The First Ten Minutes After a North Carolina Car Accident Are Crucial

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte car accident attorneys often break down the aftermath of North Carolina crashes into three parts so our clients understand the crucial steps necessary to help solidify and safeguard their personal injury claims.

To make these crucial steps easy to digest, we’re explaining what to do in the first ten minutes, ten hours, and ten days after a crash with injuries, as outlined in the video.

What to Do in the First Ten Minutes After a North Carolina Car Accident

• Stay calm and assess the situation.
• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
• Call 911 and stay at the scene—if injuries allow—until law enforcement arrives.
• Turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of traffic if safe.
• Attend to anyone else on the scene who may need medical attention.
• Prepare your driver’s license, insurance information, and registration for the police.
• Collect names and contact information from bystanders and witnesses before they leave the scene.
• Politely refrain from admitting fault when speaking to others, including those involved in the crash.
• If safe, document the scene using your cellphone camera.

What to Do in the First Ten Hours After a North Carolina Car Accident

• Seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries.
• Prioritize securing your vehicle and removing valuables.
• Contact your insurance agent, but refrain from giving a recorded statement.
• Photograph all visible damage to your vehicle and your injuries.
• Jot down your recollection of the events.

What to Do in the First Ten Days After a North Carolina Car Accident

• Gather repair estimates for your vehicle.
• Obtain the police report from the crash scene.
• If injuries or extensive property damage occurred, contact an attorney before dealing with adjusters from another driver’s insurance company.
• Notify your employer if you cannot work due to the accident and your injuries.
• Seek legal counsel before accepting quick settlements, and ensure you adhere to the statute of limitations when filing a claim.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, we are here to guide you through the aftermath of a North Carolina car accident, starting with a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

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Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.