What Should You Do After A Car Accident In Charlotte?

Being in a car wreck can be overwhelming, frightening and disorienting. But, knowing what to do at the scene of a vehicle accident can be helpful, and this knowledge can also impact potential future legal claims. Remember the tips below so you can take the right steps to protect your health, ensure a proper accident report, and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to if you’re injured.

1. First Thing: Prioritize Safety
After an accident, you should prioritize your safety and well-being. Check yourself and others for injuries. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to prevent further accidents.

2. Call 911
Report the accident to the police, regardless of its severity. A police report is crucial for documenting what happened and determining fault, especially for personal injury claims. Be factual, and avoid admitting fault.

3. Exchange Information
Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers from the other driver(s). Do not discuss fault at the scene.

4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact information and make notes of key details like weather conditions and traffic signals. Document everything as thoroughly as possible.

5. Do Not Admit Any Fault
It’s important not to admit any fault at the scene of the accident, even if you believe you may have been partially responsible. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, being even 1% at fault can prevent you from recovering compensation. Avoid apologizing or admitting any responsibility for the accident. Let the investigators determine liability based on the facts.

6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries that result from a car wreck, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away, but can worsen over time. Medical records will also be important if you need to file a personal injury claim.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly to your insurance company. Stick to the facts when providing details, and avoid admitting fault. If contacted by the other driver’s insurer, consider speaking to an attorney before giving a statement.

8. Consult A Personal Injury Lawyer If You Are Injured
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle wreck, it’s essential that you speak with a personal injury lawyer. Our experienced personal injury team at Debrun & Armstrong can help you navigate insurance claims, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that your rights are protected. We can also gather crucial evidence to show that you were not at fault, or argue that the other party’s negligence was the primary cause of the accident.

How An Attorney Can Help with Insurance Companies

When you file a personal injury claim after a car wreck in the Charlotte region, the insurance company’s goal is to minimize any payouts. The contributory negligence rule provides them with a powerful tool to do just that.

“Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers can push back against the insurance company,” said Preston Armstrong, a personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong. “We are here to negotiate with the insurance company and pursue a fair settlement that accounts for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.”

Knowledge Is The Key

Hopefully, you’ll never be involved in a car accident, but with the roads in the Charlotte region getting more crowded each day, the odds are not in your favor. Remember what you need to do at the accident scene and afterward to safeguard your health, build a stronger case, and increase your chances of fair financial compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of DeBrun & Armstrong at 704-405-5505 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We’re here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you rightly deserve.