Personal Injury

What to do in case of an auto or motorcycle accident?

1. Be Prepared

Most accidents these days are automobile or motorcycle related. Be sure to have:
a. registration
b. insurance information
c. pen
d. notepad
e. disposable camera (these days, disposable digital cameras are available for under $20.00
f. safety lights/flasher/flares to warn oncoming traffic
g. cell phone to call emergency personnel

2. Don't Leave

Whenever personal injury or property damage is involved, the law requires you to stay at the scene of the accident (you may leave if medical reasons require but be sure to promptly report the incident to the police).

3. Don't argue or admit liability.

Let the other person do all the talking. Anything said immediately after an accident is admissible information and may be used against you later on.

4. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately, then provide assistance.

5. Call the police.

6. Obtain the names, addresses, phone numbers of all witnesses.

Try to get statements from these people as soon as possible. As time passes, we tend to forget details. And these details might be very important later on if a dispute arises.

7. Exchange information.

Under North Carolina Law, you must provide other affected individuals with:
a. your name
b. your address
c. driver's license number
d. registration number of the vehicle you are driving

8. Cooperate with all emergency and safety personnel.

9. Take notes.

Anything and everything you can remember might become very useful later on. Draw diagrams. If you have your camera, take pictures of the vehicles, skid marks, any other obstructions that might be present. Even take pictures of the other driver and passengers. Cars get repaired quickly, accident scenes are cleaned promptly. Get all relevant evidence before it disappears.

10. Seek medical attention.

If you have sustained any injuries, it is very important to document these by medical professionals right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it might become to prove that they were the direct result of the accident.

Sometimes injuries do not appear right away. Don't delay in getting prompt medical care. If any symptoms appear 24 or more hours after the accident, see a doctor right away.

11. Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with all the information they ask.

If you retain an attorney, he or she may do this for you.

12. Never give the other driver any money or payment.

Paying the other driver right away without getting the appropriate legal waiver and release will not eliminate your liability, if any, to the other party.


13. Get a lawyer to represent you.

Remember: Insurance companies are businesses and exist solely to make a profit. They will often delay settlements, deny claims, and pay as little as possible to maximize their profits. They are not looking out for your interests but their own.

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