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Last Modified on Mar 11, 2026
Car accidents happen quickly. They leave victims feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. The choices you make after an accident can have serious consequences for your health, finances, and personal injury case. Understanding what to do after a car accident in Charlotte, NC, can help increase your chances of a favorable outcome and recover compensation for damages.
Get Checked for Injuries
Drivers travel throughout Charlotte along major roadways like I-77, I-85, and Independence Boulevard. Accidents occur frequently along these routes. If you’re involved in an accident, you could end up with medical bills, vehicle damage, lost income, and emotional distress.
Safety should always be your priority after a collision. If the vehicles are operational, move them out of traffic to avoid another crash. Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe to do so, check all involved drivers and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone was injured in the crash and needs emergency assistance.
You should also seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like whiplash and internal injuries, may not become noticeable until hours or even days after the accident occurred. Medical records will provide documentation of your injuries if you decide to file a car accident claim later.
Contact Law Enforcement
In recent years, traffic safety has grown in importance in Charlotte. The number of fatal crashes in Charlotte increased to 81 in 2025 from 73 in 2024 and 68 in 2021, according to a recent analysis that WBTV highlighted. This indicates a concerning growing trend in fatal collisions.
Additionally, the survey discovered that over 60% of crashes involving significant injuries or fatalities were caused by speeding and poor vehicle operation, with pedestrians and bicycles accounting for nearly 30% of these severe crashes.
North Carolina requires drivers to report car accidents to law enforcement under certain circumstances. According to North Carolina General Statute § 20-166, all drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage must remain at the scene and share identifying information.
Police officers will typically create an accident report after gathering statements from drivers and witnesses at the scene. This can become valuable evidence if you file an insurance claim or personal injury claim later.
Contact Your Insurance Company
North Carolina follows the contributory negligence rule. If you are deemed even partially responsible for causing the accident, you may be prohibited from recovering monetary damages from the other driver. Contributory negligence is permitted as a defense against personal injury claims.
Your insurance provider should be contacted as soon as possible after an accident. Most insurance policies require drivers to report accidents to the insurance company regardless of who was at fault.
Avoid admitting faults or giving speculative statements to your insurance company’s adjuster. It’s common for insurance companies to try to settle claims for as little as possible. Keep detailed records of medical treatment, repair estimates, and other expenses you’ve incurred due to the accident.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident claims can become complicated, especially when severe injuries are caused. Insurance companies may deny claims if they believe another driver was more responsible for causing the accident. You should consider hiring an attorney who can advise you on your legal rights after a car accident.
A Charlotte car accident attorney can review police reports, photos from the scene, medical records, and other evidence to determine liability in your case. Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to obtain a fair settlement. If necessary, your lawyer can also represent you in court.
When you hire a car accident lawyer in Charlotte, you benefit from having an experienced legal advocate on your side. Your lawyer can explain your options and guide you through the legal process in North Carolina while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
About Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC
At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, our attorneys have represented clients for over ten years. We take pride in providing our clients with compassionate representation and individual attention. We understand the courthouse, so we frequently assist with legal matters stemming from the Mecklenburg County Courthouse located at 832 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Our attorneys have helped individuals with a wide variety of legal problems, including car accident cases, immigration challenges, and criminal defense. When you need legal assistance, we’re here to protect your rights.
FAQs
What Is the First Thing You Do After a Car Accident?
Immediately after a car accident, you should first check yourself and others for injury. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Your safety and the safety of others are a priority. If you can, pull out of traffic and wait for law enforcement. After making sure everyone’s alright, trade information with the other person and begin gathering evidence such as photos and written notes.
What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident?
When speaking with your insurance company after an accident, don’t admit fault or guess who was at fault, and don’t downplay your injuries by simply responding with an all is well attitude. Also, avoid speculating about how the crash happened. Typically, you should only relay basic information and never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney.
Should I See a Doctor Even If I Feel Fine After an Accident?
You should visit your doctor after a car accident, even if you feel okay. There are certain injuries that can develop over time or have delayed symptoms, like whiplash or internal injuries. You want to be sure you didn’t suffer from hidden injuries after the accident, and it will also give you documentation if you choose to file a claim in the future for your car accident.
How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in North Carolina?
The worth of your car accident case varies based on several components. These include the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost income, how the crash affected your everyday life, and more. Injuries that are severe or permanent will lead to higher compensation awards. Every accident claim is different, but most case values are heavily dictated by the evidence you have and liability considerations.
Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC
If you were in a car accident in Charlotte, NC, and suffered injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC today and let our knowledge and experience help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
