A car accident can happen in seconds — but the decisions you make in the minutes and hours that follow can have a lasting impact on your health, your finances, and your insurance claim. Whether it's a minor fender-bender on Peters Creek Parkway or a serious collision on I-40, knowing exactly what to do keeps you protected.
This guide walks you through every step — from the moment of impact to filing your claim — with specific guidance for North Carolina drivers and TrueGuard policyholders.
Quick Reference: Post-Accident Checklist
Screenshot or bookmark this checklist — you'll want it on hand before you ever need it.
The 8 Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Follow these in order. Each step builds on the last.
Check for Injuries & Move to Safety
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.
Call 911 — Even for Minor Accidents
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.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
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.
Photograph and video:
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.
Exchange Information with All Parties
Collect the following from every driver involved in the accident:
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.
Call TrueGuard Before You Call Your Carrier
Before you dial your insurance company's claims line, call TrueGuard Insurance at (336) 600-5005. As your independent agent, we can:
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 8am–6pm and Sat 9am–2pm. For after-hours emergencies, your carrier's 24/7 claims line is listed on your insurance card.
File Your Claim Promptly
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 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.
Visit our Claims Support page for direct phone numbers and online filing links for all 12 carriers in our Bolt Access network.
Pro Tip: Keep a claims journal — write down every call, email, and conversation with your adjuster, including dates, times, and names.
Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
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:
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.
Handle Repairs the Right Way
Once your claim is filed and the adjuster has inspected your vehicle, you'll receive a repair estimate. Here's what to know:
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.
Claims Support
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.
North Carolina-Specific Rules You Need to Know
North Carolina has some unique laws that directly affect how car accident claims work. Every NC driver should understand these before they're ever in an accident.
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.
7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Admitting fault at the scene
Even "I'm sorry" can be used against you in NC's contributory negligence system.
Leaving the scene
Hit-and-run is a criminal offense in NC, even for minor accidents.
Skipping the police report
Without it, the other driver can change their story and your claim becomes unprovable.
Delaying medical care
Gaps in treatment are used by insurers to argue your injuries weren't serious.
Accepting a quick settlement
Early offers are almost always below what you're entitled to — especially before injuries are fully known.
Posting on social media
Photos, check-ins, or comments about the accident can be used to dispute your injuries or liability.
Making permanent repairs before inspection
Repairing before the adjuster inspects can result in a reduced or denied claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make Sure You're Covered Before the Next Accident
The best time to review your auto insurance is before you need it. TrueGuard Insurance is locally based at 1328 Ashley Square, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Our agents shop top carriers to make sure you have the right coverage at the right price.
(336) 600-5005 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm