If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Jacksonville, this comprehensive guide explains exactly what you should do. We’ll cover
- Ensure Safety After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, NC
- How to Gather Evidence After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, NC
- Report the Accident to the Police
- Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
- Keep Records of Everything
- Be Careful What You Say (Don’t Admit Fault)
- Consider Consulting a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney
- Conclusion
If you have questions or need professional assistance with your car accident claim, the Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm would like to help. Call now 877-622-6671 or email Kevin@DodgeJones.com today.
Safety After a Car Accident in Jacksonville NC
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident crash, try to stay calm and focus on the well-being of everyone involved. Here are some important safety steps to follow right after an accident:
- Check for injuries: First, check yourself for any injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so take a moment to see if you are hurt. If you are injured, try not to move unless there’s an immediate danger (like a fire or risk of another collision). Next, check on your passengers and, if possible, the occupants of the other vehicle. Ask if everyone is okay or needs medical attention.
- Call 911 for medical help and police: If anyone is injured – even if injuries seem minor – call 911 right away. Tell them you need an ambulance for medical assistance. Also, request the police to come to the scene. In North Carolina, accidents involving injury or significant damage (over about $1,000 in property damage) must be reported to the police. The police are responsible for securing the accident scene and creating an official accident report, which could be useful later for your insurance claim.
- Move to a safe area, if possible: Try to avoid secondary accidents, especially on busy roads. Don’t stand in the roadway. Get yourself away from vehicles and to a safe place, preferably behind a guardrail. If someone is severely injured or you suspect a spinal injury, do not move them—wait for paramedics to handle the situation.
- Stay at the scene and warn other drivers: Do not leave the accident scene until authorities say you can. While waiting for the police and EMS to arrive, make the scene as safe as possible if you can and it’s safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights (the flashing emergency lights), and if you have flares or reflective triangles, set them out to warn oncoming traffic. This can be particularly important at night or in bad weather to prevent other drivers from crashing into the accident area.
- Keep calm and aware: Try to stay calm and think clearly. Avoid standing in the path of traffic or between vehicles. Staying composed will help you communicate effectively with emergency responders and remember important details for later.
By ensuring safety first, you help protect yourself and others from further harm. Once everyone is out of immediate danger, you can proceed to deal with the aftermath of the accident.
How to Gather Evidence After a Car Accident in Jacksonville
Once the situation is safe and emergency services have been called, the next step is to gather as much information and evidence as possible. Proper documentation of the accident scene may be very valuable later when dealing with insurance adjusters or any legal proceedings. Here are some suggestions on how to thoroughly gather evidence after a car accident in Jacksonville, NC:
- Exchange information with other drivers: Trade the necessary details with all drivers involved. Get names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information (company and policy number). This exchange is required by law. Remain courteous and calm during this process, and stick to sharing and collecting facts. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing while you talk – simply focus on the information exchange.
- Talk to witnesses: If bystanders or other drivers stopped to help and saw what happened, also ask for their contact information. A brief statement from a neutral witness can be helpful if stories differ later. Jot down witnesses’ names and phone numbers, or have them briefly recount what they saw on your phone using the video or voice recorder (with their permission). Video is generally preferred. Witnesses can provide an outside perspective on the events leading up to the crash.
- Take photos and videos: Use your phone to capture the scene from multiple angles. Photograph and video the vehicles’ positions, damage to all cars, skid marks or debris on the road, and the surrounding area (including any traffic signs or signals). Also take pictures and video of any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained. The idea is to preserve an accurate record of exactly how things looked right after the accident. These images and recordings can serve as critical evidence when explaining what happened to insurance companies and even a jury, if litigation becomes necessary.
- Note details about the environment: Write down the exact location (street names or landmarks), the time of day, and the weather and road conditions. For example, note if it was raining or if sun glare might have affected visibility. These contextual details can help explain how the accident happened.
- Keep track of police information and other statements: When the police arrive, note the officers’ names and badge numbers. If they give you a report number, write that down too. If the other driver says something important like “I didn’t see the stop sign,” or a witness makes a comment about the other driver’s actions, record those details in your notes. They might be useful later if there’s a dispute about what happened.
