If You’ve Been in a Car Accident, Here’s What You Need to Know
A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Even if you didn’t feel hurt immediately, symptoms of injuries can emerge hours or even days later—and dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and confusing.
Whether you're facing medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, or an uncooperative insurance provider, it's important to understand your rights and take the right steps to protect yourself legally and financially.
At Shankle Law Firm, we’ve helped countless North Carolinians navigate the aftermath of a car accident—including those who didn’t initially realize they had a claim. If you're unsure about your next steps, we’re here to help.
Missed a Step at the Scene? What You Can Do Now
In the moments after an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you weren’t sure what to do at the time—or didn’t realize the importance of gathering certain information—you’re not alone.
Here’s what you can still do after leaving the scene to strengthen your case:
- See a Doctor (Even If You Feel Fine): Some injuries—like concussions, whiplash, and soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms right away. A doctor’s visit documents your injuries and establishes medical evidence if you need to file a claim later.
- Get a Copy of the Accident Report: If law enforcement responded to the scene, you can request a copy of the official accident report through the North Carolina DMV or the local police department.
- Document Any New Symptoms or Damage: If you start experiencing pain, headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms days after the accident, write them down and seek medical attention.
- Don’t Accept a Quick Insurance Payout: If an insurance company offers you a settlement immediately, be cautious—it may not cover your full medical treatment or lost wages. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand whether the offer is fair.
Even if you didn’t collect all the evidence at the scene, it’s still possible to pursue a claim. The key is taking action as soon as possible.
Common Post-Accident Challenges—And How to Handle Them
Many accident victims encounter unexpected hurdles when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, or legal questions. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do:
1. The Other Driver’s Insurance is Denying Fault
Insurance companies look for ways to minimize or deny liability, often arguing that their driver wasn’t at fault or that you were partially responsible.
What You Can Do:
- Request a copy of the police report and review witness statements.
- Gather photos, videos, or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
- Speak with an attorney before providing a recorded statement to the insurance company.
2. Your Own Insurance is Delaying or Lowballing Your Claim
Even if you’re filing with your own insurance, they may delay, undervalue, or deny your claim.
What You Can Do:
- Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company.
- Request a written explanation for any denial or reduced payout.
- Consider legal representation if your insurer is stalling or refusing to pay fairly.
3. You Didn’t Feel Hurt at First, But Now You Have Symptoms
It’s common to feel fine immediately after an accident due to adrenaline. However, symptoms like stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or back pain can develop in the days or weeks afterward.
What You Can Do:
- See a doctor immediately—even if some time has passed since the accident.
- Keep a journal of symptoms to document how your injury affects your daily life.
- Contact an attorney if you need help recovering medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding North Carolina’s Insurance & Fault Laws
North Carolina follows a "contributory negligence" rule, which means if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Additionally, North Carolina requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $30,000 for bodily injury (per person)
- $60,000 total bodily injury (per accident)
- $25,000 for property damage
Upcoming Changes to North Carolina Auto Insurance Laws
Starting July 1, 2025, North Carolina's minimum auto insurance liability coverage requirements will increase under Senate Bill 452. These changes are designed to provide greater financial protection for drivers and accident victims.
What’s Changing?
- Bodily Injury Liability: Increasing from $30,000 to $50,000 per person and from $60,000 to $100,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Increasing from $25,000 to $50,000.
These new minimums mean drivers will have stronger financial protection in the event of an accident. However, they also highlight the importance of reviewing your current auto insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.
Key Impact on Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Another major change is how Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies. Currently, if you’re hit by an underinsured driver, the amount you can claim from your UIM policy is reduced by whatever the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. Starting in July 2025, injured drivers can claim their full UIM policy limits, regardless of the at-fault driver's liability coverage.
How This Affects You After an Accident
If you've been in an accident, these changes could impact your ability to recover compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses. If you’re dealing with insurance disputes, an underinsured driver, or unexpected claim denials, a legal consultation can help you understand your options under North Carolina’s updated laws.
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or fled the scene, you may need to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This process can be difficult, and many victims don’t realize they have options.
When to Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Not every accident requires legal action, but many victims find that having an attorney helps protect their rights.
You may benefit from speaking with a lawyer if:
- The insurance company is denying or undervaluing your claim.
- You suffered injuries that required medical treatment.
- The other driver was uninsured or fled the scene.
- The accident resulted in lost wages or long-term medical care.
- You’re unsure if you’re being treated fairly by insurers.
At Shankle Law Firm, we handle car, truck, and motorcycle accident claims throughout North Carolina.
Need Help After an Accident? Call Us Today.
If you’ve been in a car accident—whether yesterday or weeks ago—you may still have options. Insurance companies won’t always look out for your best interests, but we will.
Call us for a free consultation today. We’ll review your situation and help you understand your next steps.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.