Short Answer

For a North Carolina car accident consultation, we need to speak directly with the injured adult, confirm basic crash details (date, location, police report), insurance information, injuries and treatment to date, and any photos or witness contacts. An in-person visit is not required—phone or video works. If anyone has pain or symptoms, seek medical care first, then schedule the consult.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, how do you schedule a car accident consultation, and does it have to be in person? Here, the injured person is an adult child, so the question is whether a parent can set it up and what details are needed to move forward with the attorney’s intake.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, an adult must be the one to hire a lawyer for their own injury claim or authorize someone to do so on their behalf. For intake, law firms gather core facts to evaluate liability, insurance coverage, injuries, and timing. Most injury lawsuits, if needed, are filed in the county where the crash occurred or where a defendant resides, and personal injury claims typically have a multi-year filing deadline that starts on the crash date.

Key Requirements

• Client authority: The injured adult must speak with the firm and approve representation (or have a valid written authorization/guardianship if they cannot).
• Crash basics: Date, time, location, police agency, and any report number help identify records quickly.
• Insurance details: Your auto insurer and policy limits if known, other driver’s insurer and claim number if available.
• Injuries and care: Symptoms, diagnoses, providers seen, and upcoming appointments.
• Evidence and contacts: Photos/video, vehicle information, and names/phone numbers of witnesses or passengers.
• Prior communications: Any recorded statements, adjuster letters, or repair/medical bills received.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year actions) - Most negligence-based personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within three years of the crash.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-53 (Two-year actions) - Wrongful death actions generally must be filed within two years.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the injured person is an adult, the consultation must be with them or with someone they have legally authorized. A phone or video consultation is fine; no in-person visit is required. Before the call, gather crash details, insurance information, symptoms, and any photos so intake can run a conflict check and assess next steps. If the adult is in pain or has symptoms, seek medical care first, then schedule.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The injured adult (or authorized representative) contacts the firm. Where: By phone or secure online intake with a North Carolina personal injury firm. What: Provide crash basics, insurance details, injuries/treatment, and evidence. When: As soon as practical after the crash; do not wait for all records to start intake.
2. The firm performs a conflict check, confirms client authority, and conducts an intake interview (often 30–60 minutes). If appropriate, the firm sends an engagement agreement and limited authorizations for e‑signature.
3. After engagement, the firm notifies insurers, requests records, and tracks medical care; if settlement is not feasible, a lawsuit may be filed in the proper North Carolina court before the deadline.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If the adult cannot communicate or lacks capacity, a valid written authorization or court‑appointed guardian may be needed before representation can begin.
• Do not let an insurer record a statement before you get legal advice; it can affect liability and damages.
• Delays in medical evaluation can weaken injury proof; document symptoms and follow provider guidance.
• Parents cannot hire counsel or access the adult child’s case information without the adult’s consent.
• Keep photos, repair estimates, and letters organized; share claim numbers and deadlines from any insurer correspondence.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with a North Carolina car crash and need to understand your options and timelines, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you take the next step with confidence. 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.