Car accidents happen daily in North Carolina, especially within the Research Triangle. Accidents may overwhelm you, leaving you momentarily confused. However, North Carolina prescribes car accident laws to ensure safety, prevent a felony or misdemeanor, and solidify your claim.  This article discusses some North Carolina car accident laws and describes the legal process after an accident. Keep reading to learn the important steps you should be taking after a car accident. 

5 Car Accident Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina laws are clear about the dos and don’ts in a car accident. You must observe these laws unless you’ve been knocked unconscious during an accident. Below are some important laws to remember in a car accident: 

1. Contact a law enforcement agency when injury or death occurs or when property damage exceeds $500. Failure to do this is a misdemeanor. 
2. Drivers involved must exchange personal, contact, and vehicle details. This includes their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number.
3. If you are uncomfortable exchanging this information, give it to the law enforcement agent to perform the exchange. 
4. Provide honest answers to law enforcement and insurance agents.
5. Document the scene and collect names and contact details of witnesses, including passengers.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident

While an accident can be a shocking and arduous experience, there are some important steps you need to follow in the aftermath. These actions can save lives, mitigate damages, and protect your rights after a crash. Consider these steps after a crash, as prescribed by North Carolina laws: 

1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

After an accident, check yourself, your passengers, and others involved for any injuries and immediately seek medical attention. When there is visible injury, do not move the injured person unless there is immediate danger, like a threat of a car fire. Allow paramedics to examine you, even if you do not appear injured to prevent delayed injuries in car accidents. 

2. Contact a Law Enforcement Agency

The law requires you to contact a law enforcement agency like the police or sheriff’s department when an accident occurs. Even when no injury occurs, you could have property damage of up to $500. 

A law enforcement agent will access the accident scene and prepare a report. This report is the only evidence usually accepted in court for claims, and it’ll help you secure a satisfactory settlement. Law enforcement agents also help with information exchange between drivers. 

3. Ensure Safety

It’s best not to move your car until law enforcement agents arrive. However, you must do so when your car threatens safety or impedes traffic. Move your vehicle from traffic and turn on your hazard lights to make it visible to oncoming drivers. 

Even if your vehicle sustains minimal damage, you must stop to ensure the safety of others in the other vehicle. North Carolina law considers driving away after an accident a criminal offense. 

4. Document the Scene

The accident report will also describe the accident scene to help determine who’s at fault, so be sure to document the scene properly with pictures and videos. That is especially important if you have to move a person, vehicle, or any feature on the scene.

If the witnesses cannot wait for law enforcement agents to arrive, get their names and contact details. Your lawyer may also need this information to gather evidence for a case after the accident.

Working With Legal Professionals 

The legal process after a car accident in North Carolina is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Contact a law enforcement agency immediately after the accident 
2. Get the accident report from the North Carolina DMV
3. File a claim with your insurance company
4. You can also pursue a legal claim with the driver at fault or an insurance company denying your claim

Despite this process being simple, it is important to get a car accident lawyer from the outset to help you gather evidence for a favorable report. Insurance agencies explore all opportunities to evade claims or pay the least. However, your lawyer will help ensure the best possible outcome with regards to your claim, even if all parties choose a settlement. 

Endnote

North Carolina has straightforward laws and an easy legal process after a car accident. You only need a law enforcement agent onsite to write a report and then use the report for insurance or legal claims. The law also makes provisions to ensure victims’ safety immediately after a crash and good compensation later. Make sure you choose a reputable accident lawyer to help you get a satisfactory claim.