What Happens If You Don’t Exchange Information After a Car Accident in Wilmington, NC?

Car accidents happen every day across North Carolina. It is entirely possible that you may experience some type of car accident in your lifetime, so it is prudent to be prepared. Not much can be done to prevent an accident sometimes, but there are steps you can take following an accident that can help your legal claim. You might wonder, “What happens if you don’t exchange information after a car accident in Wilmington, NC?” A lawyer can answer that question.

After a roadway collision, emotions and tension can rise. The driver who caused the accident may refuse to exchange the necessary contact and insurance information with you, which may worsen an already stressful situation. Despite this, you may be able to get everything you need if you follow the other necessary steps after experiencing a car crash. If the other driver refuses to exchange information with you, don’t lose hope. There is more that you can do.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Wilmington

In North Carolina, car accidents are common and not always preventable. If you find yourself in any of the following types of car accidents, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your ability to pursue a compensation claim:

• Head-On Collision: This kind of accident typically occurs when a vehicle crosses the centerline and collides with an oncoming vehicle. Resulting injuries can be devastating and even life-threatening. These accidents tend to be caused by fatigued drivers, drunk drivers, or distractions while driving.
• Rear-End Collision: This occurs when the back of one vehicle is impacted by the front of another. A rear-end collision is typically caused by a failure to reduce speed, a failure to yield to other vehicles, a violation of traffic signs or stop lights, or following another vehicle too closely.
• Intersection Accidents: Many of these accidents are caused when one car fails to yield at an intersection to other drivers. These accidents are typically caused by carelessness or distractions.
• Rollover Accidents: These are typically caused when a vehicle begins to slide and hits something that causes it to tip over on its side. This is typically more likely to occur in taller vehicles, such as semi-trucks.
• Side-Impact Collisions: These accidents are some of the most dangerous, as there is not much material in the sides of vehicles to take the impact of the collision, and devastating injuries can result. These are most likely to occur at intersections.

If you experience any of these accidents, there are specific steps that can be followed to ensure your safety, the safety of other passengers, and your ability to file a claim for monetary compensation for any damages or injuries suffered.

What to Do Following a Wilmington Car Accident

Following a car accident, there are several steps one should take. Even if the other driver refuses to exchange information with you, these steps can help strengthen your claim.

• Ensure Safety: If possible, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place off the roadway, and turn your hazard lights on.
• Look for Injuries: Check yourself, your passengers, and any pedestrians for injuries. Remember not to move anyone who is seriously injured.
• Call 911: Always ensure that the accident is reported to the police. A police report can help strengthen your claim, especially if the at-fault party refuses to exchange information. Be careful, however, to not admit to any sort of fault.
• Exchange Information: Gather the name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance contact information of the other driver or drivers involved. If they refuse, it is a red flag showing a potential that they were breaking other laws, don’t have insurance, or were driving drunk. In that case, complete the following steps anyway.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photographs and videos of the accident and your injuries, including the positioning of the vehicles and any hazards in the roadways. If possible, make sure that one or more of the pictures have a clear view of the other driver’s license plate if they do not exchange information.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel hurt or injured, it is wise to seek medical attention anyway in case you are suffering from any invisible damage. This will also help strengthen your claim.
• Tell Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and include all the information you gathered at the scene of the accident.
• Seek an Attorney: Seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney.

What Can Be Affected If You Don’t Exchange Information After a Car Accident

The unfortunate reality is that not exchanging information with the other drivers involved in the car accident does have the potential to impact your chances of recovering compensation. This is why it is so important to follow all the other necessary steps to support your claim. If you do not, you can lose out on your ability to recover damages and have to pay for them out of your own pocket.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Not Do Following a Car Accident in North Carolina?

A: Following a car accident in North Carolina, you may wish to avoid certain actions. These can all hurt your chances of filing a successful claim for compensation, and some may even be considered illegal. These actions include:

• Fleeing the scene of the accident
• Posting about the accident on social media
• Admitting fault
• Failing to collect evidence
• Not reporting the accident
• Failing to seek medical attention

Q: How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim for Compensation in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for all personal injury claims is three years. This means that you have three years to file a claim for compensation, starting on the date when the injury was sustained. The exception to this rule is if your injuries are discovered at a later date; in that case, the three years begins on the date of discovery.

Q: What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, it can be difficult to determine exactly how much the average car settlement might be. This is because there can be many aspects in a compensation claim, and each is unique in each case. Factors that might affect your settlement include the severity of injuries, who was involved in the accident, and the experience of your attorney.

Q: How Do I Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Company in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, as soon as you are able to do so after your accident, you should report the accident to your insurance company. When you do, there are several facts that you may need to provide, including:

• A general description of the accident
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• Your insurance policy number and your name
• The driver’s license and plate numbers of all involved drivers
• The start and expiration date of your policy

Contact a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Wilmington car accident, help is available. You might be eligible for compensation, and a trusted personal injury attorney can assist you in seeking it. The legal proceedings surrounding these claims can be complex, so it is essential that you have someone on your side with the necessary knowledge to pursue a successful outcome. Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates today, and let our firm aid you in recovering your losses.