Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | September 10, 2025 | Car Accidents
A rear-end collision can happen in an instant—one moment you’re waiting at a stoplight, and the next, another driver has slammed into the back of your vehicle. These crashes are among the most common types of car accidents in North Carolina, often resulting in painful injuries, vehicle damage, and significant stress.
If you’ve been rear-ended, you may be wondering what steps to take to protect your health, your rights, and your financial recovery. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our North Carolina car accident lawyers have guided countless North Carolinians through this exact situation, and we’re here to share what you should do immediately after a rear-end accident.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety First
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone in your vehicle is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be safe. Some serious conditions, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away.
- Move to a safe location. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid another collision. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
North Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. A police officer will arrive at the scene to create an official accident report, which is a crucial piece of evidence if you pursue an insurance claim or personal injury case. Be sure to:
- Remain calm and cooperative
- Provide accurate information, but avoid admitting fault
- Request a copy of the police report for your records
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Documenting the accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. If you are physically able:
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, license plates, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license number
- Collect witness statements and contact information if anyone saw the accident
- Note the details, such as the time, date, location, weather, and traffic conditions
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s critical to get checked by a healthcare professional. Rear-end accidents often cause injuries that may not show immediate symptoms, such as:
- Whiplash
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
Prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the accident. Insurance companies often try to argue that injuries were pre-existing or unrelated—having medical documentation strengthens your case.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- The other driver’s insurance information
- The police report number (if available)
- Any photos or documentation you collected
Be honest, but avoid admitting fault — even if you’re not certain about the exact circumstances. Stick to the facts. If the other driver’s insurer contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.
Step 6: Keep Records of Everything
Staying organized is one of the best things you can do after a rear-end collision. Keep copies of:
- Medical bills and records
- Vehicle repair estimates and receipts
- Prescription costs and over-the-counter expenses
- Documentation of missed work or lost wages
- Notes about your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily life
These records provide clear evidence of your damages and can increase the value of your claim.
Step 7: Contact an Experienced North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Rear-end accidents may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or blame the victim. Having an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we can:
- Investigate your accident and gather critical evidence
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies
- Work with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries
- Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care if needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Rear-End Accidents in North Carolina
Who is usually at fault in a rear-end collision?
In most North Carolina rear-end accidents, the driver who struck the car in front is presumed to be at fault because they are expected to follow at a safe distance. However, there are exceptions—for example, if the front driver suddenly reverses, stops without cause, or has malfunctioning brake lights. An attorney can investigate the circumstances and evidence to help determine liability.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault in a rear-end accident?
North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the country. This means that if you are even 1% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation. Because insurance companies often try to argue that you share blame, it is especially important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your rights.
What types of damages can I recover after a rear-end collision?
If another driver is found at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescriptions
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
How long do I have to file a claim after a rear-end accident in North Carolina?
Most personal injury claims in North Carolina must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. There are some exceptions to these rules, which is why it’s so important to talk with an experienced car accident lawyer in North Carolina. Failing to file within this statute of limitations could prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You should be cautious when speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to protect their company’s bottom line. They might ask leading questions or request a recorded statement that could be used against you. It’s best to let your attorney handle all communication with insurers to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
Unfortunately, not all drivers in North Carolina carry adequate insurance. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is included in most auto insurance policies in North Carolina. A lawyer can help you pursue these benefits and ensure your insurer pays what you’re owed.
How much is my rear-end accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and the extent of your pain and suffering. An attorney can calculate your damages and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Get Help After a Rear-End Accident in North Carolina
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, don’t try to navigate the insurance process alone. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side—but we are.
Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you. We proudly serve clients in Raleigh, Durham, Goldsboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, Charlotte, and countless other cities across North Carolina.
Your recovery matters. Let us fight for the justice and financial support you deserve. When Justice Counts™, Riddle & Riddle is here to help.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042