Collecting this evidence might feel tedious in the moment, but it can pay off later. The more information you gather at the scene, the smoother your insurance claim should go, and the better prepared you’ll be if any legal issues arise.
Report the Accident to the Police
In North Carolina, reporting a car accident to the police is not just a good practice — it’s often required by law. If anyone is injured or
Why a police report is important: The officer’s accident report will record key details: the parties involved, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer’s observations of the scene. Insurance companies rely heavily on this report when you file a claim. An official record can also be valuable if legal issues arise or if the other driver later changes their story about what happened. When speaking with the police, be truthful and stick to the facts as you remember them. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say you don’t know rather than guessing.
Obtaining the accident report: A few days after the crash, you should be able to request a copy of the police report. You can contact the Jacksonville Police Department or use the North Carolina DMV’s crash report system to get a copy. This document will be useful when filing your insurance claim or any potential legal action, so keep it in your records. Your accident lawyer can also obtain a copy of the accident report on your behalf.
Always call the police to an accident scene if there’s any injury or significant damage. Even if the other driver suggests handling it informally, having an official report protects you by creating a neutral third-party account of the incident. It’s better to have the incident properly documented than to regret not having proof later on.
Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
Your health should be a top priority after a car accident. Some injuries are obvious at the scene, but others might not show symptoms until hours or days later. In Jacksonville, NC, you have access to emergency care through local hospitals like Onslow Memorial and various clinics — use these resources. It’s critical to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel okay immediately after the crash.
Get checked out, even if you feel fine: Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and injury. Many people walk away from accidents thinking they’re unhurt, only to develop pain or symptoms the next day (common examples include whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue injuries). By seeing a doctor right away, you ensure that injuries are identified and treated early. This not only protects your health but also creates a medical record linking any injuries to the accident, which will be important for insurance claims.
Follow up and document your medical care: If a healthcare provider recommends follow-up care — such as an appointment with your family doctor, physical therapy, or specialist visits — make sure to follow through. Keep all documentation from these visits. Save hospital discharge papers, doctor’s notes, test results, and receipts for prescriptions or medical supplies. It’s also a good idea to write down how you feel in the days and weeks after the accident. Note any pain, discomfort, or limitations in your daily activities. These records and notes will be useful later if you need to prove the extent of your injuries to an insurance company or in a legal claim.
Seeking prompt medical attention and continuing any needed treatment safeguards your well-being above all. It also strengthens your position if you pursue full and fair compensation, because it shows a clear connection between the accident and your injuries and demonstrates that you took appropriate steps to recover.
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Keep Records of Everything
Staying organized after a car accident will save you headaches down the road. From the moment the accident happens, start a dedicated folder or file (either on paper or digital) for all relevant documents. Important items to keep include:
- Police report: Obtain and keep a copy of the official accident report from the police. It’s a key document for insurance claims and any legal follow-up.
- Medical records and bills: Save all paperwork from doctors and hospitals, including discharge summaries, test results, and bills. Keep receipts for any medications or medical supplies related to your injury.
- Insurance correspondence: Hold on to all communications with insurance companies. Save emails and letters, and note the dates and summaries of phone calls. Record your claim number and the names and contact info of any insurance representatives you deal with.
- Repair estimates and receipts: If you get your vehicle inspected or repaired, file away all estimates and invoices. Also keep receipts for towing services or rental car expenses, if any.
- Personal notes: Maintain a simple diary of how the accident affects you. Note any days you miss work, any pain or discomfort you experience, and other impact the wreck has had on your daily life. These notes can help demonstrate the accident’s impact if you pursue a claim for pain and suffering or lost wages.
Having a complete file with all this information helps make sure nothing slips through the cracks. When it comes time to deal with insurance adjusters or lawyers, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. Good record-keeping makes the entire post-accident process much smoother and strengthens your position if you need to make a case in court for compensation.
