{"id":4996,"date":"2026-10-08T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chiroduo.com\/?p=4996"},"modified":"2026-10-01T14:56:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T18:56:33","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-in-the-united-states","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chiroduo.com\/en\/que-hacer-despues-accidente-auto-estados-unidos\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Accident in the United States: A Complete Guide for Latinos Step by Step"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A car accident in the United States generates confusion, fear, and many questions at the same time, especially when you don't know the language or the legal system. Knowing What to do after a car accident<\/strong> In the first few minutes and days, it can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

According to the North Carolina Traffic Crash Facts 2024 (NCDOT<\/a><\/strong>), in North Carolina occurred 284,546 accidents in 2024<\/strong> with 113,602 people injured<\/strong>. Many of the affected people are Latinos who don't know what to do step by step, and that lack of information ends up costing them medical treatment and compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Important notice:<\/strong> This blog provides general information and does not replace the advice of a specialized lawyer. Each case is unique, and important legal decisions must be made with professional advice.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Steps to follow after an accident on the scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the scene of the accident, your priority is your safety; document everything and comply with what North Carolina law requires.<\/strong> These are the specific steps you should follow in order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Check that you are okay and help the passengers.<\/strong> If there are injured people, call 911 immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Move the vehicle if possible<\/strong> to a safe place, without obstructing traffic. Turn on the emergency lights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Report the accident to the police.<\/strong> The North Carolina law (NC General Statute \u00a7 20-166.1<\/a>) requires that any accident involving injury, death, or damage of $1,000 or more be reported immediately. In urban areas, it is reported to the local police; in rural areas, to the NC Highway Patrol<\/em> or the county sheriff.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Do not admit guilt<\/strong> Don't say phrases like \u201cI'm sorry\u201d or \u201cI didn't see you.\u201d The doctrine of \"no trespassing\" applies in North Carolina. contributory negligence<\/em>, In some cases, even a small percentage of fault can affect your right to compensation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Exchange information with the other driver:<\/strong> name, license, phone number, insurer, policy number, vehicle plate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Take photos and videos:<\/strong> Vehicles, damage, license plates, permits, complete scene, traffic signs, visible injuries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Obtain data from witnesses<\/strong> if there are people nearby who saw the accident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Wait for the police officer<\/strong> and asks for the report number to request it later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. DO NOT sign documents<\/strong> from the other insurer without first consulting a lawyer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    I got into an accident in the United States. What do I do if I don't have insurance or documents?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Immigrants, with or without documents, have the right to file personal injury claims in North Carolina.<\/strong> This is confirmed by state law and has been recognized by Supreme Court of the United States.<\/strong>, who has maintained that due process protections apply to all people in the country. Source: Ward and Smith, P.A.<\/a>, North Carolina law firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Key points you need to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n