What Not To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident in North Carolina, your actions—or inactions—can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation or defend yourself legally. North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that even a slight misstep could jeopardize your claim. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do, especially when dealing with insurance companies, law enforcement, and potential legal consequences.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll need the representation of a highly qualified auto accident attorney. At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we have more than 30 years of experience standing up to insurance companies. We’ve won millions of dollars for our clients and are prepared to leverage our substantial resources and experience to fight for fair compensation – and we won’t be intimidated. Schedule a free consultation today.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
In North Carolina, if an accident results in property damage or personal injury, remaining at the scene is not just advisable but a legal obligation. You are required to stay and exchange critical information with all involved parties, including names, addresses, driver’s licenses, plate numbers, and insurance details. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges and may severely jeopardize your ability to file or defend an insurance claim. Even in minor accidents, complying with the law ensures proper documentation and protects your legal rights.
Do Not Forget to Collect Evidence
One of the most critical—and commonly overlooked—mistakes after a car accident is failing to collect evidence at the scene. Insurance companies frequently challenge the facts of a claim, and without solid proof, your case can quickly devolve into conflicting accounts with little to support your version of events.
To protect yourself, you should thoroughly document the scene: take clear photos of all vehicles involved, the surrounding road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their full names and contact information, as their statements can be valuable in establishing fault. The more detailed and timely your evidence, the stronger and more credible your claim will be.
Do Not Neglect to Call the Police
A police report provides an official, unbiased record of the incident and is often a critical piece of evidence in both insurance claims and legal disputes. Some drivers may suggest “handling it privately” and offer to pay out-of-pocket, but this is almost always a mistake. Without a police report, you have no formal documentation, and the other party can later deny fault or refuse to pay.
In many states, including North Carolina, reporting accidents involving injury or property damage is also a legal requirement. Contact law enforcement, no matter how minor the crash may seem.
Do Not Admit Fault
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may be tempted to apologize—even when you’re not at fault. For example, when the other driver is injured – even though he was the one who caused the accident. However, offering an apology or accepting blame, even casually, can be interpreted as an admission of liability and used against you by insurance companies or in court.
At the scene, you likely don’t have all the facts—like the other driver’s negligence, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions that may have played a role. Do not speculate or make statements that could jeopardize your case. Instead, focus on staying calm, provide only factual information, and allow law enforcement and insurance investigators to determine fault based on evidence.
Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
After a car accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company requesting a statement. Although they may seem courteous, their primary goal is to protect their company’s financial interests—not yours. Anything you say, even casually, can be twisted to minimize your injuries, dispute the facts, or shift blame.
It’s important to understand that you are under no legal obligation to speak with them, and doing so without legal guidance can damage your claim. While some insurance companies operate in good faith, others use tactics like delaying responses, undervaluing damages, or denying legitimate claims to avoid full payouts. Allow your personal injury attorney to manage all communication with the other party’s insurer to protect your rights.
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies frequently make quick settlement offers, hoping that accident victims will accept before fully understanding the extent of their injuries or financial losses. These early offers are typically far below what the victim is legally entitled to, and once accepted, they are final—you cannot seek additional compensation later, even if new medical complications arise. Before agreeing to a settlement, it is essential to assess the accident’s full impact, including current and future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Rhine Law Firm for a Free Case Review
Rhine Law Firm, P.C., represents those injured in car wrecks, from rear-end collisions to multi-vehicle highway and trucking accidents. Making a claim while recovering from a serious injury can be challenging to do on your own. Our car accident lawyers have won the trust and respect of clients throughout the state who needed a tough advocate.
A skilled car accident attorney at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. can be your best advocate and is prepared to pursue the maximum compensation available to you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
About Us
Rhine Law Firm, P.C. serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide, specializing in complex civil litigation led by Joel Rhine. With expertise in personal injury, car accidents, property damage, sex abuse, and more, the firm is passionate about taking on challenging cases. They emphasize providing personalized legal representation, prioritizing their clients’ best interests while offering state-of-the-art legal strategies. Rhine Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys enjoy the fight for justice and are committed to guiding clients through complicated legal processes. The firm offers free consultations, flexible appointment scheduling, and Spanish language services.