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Be Careful What You Say (Don’t Admit Fault)
Right after an accident, emotions tend to run high and it’s natural to want to apologize or explain what happened. However, it’s important to watch your words carefully. North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule: if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be prevented from recovering any compensation. Given this rule, avoid admitting fault or saying anything that sounds like accepting blame.
At the scene: Be polite and cooperative with the other driver and the police, but do not say things like “It was all my fault” or “I didn’t see you coming.” Even a simple apology (“I’m sorry”) might be taken as an admission of guilt later on. It’s best to stick to factual statements when talking to the police and others. Describe what happened from your perspective without assigning blame. If you are unsure about certain details, it’s okay to say you’re not sure rather than guessing or speculating.
When speaking to insurance adjusters: The same principle applies if you talk with insurance company and their adjuster after the accident. We do not recommend providing a statement without first consulting with an attorney. If you choose to speak with an adjuster, provide the facts of what occurred, but avoid phrases that admit fault or suggest negligence on your part (for example, don’t say “I was distracted” or “I was speeding,” even if you think you might have been). Just recount the sequence of events as clearly as you can. The determination of fault will be handled by the evidence and the claims investigation. Insurance adjusters in North Carolina will be looking for any reason to deny or reduce a claim under contributory negligence, so don’t inadvertently give them such reasons in your statements.
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In summary, let the evidence and official investigation speak for what happened. You might not have the full picture in the moment, and what you say can have legal consequences. By being mindful of your words, you help preserve your ability to seek compensation if you were not actually at fault for the crash.
Speak with a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney – The Consultation is often free
Handling the aftermath of a car accident can be complicated, especially if you suffered injuries or significant property damage. While minor fender-benders might be resolved through insurance alone, more serious accidents may require legal guidance. An experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney can explain your rights and options and help you avoid costly mistakes.
When to seek legal advice: If you were injured, if fault is not clear-cut, or if you feel the insurance company is not treating you fairly, we think it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer. In a contributory negligence state like North Carolina, having a professional on your side is important — because if you’re found even 1% at fault, you could lose out on compensation. A lawyer can evaluate your case, advise you on what compensation you might be entitled to (for medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, pain and suffering), and outline the best steps forward.
How an attorney can help: A car accident attorney will deal with the legal and insurance headaches on your behalf. We can handle communication with insurance adjusters, help gather additional evidence (like determining if there is traffic camera footage or forensic expert analyses if needed), and negotiate for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable payout, your attorney may recommend litigation, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court. Importantly, local Jacksonville attorneys understand North Carolina’s laws and have an expansive working knowledge of the Onslow County local rules and forms of the court system, which can be an important part of successfully resolving your claim.
Accessible support and peace of mind: Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, and most work on a contingency fee basis (meaning we only get paid if they recover money for you). This makes it easy to get a professional opinion without upfront costs. Consulting an attorney doesn’t mean you’re committing to a lawsuit — it simply helps you make an informed decision. Even if you decide not to hire a personal injury lawyer, at least you’ll better understand your situation. After a serious accident, we think getting this kind of knowledgeable support can provide peace of mind and help ensure you don’t overlook any important steps in your recovery process.
We’re Here to Help: Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm
Car accidents are unexpected and stressful, but knowing what to do after a car accident in Jacksonville, NC can make a world of difference in the outcome. By staying calm and following the steps outlined above – ensuring everyone’s safety, documenting the scene, reporting to the proper authorities, getting prompt medical care, and handling insurance correctly – you take control of a difficult situation. These actions not only protect your well-being but also set the foundation for any insurance or legal claims that may follow.
Remember that help is available. From the moment the accident happens to the final resolution, you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s a police officer guiding you at the scene, a doctor treating your injuries, or a Jacksonville car accident attorney advising you on your rights, there are professionals ready to assist. By being proactive and informed, you protect your legal rights. The goal is full recovery — physically, financially, and emotionally.
Stay safe on the roads, and know that if an accident does occur, you now have a clear plan of action. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next after a wreck, remember this guide and give us a ring. It would be an honor to help 877-622-6671. Taking the right steps after a car accident in Jacksonville, NC can greatly improve the outcome and help you get back on track as smoothly as possible. Dodge Jones Injury Law Firm.