What to Do if You are Injured on Vacation in Wilmington?

Feb 02, 2025

In a state renowned for amazing tourist attractions, Wilmington is a standout. The coastal city boasts beaches, historic attractions, and plenty of action for adventure-seekers. However, accidents can happen at any time, including on vacations. Whether you have a slip and fall at the Carolina Beach boardwalk or suffer a boating injury near Wrightsville Beach, you may soon find yourself wondering what to do if you are injured on vacation in Wilmington.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should be your primary concern. At the same time, it may be tempting to try and tough it out until you get back to your home city and a more familiar hospital. However, postponing treatments can lead to complications that could seriously and adversely affect your health. Wilmington is large, covering 52.9 square miles of coastal North Carolina, so you may be wondering where to go for medical treatment. If your injury is life-threatening, call 911 and let the paramedics take you to the nearest location. Otherwise, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is a top hospital in Wilmington. They provide emergency services and provide specialized care.
Report the Incident and Gather Evidence
After ensuring your health and safety, report the incident to the authorities. Reporting the incident in a timely manner serves two important purposes. First, it creates a paper trail and shows that you took your injury seriously. Second, it helps the property owner quickly address the hazard so no one else faces that danger.If you were injured at The Blockade Runner Beach Resort, notify hotel management and request a written incident report. If your injury resulted from a car accident, contact local law enforcement, and don’t forget to obtain a copy of the police report. Take photos of the accident scene even if you need to come back after medical treatment. Gather statements from witnesses or at least get their contact information.
Understand North Carolina’s Injury Laws
North Carolina has unique personal injury laws. Although you retain the important right to seek compensation from the negligent party after an injury, the state’s pure contributory negligence rule means that any shared liability means that you won’t be able to pursue a claim. In other words, even if you were only 1% at fault for contributing to your injury, you would be barred from taking the negligent party to court. One example of shared liability would be a situation where you were hit by a vehicle while crossing near Riverwalk Park. The driver’s insurance might argue that you weren’t paying attention and so contributed to the injury.
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance Companies
With a population of 113,910 people, Wilmington is the eighth-largest city in North Carolina and is home to many insurance companies. An adjuster with one of these companies may reach out to you to pressure or trick you into accepting an unfair settlement. Without an attorney, anything you say to them could even be used against you later on.The negligent party’s insurance carrier could play a critical role in helping you secure the compensation you are owed. For example, if your injury occurred while parasailing, jet skiing, or engaging in other recreational activities at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier, the business’s liability coverage may apply.
Explore Your Options for Compensation
Brunswick County is home to 159,964 residents. However, its population swells with visitors who come to enjoy Wilmington’s historic charm, coastal scenery, and vibrant attractions. If a negligent business, property owner, or driver caused your injury, their insurance may be responsible for covering your damages.For example, if you suffered food poisoning at a popular restaurant like Catch, you could have grounds for a premises liability claim. Similarly, if you were involved in a bicycle accident on Wrightsville Avenue, the at-fault driver’s insurance might be required to pay for your damages.

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