Introduction
If you were involved in a car accident on a busy Charlotte highway like I-85, you are probably feeling a little shaken. But knowing what to do after a car accident will help you to respond to the situation safely and to protect your rights. This checklist will help you remember how to go about documenting your car accident, and why it is crucial that you speak with an accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What to do after an accident? How do you protect your health and your finances?
Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene
It is very important to report any accident to the police and to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. In addition to having the police report the accident to get an accurate report of what occurred, you should also report any injury to your doctor and be sure to have the accident noted on your physician’s records.
If you receive any type of serious injury in an accident, or if there is considerable dispute as to who was at fault for an accident, you should consult with an attorney to get advice on your rights. The staff at Vasquez Law Firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer free, initial consultations to evaluate your case and to advise you on the best way to proceed.
Remember to report any work related accidents to your supervisor as well as to report them to your insurance company. The staff at Vasquez Law Firm speaks English as well as Spanish, and we understand that language is sometimes a barrier that must be overcome. You are not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Document the Accident Thoroughly
Here’s a list that you should follow to properly document your car accident.
- Take photographs of the scene from multiple angles to document the damaged vehicles, the road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs.
- Get contact information from all people involved in the accident and any bystanders who witnessed the incident.
- Document any information you have about the accident such as the time of day, location of the accident, and even the weather to help ensure accuracy. This is very important as you don’t want to lie to the insurance company in any way regarding your accident claims.
- A copy of the police report from the responding department once it has been processed by the department. The police report created by the police officer(s) at the scene will be one of the more critical pieces of evidence to support your claim against the at fault party as well as against your own insurance company.
- Document all medical treatment received for your injuries. Also keep a record of all of your injuries and how they were treated.
While assistance with an auto accident is not necessary, it is recommended. The Vasquez Law Firm offers FREE 24/7 consultations for personal injury cases. We serve Spanish speaking clients as well as English speaking clients. It has been proven that individuals who retain an attorney to represent them in their personal injury case receive more than 4 times as much as individuals who do not retain an attorney to represent them in their personal injury case. On average it takes 11 months to settle a claim. In a recent North Carolina case a gentleman received a very good settlement for his accident after documenting all of the incident thoroughly. Documentation of information in regard to your case could mean winning or losing the case. The Vasquez Law Firm offers payment plans as well as virtual consultations via Zoom or phone call. Contact us today to discuss your auto accident case.
Consult a Legal Expert for Guidance
Injury victims from car accidents and work place accidents need help from a personal injury lawyer to make sure their rights are being protected. We at Vasquez Law Firm are here to support you in your time of need.
This will allow your lawyer to fully understand your circumstances and to represent you to fight for your rights. Learning your rights to seek compensation for your injuries is also very important.
It is also important to remember that an experienced attorney handling car accidents in North Carolina (i-85 accident in Charlotte, for example) can ensure that you receive the compensation you need for your injuries. We have experience handling and settling numerous car accidents to get the best results for our clients.
Listen to your lawyer’s advice concerning contact with insurance companies. One wrong word could cause you a lot of harm. We are here 24 hours a day/7 days a week to assist you with any questions you may have.
Monitor Health and Financial Impact
Most accident victims do not know where to go or what to do after an accident. Keeping track of all physical problems that may arise and any distress caused is vital to understand the full effects of trauma. Many accident victims develop anxiety and go up and down with their moods after an accident. It is very important to seek immediate medical help even if you feel that you are okay after an accident.
It’s helpful to keep a record of all of your doctor’s appointments, treatments and expenses. Auto accident medical expenses can end up being so much more than one initially estimated. Many pictures were taken of the scene of the auto accident, the tools used to remove you from the vehicle, as well as your injuries.
It is also important to be able to establish how an injury has affected your ability to work as well as how many hours you have lost as a result of your injury. Understanding your degree of fault in an accident is also crucial in obtaining proper compensation for your injuries. Work with an experienced accident attorney to ensure you receive the highest compensation for your injuries.
Understand your insurance policy and monitor your claims. As with many other accidents, the costs associated with a car accident can far exceed one’s initial estimate leaving the victim in a very stressful financial situation. In addition, the financial stress can worsen one’s emotional trauma. It is wise to seek the advice of a financial planner to help manage through the unexpected expenses.
