Your First Steps After a Car Accident

Author: Auger Law | February 5th, 2016

Do you know what to do after you have been in a car accident in North Carolina? When an accident occurs, your emotions run high. It is easy to become overwhelmed and forget the things that you need to do. It is important, no matter how anxious you are, to follow the steps outlined below when at all possible. You can print this brochure to help you remember what to do if you are ever involved in a vehicle collision.

Stay Put

After you have been involved in a collision, avoid the temptation to drive away, even if you have sustained little or no damage to your vehicle and no injury to your person. If there is personal injury or property damage, leaving the scene can result in a criminal charge.

Check on Everyone

If you are able to do so, check on all occupants in your vehicle and those in other vehicles. Do not move anyone who complains of neck, back or head pain. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the victim. Help to keep any injured persons calm until proper medical help arrives.

Call the Authorities

Any time you are involved in an accident, especially one with damage or injury, the police should be called. Ask that the officers responding file a report. You will need the information contained in the report for your insurance agent.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Get the personal information of any other drivers involved in the accident. You will want to exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and drivers’ license numbers. You will also want to be sure that you get the insurance information for the other drivers.

When exchanging information, be very careful not to give any admissions of guilt. Even if you think that you did everything wrong, do not say as much on scene. Anything that you say may come back to haunt you later. Even something as simple as apologizing could be taken as an admission of guilt.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle and take several pictures of any other vehicles involved in the crash, even if there is no damage. The more pictures you take, the more evidence you have.

After an accident, you will be given settlement offers by insurance companies that may not be in your best interest. Now is the time to speak with an attorney to make sure you are getting a fair deal. You may also be due compensation you aren’t aware of. Call our offices following a vehicle collision and let us review the facts. We will provide you with an initial consultation at no cost.