Handling the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing precisely what information to exchange after a car accident is crucial for a smooth resolution process. If you have specific questions about how to pursue compensation or other legal matters, it’s best to consult a North Carolina car accident attorney.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
The moments following a car accident are critical. Follow these guidelines from the NC Department of Insurance for what to do after a car accident:
- Stop your car in a safe area, and turn on emergency flashers
- Give first aid to the injured
- Call the police, who can also alert emergency medical response if necessary
- Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver
Essential Information to Exchange at the Scene
Here are the essential facts you should exchange at the scene:
- Full name and contact details
- Vehicle’s make, model, and color
- License plate and driver’s license numbers
- Insurance and policy information
If you were in a minor car accident no information exchanged, you could face potential legal and financial implications. Exchanging information and calling the police can protect your rights, including your right to pursue potential compensation.
What Not to Do After an Accident
Just as you should know what to do after a car crash, you should also know what not to do. Avoid these common post-accident pitfalls:
- Not Seeing a Doctor Immediately – Seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries might not appear immediately, but waiting can harm your health. You should also have medical records as proof of injuries for your claim.
- Not Calling the Police – Police reports are an official record of events and failing to call the police can make it difficult to pursue compensation. Always call law enforcement after a crash.
- Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance – Avoid providing recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance. If you must talk to an insurance adjuster, talk to an attorney first and limit your answers to basic facts about the crash.
- Not Filing Medical Bills with Health Insurance – File all medical bills with your health insurance, regardless of fault. This prevents bills from going into collections while you’re awaiting settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Accepting a Quick Settlement – Resist early settlement offers and ask an attorney to review the amount and terms before you sign. Accepting too quickly might also mean settling for less than you could recover.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in North Carolina
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer offers you several benefits, including:
- An objective, knowledgeable assessment of your injuries and losses
- A thorough examination of the evidence, including the police report, photos, and witness statements
- An accurate valuation of your financial losses from the crash
- A skilled negotiator to deal with the insurance company
- A dedicated legal advocate to protect your rights
What information do you exchange in a car accident? Knowing the answer to that question is only the beginning. An experienced car accident lawyer with Kreger Brodish LLP can pursue compensation for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We are passionate about helping injured people recover the money they need to put their lives back together after a crash. Call today for a free consultation at one of our three office locations, at your home, or by phone.