We are here to help 24/7. Let us assist you during this difficult time with a FREE consultation!
Conclusion
Your car was involved in an accident on I-85 in Charlotte? Even traveling at low speeds, accidents on the highway can be very scary and confusing. Don’t let your stress turn into more problems by not knowing what to do after an accident. Read on to find out a simple step by step process to follow after an accident to make sure you are taking care of yourself after the accident.
Paying attention to your health and finances in the days and weeks following an accident is also very important because of the possibility of hidden injuries that may take time to present themselves.
At Vasquez Law Firm we have the accident attorneys in Charlotte that can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to following your accident. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your accident.
Language should not be a barrier to receiving help and support following an accident, and we have attorneys that speak Spanish and are ready to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an accident?
It is important to report the accident to the police and gather the names and contact information of any witnesses. Additionally, you should report any injuries to your doctor and ensure the accident is noted in your medical records.
When should I consult with an attorney after an accident?
You should consult with an attorney if you sustain serious injuries or if there is significant dispute regarding who was at fault for the accident.
What services does Vasquez Law Firm offer for accident victims?
Vasquez Law Firm offers free initial consultations to evaluate your case and provide advice on the best way to proceed. They are available 24/7 for urgent legal matters.
How does Vasquez Law Firm accommodate language barriers?
The staff at Vasquez Law Firm speaks both English and Spanish, ensuring that language is not a barrier for clients seeking legal assistance.
What should I do if the accident is work-related?
You should report any work-related accidents to your supervisor and also notify your insurance company.
How can I contact Vasquez Law Firm for assistance?
You can contact Vasquez Law Firm for assistance through their available communication channels, and they offer virtual consultations via Zoom, Google Meet, or phone.
List of Sources
- Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene
- What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in North Carolina - Ward and Smith, P.A. Personal Injury (https://wardandsmithpersonalinjury.com/news/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-car-accident-in-north-carolina)
- Charlotte Car Accident Statistics [2026 Updated] (https://bridgmanganttlaw.com/blog/charlotte-car-accident-statistics)
- What to Do After a Car Accident in North Carolina: A Complete Guide (https://linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-after-car-accident-north-carolina-complete-guide-ycpxe)
- What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident (https://lawyernc.com/blog/what-to-do-car-accident-scene)
- Document the Accident Thoroughly
- 3-vehicle crash on NC Highway 210 sends 6 to hospital; road closes for hours (https://abc11.com/post/3-vehicle-crash-nc-highway-210-sends-6-hospital-road-closes-hours/18688920)
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- 53+ Personal Injury Statistics For 2026 | Rev (https://rev.com/blog/personal-injury-statistics)
- Consult a Legal Expert for Guidance
- North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer (https://disabilitylawfirmnc.com/north-carolina-car-accident-lawyer)
- North Carolina Personal Injury Legal News (https://hendrenmalone.com/legal-news)
- Car Accident Settlement Statistics by State (2026) (https://setcalc.com/settlement-statistics)
- Car Accident Lawyer in North Carolina | No Win, No Fee (https://demayolaw.com/north-carolina/car-accident-lawyer)
- North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer | NC Auto Accident Crash Injury Attorneys Near Me in Durham, New Bern, Wilmington & Charlotte, NC (https://riccilawnc.com/practice-areas/car-accidents)
- Monitor Health and Financial Impact
- How Injuries from an Accident Affect You Financially | Hardison & Cochran (https://lawyernc.com/blog/how-injuries-from-an-accident-affect-you-financially)
- Understanding The Financial Impact of Car Accidents (https://brownandcrouppen.com/understanding-financial-impacts-of-car-accidents)
- Hidden Costs of Car Accidents: Beyond Medical Bills | Larry King Law (https://larrykinglaw.com/blog/2025/october/hidden-costs-of-car-accidents-beyond-medical-bil)
- The Emotional And Financial Impact Of A Car Accident Injury In Charlotte | Panchenko Law Firm - Dedicated Personal Injury Law Firm | Free Consultation And 24/7 Legal Support (https://bpcounsel.com/car-accident-injuries)
- FastStats (https://cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/injury.htm)
