--- title: "What to Do After a Car Accident: Not Your Fault? Follow These Six Steps" description: Learn what to do after a car accident not your fault with these six essential steps to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation. image: https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_251454282.jpeg --- - Search Search Close this search box. - Download Forms - [Make a Payment](https://secure.lawpay.com/pages/ironsandirons/trust) - [(252) 215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [![Irons and Irons](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/irons-law-logo.png?width=178&height=46&name=irons-law-logo.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Auto Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/car-accident) - [Motorcycle Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident) - [Nursing Home Abuse](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/nursing-home-abuse) - [Rideshare Accidents](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/rideshare-accidents) - [Slip and Fall](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/slip-and-fall) - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/brain-injury) - [Truck Accident](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/trucking-accident) - [Wrongful Death](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/wrongful-death) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Separation Agreements](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/separation-agreements) - [Divorce Options](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/options) - [Absolute Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/absolute) - [Collaborative Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/collaborative) - [High Net Worth Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/high-net-worth) - [Military Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/military-divorce) - [Division of Pensions, 401(k) & Retirement Accounts](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/division-of-pension-and-retirement-accounts) - [Post Separation Support and Alimony](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/support-and-alimony) - [Property Distribution](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce/property-distribution) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Child Custody](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody) - [Child Custody Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-custody-modification) - [Child Support / Modification](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/child-support-modification) - [Collaborative Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law/collaborative-family-law) - [5 Critical Questions For Your Initial Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/5-consultation-questions) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) - [East Carolina University/Pitt Community College Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/ecu-college-disputes) - [Public And Private School Disputes](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law/school-disputes) - [Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Dental Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/personal-injury/dental-malpractice) - [Pharmaceutical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/pharmaceutical-malpractice) - Attorneys - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. Irons II](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/ben-g-irons-ii) - [Harry H. Albritton, Jr.](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/attorney-harry-h-albritton-jr) - [Brianne Lee Van Apeldoorn](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/brianne-lee-van-apeldoorn) - [Misty Waldroup](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/misty-waldroup) [Schedule Consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/contact/consultation-request) [tel:252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) [Irons & Irons P.A. Blog](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com) [Subscribe](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-not-your-fault-follow-these-six-steps#popup-form) ### Subscribe via Email # What to Do After a Car Accident: Not Your Fault? Follow These Six Steps August 27, 2024 Written by: Gib Irons - Share - Share - Share - [Copy](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-not-your-fault-follow-these-six-steps) ![](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_251454282.jpeg) Copied the Url When you're involved in a car accident that [wasn't your fault](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/is-north-carolina-a-no-fault-state-for-auto-accidents), it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident is crucial to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here's a guide to help you know what to do after a car accident not your fault in North Carolina. ## What to Do After a Car Accident (Not Your Fault) Here are the steps you should follow after a car accident in North Carolina: 1. Ensure your safety. 2. Call emergency services. 3. Exchange information with the other driver. 4. Document the scene of the accident. 5. Call your insurance company. 6. Contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney. ### Step 1. Ensure Your Safety Your immediate priority should be ensuring your safety and that of your passengers. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. If you can't move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers before leaving it and moving safely to the roadside.   ### Step 2. Call Emergency Services Dial 911 to report the accident, even if it seems minor. Police officers will document the scene, which can be critical for your insurance claim and any legal action. You should [always pursue medical care](https://aica.com/should-you-see-a-doctor-after-a-car-accident/) after a car accident; auto injuries might seem minimal at first, only to result in serious complications later. ![An image of a man holding his knee, wondering what to do after a car accident not his fault.](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_733163439.jpeg?width=4096&height=2304&name=AdobeStock_733163439.jpeg) ### Step 3. Exchange Information Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get their: 1. **Name ** 2. **Address ** 3. **Phone number** 4. **Driver’s license number ** 5. **License plate number**  6. and **Insurance details** Avoid discussing fault or specifics about the accident with the other driver. ### Step 4. Document the Scene of the Accident Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses, as their accounts can be valuable for your case. ### Step 5. Call Your Insurance Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the incident, but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about who was at fault. ### Step 6. Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Consulting with a [North Carolina personal injury attorney](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/finding-a-personal-injury-lawyer-greenville-nc-residents-trust) is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive [fair compensation](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/calculating-your-claim-what-is-the-average-car-accident-settlement-in-north-carolina). A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process and handle negotiations with insurance companies. ## How a Skilled North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Can Maximize Your Compensation If you’ve suffered a not-at-fault car accident in North Carolina, there are three types of compensation that may be on the table. A skilled attorney with experience in auto accident lawsuits can make the case for you to receive the greatest possible compensation. | **Type of Damages** | **Description** | **Role of the Attorney** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Economic Damages** | Tangible losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. | Identifies overlooked economic damages and gathers evidence to prove the claim in court. | | **Non-Economic Damages** | Compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. | Demonstrates how the accident impacted the client's quality of life to secure compensation for full hardship. | | **Punitive Damages** | Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the at-fault party and deter similar future behavior. | Evaluates the potential for punitive damages, which may exceed three times the amount of other damages awarded. | ## Irons and Irons, PA Helps Victims of Reckless Drivers At [Irons and Irons, P.A.,](https://theironslawfirm.com/) we understand the devastating impact that car accidents can have on your life. If you're wondering what to do after a car accident not your fault, we're here to help. We’ve successfully represented countless drivers in North Carolina, proven that the other driver was at fault, and secured our clients the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. If you’ve recently suffered a not-at-fault car accident, [schedule a consultation](https://theironslawfirm.com/contact/consultation-request) with us today.  ### [Gib Irons](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/author/gib-irons) Gib Irons is the managing partner at Irons & Irons P.A., a law firm in Greenville, NC specializing in divorce, family law, and personal injury litigation. Irons focuses on maintaining a select client roster to ensure personalized attention and exceptional service. His goal is to manage cases efficiently while reducing the stress that often accompanies legal disputes. A local graduate of J. H. Rose High School, Irons went on to earn his BA from Pepperdine University and his JD from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He has been practicing law in North Carolina since 2006, offering client-based service, particularly to high-net-worth individuals aiming for prompt and favorable case resolutions. ### Related Posts [Car Accidents](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/car-accidents) 3 min read #### [Calculating Your Claim: What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in North Carolina?](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/calculating-your-claim-what-is-the-average-car-accident-settlement-in-north-carolina) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/calculating-your-claim-what-is-the-average-car-accident-settlement-in-north-carolina) [Car Accidents](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/tag/car-accidents) 3 min read #### [Can I Lose My House Due to At-Fault Car Accident in NC? 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Understanding North Carolina's Car Accident Laws](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/is-north-carolina-a-no-fault-state-for-auto-accidents) [Read more](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/is-north-carolina-a-no-fault-state-for-auto-accidents) [![IRONS & IRONS P.A.](https://blog.theironslawfirm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Irons%20and%20Irons/Pillar-Graphic.png?width=134&height=67&name=Pillar-Graphic.png)](https://theironslawfirm.com/) Irons & Irons P.A. 620 Lynndale Ct Suite A Greenville, NC 27858 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Phone: [252-215-3000](tel:252-215-3000) PRACTICE AREAS - [Personal Injury](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law) - [Medical Malpractice](https://theironslawfirm.com/injury-law/medical-malpractice) - [Divorce](https://theironslawfirm.com/divorce) - [Family Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/family-law) - [Education Law](https://theironslawfirm.com/education-law) ATTORNEYS - [Gib Irons](https://theironslawfirm.com/about/gib-irons) - [Ben G. 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