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Should I Report My Fender Bender?

People get into minor car accidents every day. Many of these accidents go unreported because they feel the hassle is not worth the trouble, or they simply forget to contact authorities to report the incident.

Whether or not to report an accident is dependent upon severity. In North Carolina, drivers of vehicles involved in accidents that result in personal injury to a driver, death or property damage are required to report the accident to the local police immediately. Failure to adhere to this rule can result in criminal charges. Regardless of whether or not a driver involved in an accident is injured, contacting the authorities following an accident is a safe, smart practice. 

3 Steps to Take After an Accident

The first steps you take after an accident are critical, especially when an accident results in an injury that may require retention of an auto accident lawyer. In the event you find yourself involved in an auto accident, consider the following steps:

  1. Stop. Driving away from an accident is a terrible idea and will only lead to hardship later on. Fleeing the scene of an accident could also potentially lead to criminal liability. In the event someone is injured from an accident, property is damaged or there is a death, it is illegal to drive away from the scene of an accident.  If you are ever in an accident, pull over to the side of the road immediately to assess the damage.
  2. Offer Assistance. If you notice that someone has been injured after an accident, call for immediate medical assistance.
  3. Call the Authorities. Even if you’re involved in an accident that is relatively minor, it is good practice to contact your local police department. This is required in cases where individuals or property are damaged during an accident.

Handling a fender bender without police interference may seem faster after a minor accident. But in certain scenarios, the investigative assistance of the police department can prove helpful, particularly for those who wish to try and recover monetary compensation from the other driver for damages to their vehicle. Not every driver will be cooperative after an accident, but the involvement of the police department may force another driver from fleeing the scene.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, reach out to Campbell & Associates today for a free consultation with a Charlotte auto accident attorney.

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