What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Your first priority is safety — not your car, not your phone, not the other driver's insurance. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic).

If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to clear the roadway. Turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives — especially on high-speed roads like I-40 or US-421 in Winston-Salem.

Pro Tip: Never admit fault at the scene — even a casual "I'm sorry" can be used against you in a claim.

In North Carolina, you are required by law to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even if the damage looks minor, always call 911 and request a police officer.

A police report is one of the most important documents in any insurance claim. It establishes an official record of what happened, who was involved, and any citations issued. Without it, the other driver can change their story later — and your claim becomes much harder to prove.

When the officer arrives, give a factual account of what happened. Stick to the facts. Don't speculate about fault or injuries you haven't confirmed.

Pro Tip: Ask the officer for the report number before they leave. You'll need it to file your claim.

Before anything is moved or cleaned up, use your phone to document everything. This evidence is critical for your insurance claim and any potential legal dispute.

• All vehicles from multiple angles — wide shots and close-ups of every dent, scrape, and broken part
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• The overall accident scene — road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, signals
• Any visible injuries (with permission)
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Damage to any property (fences, guardrails, mailboxes)

Also note the exact time, date, and location (street intersection or mile marker). If there are traffic cameras or nearby businesses with security cameras, note their locations — your attorney or insurer may request that footage.

Pro Tip: Take more photos than you think you need. You can always delete extras, but you can't go back to the scene.

Collect the following from every driver involved in the accident:

• Full legal name and contact information
• Driver's license number and state
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, year, and color
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Contact information for any passengers

Also collect contact information from any witnesses. Independent witness statements can be invaluable if the other driver disputes what happened.

Do not share more than your name, contact info, and insurance details. You are not required to discuss fault, your medical history, or your policy limits at the scene.

Pro Tip: Use your phone's camera to photograph the other driver's license, registration, and insurance card — faster and more accurate than writing it down.

Before you dial your insurance company's claims line, call TrueGuard Insurance at (336) 600-5005. As your independent agent, we can:

• Review your coverage and explain exactly what applies to your situation
• Help you understand your deductible and out-of-pocket exposure
• Guide you on what to say (and what not to say) when reporting the claim
• Advocate on your behalf if the carrier undervalues your claim
• Connect you with trusted local repair shops and rental car resources

This service costs you nothing extra — it's part of what you pay us for. Many policyholders who skip this step end up accepting settlements that are thousands of dollars less than they deserve.

Pro Tip: TrueGuard is available Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. For after-hours emergencies, your carrier's 24/7 claims line is listed on your insurance card.

Most insurance policies require you to report accidents "promptly" or within a "reasonable time." Waiting too long can give the carrier grounds to deny your claim. File within 24–48 hours whenever possible.

When you file, have ready:

• Your policy number
• The police report number
• Photos and videos from the scene
• The other driver's insurance information
• A written timeline of what happened

Your carrier will assign a claims adjuster who will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. You have the right to use any licensed repair shop — you are not required to use the carrier's preferred shop, though it may speed up the process.

Pro Tip: Keep a claims journal — write down every call, email, and conversation with your adjuster, including dates, times, and names.

Adrenaline is a powerful thing. Many accident victims feel fine at the scene but develop significant pain, stiffness, or neurological symptoms in the hours or days that follow. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries are notorious for delayed onset.

See a doctor within 24–72 hours of any accident, even a minor one. This protects both your health and your claim:

• A medical record creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries
• Gaps in treatment are used by insurance companies to argue your injuries weren't serious
• North Carolina's MedPay coverage (if you have it) pays your medical bills regardless of fault

If you were injured by an uninsured driver, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage — required in NC — will cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

Pro Tip: Tell your doctor specifically that your symptoms are related to a car accident. This is critical for your medical records and any future claim.

Once your claim is filed and the adjuster has inspected your vehicle, you'll receive a repair estimate. Here's what to know:

• You are not required to accept the first estimate. If you believe it's too low, get an independent estimate from a licensed body shop.
• Do not authorize permanent repairs until the adjuster has completed their inspection — making repairs beforehand can complicate your claim.
• If your vehicle is declared a total loss, the carrier will offer you the actual cash value (ACV). You can negotiate this figure if you have evidence the market value is higher.
• If your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, you're entitled to a rental car while yours is being repaired. Confirm the daily limit and maximum days with your adjuster.

For classic cars, agreed-value policies, or specialty vehicles, the claims process may differ. Contact TrueGuard for guidance specific to your vehicle type.

Pro Tip: Keep all repair receipts and any invoices for towing, storage, or emergency services — these are reimbursable under most policies.

Already in an accident?

Visit our Claims Support page for direct phone numbers and online filing links for all 12 carriers in our Bolt Access network.

Contributory Negligence

NC is one of only 4 states using "pure contributory negligence." If you are even 1% at fault, you may be completely barred from recovering damages from the other driver. Never admit fault — even partially.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

NC requires UM coverage at the same limits as your liability policy. This protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance — a real risk, as roughly 7–10% of NC drivers are uninsured.

Mandatory Reporting

Any accident with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. Failure to report can result in license suspension and complicate your insurance claim.

3-Year Statute of Limitations

You have 3 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in NC. However, your insurance claim should be filed within 24–72 hours — don't confuse the two deadlines.

MedPay Coverage

Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage pays your medical bills regardless of fault — no waiting for liability to be determined. It's an affordable add-on that TrueGuard strongly recommends for all NC drivers.

Rental Reimbursement

If your policy includes rental reimbursement, you're entitled to a rental car while yours is being repaired. Confirm your daily limit and maximum days with your adjuster before renting.

Do I have to call the police for a minor fender-bender in NC?

Yes. In North Carolina, you are legally required to report any accident that involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Since even minor bumper damage often exceeds $1,000, it's always safest to call the police and get an official report.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage will step in. NC law requires all drivers to carry UM coverage, which will pay for your medical bills and property damage up to your policy limits.

Should I accept a settlement offer from the other driver's insurance?

Never accept a settlement or sign a release until you have fully recovered and understand the total cost of your medical bills and vehicle repairs. Early offers are often much lower than what you actually need to cover your expenses.

How long do I have to file an auto insurance claim in North Carolina?

While NC has a 3-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, your insurance policy requires you to report the accident "promptly." You should notify your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours of the accident to avoid a denied claim.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

North Carolina follows the "pure contributory negligence" rule. This means if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering damages from the other driver's insurance. This is why you should never admit fault at the scene.

Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?

If you are not at fault, filing a claim against the other driver's insurance generally will not raise your rates. If you are at fault, or if you use your own collision coverage for an at-fault accident, your premium may increase upon renewal.