Short Answer

To start a North Carolina car accident claim, you typically need basic crash details (when/where it happened and who was involved), insurance information, and a clear summary of your injuries and vehicle damage. The most helpful items are the crash report information, photos, witness details, and your medical treatment timeline. You do not need to have every document on day one, but the sooner you gather and preserve key information, the easier it is to investigate fault and damages and to avoid deadline problems.

Understanding the Problem

If you were in a North Carolina car accident and you contacted a law firm, you may be wondering what you must share during intake so an attorney can evaluate whether you can start a claim and what steps come next. In most cases, the key issue is whether you can provide enough information about the crash, the people and vehicles involved, and your injuries to let the attorney identify insurance coverage and investigate fault.

Apply the Law

In North Carolina, a “car accident claim” usually means a bodily-injury and/or property-damage claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company (and sometimes additional insurance policies). To move a claim forward, an attorney needs information that helps prove (1) who was at fault, (2) what harm you suffered, and (3) what insurance coverage may apply. Timing matters because North Carolina generally gives you three years to file most personal injury lawsuits arising from a vehicle crash, and waiting can make evidence harder to obtain.

Key Requirements

• Crash basics (who/what/when/where): The date, time, location, and a short description of how the collision happened, including the direction of travel and what each driver did right before impact.
• People and vehicles involved: Names and contact information for drivers and passengers, plus vehicle details (make/model/year and license plate) so the correct parties and insurers can be identified.
• Insurance information: The other driver’s insurance company and policy number if available, your own auto insurer information, and any claim numbers already assigned.
• Law enforcement / crash report details: Whether police responded and, if known, the report or incident number and the agency that investigated.
• Injuries and medical treatment timeline: What symptoms you had, when they started, where you went for care (ER/urgent care/primary care/chiropractor/physical therapy), and any diagnoses you were told.
• Property damage and towing/repair information: Photos, repair estimates, body shop details, towing/storage information, and whether the vehicle is drivable.
• Witnesses and evidence you already have: Witness names/contact info, photos/videos, dashcam footage, and any messages from insurers.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitation) - Sets a three-year limitations period for many civil actions, including most negligence-based injury and property-damage claims.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139 (Burden of proof of contributory negligence) - Places the burden on the party asserting contributory negligence as a defense.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-309 (Financial responsibility required) - Requires vehicle owners to maintain financial responsibility (typically liability insurance) as a condition of registration.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.1 (Definitions; proof of financial responsibility) - Defines “proof of financial responsibility” and lists minimum coverage amounts (with scheduled changes noted in the statute).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, you have already taken the first step by contacting a law firm after a car accident. During intake, the staff member will usually collect the crash basics, insurance information, and a summary of injuries and treatment so the attorney can quickly assess fault issues, identify the right insurance policies, and spot any timing concerns. If you do not yet have the crash report number or all medical records, you can still start the process by providing what you know and identifying where the missing information can be obtained.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (the injured person) typically start the claim, often through an attorney. Where: Usually with the at-fault driver’s insurance company (and sometimes your own insurer). What: An intake statement plus any documents you already have (photos, crash report info, insurance details, treatment providers). When: As soon as practical after the crash, and well before the three-year lawsuit deadline that applies in many cases.
2. Investigation and documentation: The attorney’s office typically requests the crash report, gathers medical records and bills, confirms insurance coverage, and evaluates fault and damages. This step often takes weeks to months depending on how quickly records arrive and whether treatment is ongoing.
3. Claim presentation and resolution steps: Once the key records are in, the claim is presented to the insurer for negotiation. If the insurer disputes fault or value, the next step may be filing a lawsuit in the appropriate North Carolina court before the limitations period expires.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Fault disputes and contributory negligence: North Carolina’s contributory negligence rules can make fault a major pressure point in a claim, so details like photos, witness names, and what was said at the scene can matter early.
• Missing insurance details: If you do not have the other driver’s policy information, provide the driver/vehicle details and the investigating agency so coverage can be traced.
• Gaps in medical treatment: Long delays in getting care or large gaps in treatment can create arguments about whether the crash caused your symptoms. Keep a simple timeline of symptoms and appointments.
• Recorded statements: Insurers may ask for a recorded statement early. Consider getting legal advice before giving one, especially if you are still learning the full extent of your injuries.
• Document loss: Photos, vehicle condition, and witness availability can change quickly. Preserve what you can (photos, videos, contact info) as soon as possible.

Conclusion

To start a North Carolina car accident claim, you should be ready to share the crash basics, the identities of the drivers/vehicles involved, insurance information, and a clear summary of your injuries, treatment, and property damage. This information helps an attorney evaluate fault, confirm coverage, and protect your case from avoidable delays. A key deadline to keep in mind is that many cases must be filed in court within three years, so your next step is to gather your crash and insurance details and provide them during intake as soon as you can.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a North Carolina car accident and you’re not sure what information matters most or what deadlines apply, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today.

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.