What to Do After Being Rear-Ended

One moment, you’re cruising down the road, and the next, your car jolts forward unexpectedly. Turns out, you’ve been rear-ended.

I’m a personal injury attorney with over 41 years of experience. I serve clients across North Carolina, including Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, and Onslow County.

Do This After Being Rear-Ended

• Safety first: Pull over to a safe spot, hazard lights on, check for injuries, call 911 if needed.
• Contact law enforcement: Always report the accident.
• Gather evidence: Photos of vehicles, injuries, surroundings, witness contacts.
• Seek medical attention: Whiplash and internal damage may not manifest immediately.
• Inform your insurer: Contact insurance company immediately.
• Keep records: All communications with insurance company.
• Consider legal representation: Attorney can handle communications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying medical treatment: Harms your health and weakens your case.
• Settling too quickly: Insurance companies offer low quick settlements—learn why settlements take time before accepting one.
• Ignoring follow-up appointments: Complicates recovery, hurts case.
• Not following your doctor’s advice: Slows recovery, weakens case.

North Carolina Laws Governing Rear-End Collisions

• Fault determination: Contributory negligence — even 1% at fault bars recovery.
• Mandatory reporting: Report any accident with injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to DMV within ten days.
• Insurance requirements: Mandatory minimum liability coverage.
• Statute of limitations: Three years from accident date.

Personal Injury Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina

At Robert Louis Armstrong, Personal Injury Attorney, I focus on rear-end collision cases, representing individuals never corporations or insurance companies. Contact immediately.