Short Answer

To get the most useful advice in a first call, gather the basics that show (1) how the crash happened, (2) who was involved and insured, (3) what injuries and property damage you have, and (4) what deadlines may apply. In North Carolina, a clear timeline, the crash report details, and your medical and insurance paperwork usually matter most. If you don’t have everything yet, don’t wait—an attorney can still help you identify what to request and preserve.

Understanding the Problem

If you were in a North Carolina motor vehicle accident and you want to talk with a personal injury attorney, the key question is: what information should you gather so the attorney can quickly evaluate fault, insurance coverage, and timing—especially since you’ve already shown interest in scheduling a consultation.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, motor vehicle accident cases often turn on proof: proof of how the crash happened, proof of injuries and medical treatment, and proof of insurance coverage. Timing also matters. Most injury claims based on negligence must be filed within a set time limit (the “statute of limitations”), and missing it can end the case. Also, North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule in many cases, meaning the details of what each driver did (or didn’t do) can be critical.

Key Requirements

• Crash basics: The date/time, location, road conditions, and a simple description of what happened (in your own words).
• People and vehicles involved: Names, contact info, driver’s license info if available, license plate numbers, and who owned each vehicle.
• Law enforcement documentation: The crash report number (or a copy of the report) and the investigating agency.
• Insurance information: Your auto policy declarations page (or at least your policy number) and any claim numbers already opened.
• Injury and treatment records: Where you went for care, dates of visits, diagnoses you were told, prescriptions, referrals, and follow-up plans.
• Proof of damages: Photos, repair estimates, towing/storage invoices, rental car paperwork, and out-of-pocket receipts.
• Communications: Any letters/emails/texts with insurers and any recorded-statement requests or settlement offers.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166 (Duties at the scene; exchange information; render aid) - Requires drivers in certain crashes to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash reporting; law enforcement investigation/report) - Covers reporting/report preparation rules and how crash reports are handled.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations period for many injury/property claims) - Common statute of limitations provision that often applies in motor vehicle injury cases.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139 (Burden of proof for contributory negligence) - Places the burden on the party asserting contributory negligence as a defense.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you’re preparing to speak with an attorney about a motor vehicle accident, the most helpful materials are the ones that let the attorney quickly confirm the crash details, identify insurance coverage, and evaluate injuries and losses. If you can provide the crash report information, your insurance details, and a basic treatment timeline, you give the attorney what they need to spot time-sensitive issues and advise you on next steps.

Process & Timing

1. Who gathers: You (or a trusted family member). Where: Your phone/email, your insurer’s online portal, your medical providers’ patient portals, and the investigating law enforcement agency/NC DMV crash report system. What: Crash report number/copy, photos/videos, insurance declarations page, claim numbers, medical visit summaries, bills, and receipts. When: As soon as possible after the crash; don’t wait for “everything” to arrive.
2. Organize a simple timeline: One page that lists the crash date, first symptoms, first medical visit, follow-ups, missed work days, and major insurer contacts. This helps your attorney evaluate causation and damages without guessing.
3. Bring the “paper trail” to the consult: Any adjuster letters, emails, text messages, repair estimates, and medical billing notices. These often reveal deadlines, coverage questions, or lien/subrogation issues that need early attention.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Waiting for the “final bill”: People sometimes delay because treatment is ongoing. That can be risky if the statute of limitations is approaching.
• Missing or incomplete crash report details: If you don’t have the report yet, at least bring the investigating agency name, the report number (if known), and the date/location so it can be requested.
• Recorded statements and casual admissions: Early insurer conversations can lock you into a version of events. If you already spoke with an adjuster, gather notes about what was asked and what you said.
• Social media and surveillance issues: Posts, photos, and “check-ins” can be taken out of context. Preserve what exists, but be careful about new posts while a claim is pending.
• Contributory negligence disputes: Small details (speed, following distance, lane position, lighting, distraction) can become major issues in North Carolina, so gather any photos, witness info, and dashcam footage quickly.
• Gaps in medical care: Long gaps can make it harder to connect injuries to the crash. Keep a clear record of symptoms and appointments.

Conclusion

For a productive attorney consultation about a North Carolina motor vehicle accident, gather the crash report information, identities and insurance details for everyone involved, your photos/videos and witness info, and a clear medical treatment timeline with bills and receipts. These items help your attorney evaluate fault, coverage, and damages and spot time-sensitive issues. Your most important next step is to organize these materials and schedule your consultation well before the three-year filing deadline that applies in many injury cases.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a motor vehicle accident and want to know what to collect before you speak with a lawyer, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call (704) 343-1100.

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.