Short Answer

In North Carolina, once you hire us and share the other driver's and insurer's information, we send a letter of representation and handle all communication for you. We also notify your own insurer, request the crash report, and preserve evidence. You should avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer until we are involved. Deadlines apply later if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how to get a North Carolina injury attorney to contact the other driver or their insurance company for you. The role is your attorney; the action is taking over communications with insurers and the other driver; the trigger is your recent crash yesterday and the exchange of information you received.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, contacting an at-fault driver or their insurer is a pre-lawsuit step. There is no court filing needed to start this contact. Your attorney sends a letter of representation directing the insurer to communicate with counsel, requests the official crash report, and issues preservation notices for evidence (vehicles, dashcam, photos). If a claim cannot be resolved, lawsuits are filed in the North Carolina General Court of Justice, and statewide statutes of limitations set the outer deadlines to sue.

Key Requirements

• Attorney engagement: Sign a written representation agreement so we can speak for you.
• Insurance and driver info: Provide the other driver’s name, policy details, and claim number (if you have it).
• Notice to insurers: We notify the at-fault insurer (and your own) that we represent you and all contact goes through us.
• Authorizations: You sign limited releases so we can obtain records (medical, billing, wage loss) to support your claim.
• Evidence preservation: We send preservation requests to protect key evidence and arrange vehicle inspections when needed.
• Deadlines awareness: We track the statute of limitations in case settlement talks do not resolve the claim.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 - General 3-year deadline for negligence causing personal injury or property damage.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4) - 2-year deadline for wrongful death actions.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-17 - Tolling rules that can extend deadlines for minors or certain disabilities.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 - Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements and related notice concepts.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because your crash happened yesterday and you have the other driver’s information, we can act immediately once you sign a representation agreement. We will send a letter of representation to the at-fault insurer, direct them to stop calling you, and request the crash report. We will also notify your own insurer per your policy and issue preservation requests so key evidence is not lost while we evaluate your claim within the applicable deadlines.

Process & Timing

1. Who sends: Your attorney. Where: To the at-fault driver’s insurer, the other driver (if uninsured), and your insurer in North Carolina. What: Letter of representation, preservation notice, and requests for the official crash report and claim setup. When: Typically within a few business days of engagement.
2. Claims handling begins: the insurer assigns an adjuster, acknowledges our representation, and routes all contact through us; we collect records and document injuries and repairs. This phase can take weeks to months depending on treatment and records.
3. Resolution or suit: we present a demand package; if settlement does not occur, we file a lawsuit in the North Carolina General Court of Justice before the statute of limitations expires and continue litigation.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Government vehicles or employees can trigger different procedures and defenses; do not delay getting advice.
• Recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer can harm your claim; route all contact through your attorney.
• Promptly notify your own insurer to protect UM/UIM rights; policy deadlines can be strict.
• Do not sign broad medical releases; use tailored authorizations limited to relevant care.
• Preserve vehicles, photos, dashcam footage, and receipts; spoliation can weaken your case.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with an auto crash and want a lawyer to handle all insurer contact, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.