and distances
• Photograph from numerous angles and distances all skid marks or damage to roadway
• Identify and document the type of material used in constructing the roadway
• Document any damage to all property such as fences, mailboxes, power lines, etc.
• Photograph all traffic lights or street signs from numerous angles

Call (919) 887-7892 or contact us online to get started on your claim.

Locate and Talk to the Witnesses

Locating reliable and competent witnesses could mean the difference between receiving compensation and not. Once an accident has occurred, it is essential to ask each witness what he or she saw. If the witness is unable or unwilling to remain at the scene, respectfully request their full name, telephone number, and address, if possible. If you can gather witness information that the responding officer does not have, provide the information to the officer for inclusion in the police report.

Report the Claim

After an accident has occurred, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance policies and companies often require immediate or timely reporting and full cooperation from their insured. When you report your claim, it is helpful to understand what your policy covers and whether it includes medical payments coverage, comprehensive, liability, underinsured motorists’ coverage or uninsured motorists coverage, and to determine what your applicable limits are. It may be easier to simply ask your insurance company to send you a copy of your policy and include a “declarations page.”

Get Medical Treatment

It is common that physical injuries as a result of a car accident do not become apparent or present until several hours after the accident. Most individuals injured in car accidents report pain and discomfort within hours after the accident. However, it is not uncommon for pain and injuries to present themselves or to become apparent a day or two following the accident.

 It is considered best practice to seek medical treatment unless you are certain that you do not need medical treatment. Seeking medical treatment can be as simple as going to the emergency room, seeing your family physician, or visiting an urgent care. It is important to remember that even seemingly minor collisions or impacts can cause serious and permanent injuries to your body. Failing to seek medical attention can be extremely harmful to your health and your legal case.

If you are severely injured in your accident and unable to perform these duties, you should consider enlisting help from nearby family members, friends, witnesses, or even the responding police officers, if they are willing.

FAQ: What to Do After a Car Accident in Durham

1. What should I do if I’m involved in a car accident in Durham?
The first and most important step is to always stop and stay at the scene, regardless of how minor the accident may seem. Call the police to report the accident, and follow their instructions carefully. Ensure your safety and the safety of others by preserving the scene, documenting everything (photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries), and gathering witness information. Report the accident to your insurance company, seek medical treatment, and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

2. Do I have to call the police after an accident in Durham?
Yes, if the accident occurs within a municipality, North Carolina law requires you to notify the local police. If the accident is outside of a municipality, you should notify the state highway patrol, local sheriff, or county police. A police report is crucial for your insurance claim and legal case.

3. Can I leave the accident scene if there’s no serious damage or injury?
No, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, regardless of its severity. Failing to stop can result in criminal charges, even if you were not at fault. Always remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.

4. How can I protect my legal rights after a car accident?
To protect your legal rights, be sure to document the accident scene thoroughly, take pictures, write down witness information, and avoid admitting fault to anyone. Additionally, seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel injured initially, as injuries can appear later.

5. When should I seek medical treatment after a car accident?
It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Injuries like whiplash or internal damage can become evident hours or days later. Prompt medical attention ensures your health is taken care of and strengthens your personal injury claim.

6. How do I file an insurance claim after a car accident?
You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Ensure you understand the coverage provided by your policy, including medical payments, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. Make sure to gather all necessary documentation, including police reports, medical records, and vehicle damage estimates.

7. Can I handle my accident claim without a lawyer?
While it’s possible to handle your claim on your own, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Our Durham attorneys can help you navigate the claims process, gather crucial evidence, and ensure your rights are protected.

Call tel:(919) 887-7892 to speak with our Durham attorneys following a car accident. We can make sure you take the steps needed to gather evidence for your claim.