North Carolina Law Updates
Outer banks towns like Kitty Hawk, Hatteras, and Ocracoke flood with visitors during the “high-season,” bringing with them a 
substantial influx of cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and unfortunately, accidents.
The last thing vacationers want to deal with is an accident while on a get-away. Even a minor bump-up can be a hassle if you’re from out-of-town.
Most people know a local lawyer if they need legal help back home.
Calling friends, family, and co-workers for a referral and reference may take a bit of time, but it’s not an insurmountable task.
If you’re not from the OBX community, it can be a time-consuming process finding an accident attorney who is experienced not just with the area of law but where you were hurt. I firmly believe your case deserves a local attorney who understands the local protocols and nuances of the Outer Banks – Danny Glover, Outer Banks Accident Lawyer
What should I do after an accident?
Immediately following an accident, while still “on-scene,” first make sure you and your passengers are safe.
Some of the most serious, life-threatening wrecks take place during secondary collisions when people are still dazed, walking around the accident scene.
That is especially true on high-traffic roadways, highways, and areas with a substantial number of cars, pedestrians, bicycles, etc.
While travel speeds on highways, including those with 18-Wheeler traffic, have the potential for high-impact collisions, a substantial number of serious injuries occur in relatively low-speed areas and downtown areas.
A lot depends on the nature and circumstances of the accident. Pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles do not have the protections afforded by cars upon impact. Low speed collisions can and do result in traumatic injuries – Danny Glover
After confirming you are safe, you may wish to check on other vehicles and people involved in the accident.
It’s also a good idea to call 911, even in minor collisions as there may be important information to exchange, paperwork to complete, and at times, traffic tickets and citations to be issued.
OBX Bicycle Accidents
Take pictures of the resting positions of the vehicles involved. Take pictures of license plates, Take pictures of any information that is shared like driver’s licenses, registration, insurance cards, etc., if possible.
If your vehicle or other vehicles involved in the wreck are blocking the roadway, assuming it is safe to do so, move them either off the roadway or as far to the side as the road as is practicable.
There are certain duties under the NC accident laws and the NC Criminal Laws regarding remaining on the scene of the accident, rendering aid, and exchanging of information.
Failure to do so can not only adversely affect your accident claim. It can also result in criminal charges.
What information do I need to give to the police?
Again, how to handle things on an accident scene depends a lot on the nature, circumstances, and location of the wreck.
Generally speaking, medics, police, NC Highway Patrol, and other “first responders,” will want to assess the accident scene.
They will want to prevent additional collisions and injuries.
That includes both the safety of the people involved in the accident as well as other law enforcement officers, EMT personnel, tow-truck drivers, and other passing motorists.
That can involve removing people trapped in vehicles, transporting to the hospital, and in some instances, rendering emergency medical treatment, aiding people on-scene with life-threatening injuries.
Thereafter they may direct moving vehicles, assigning a process and personnel to an investigation.
There may be a division of labor among first responders, where some police officers gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and handle the accident investigation.
Should I hire a lawyer?
Other officers may be involved in crowd-control, directing traffic, and supervising moving vehicles and roadway cleanup.
When appropriate, officers may begin a “drunk driving” investigation, conducting dexterity tests, a breathalyzer, etc., if someone has had too much to drink and possibly caused the wreck.
As such, once official personnel arrives, let them take lead. Let them direct what needs to be done. Listen to their instructions and follow them.
Once the scene is “secured,” officers involved with the accident investigation, including the officer or officers responsible for preparing and filing an official Accident Report, will likely begin by gathering information.
Information gathering can be one of the most important aspects of a case. It’s not just a matter of looking at the cars and deciding what happened – Danny Glover
In addition to taking photographs of the accident scene, police officers (law enforcement) may want your driver’s license, a copy of the vehicle registration, rental agreement paperwork, if any, and your insurance card.
It’s also not unusual to separate the parties (the people involved in the accident) to determine what happened and who is at fault.
No such thing as an “Accident”
Outer Banks Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an OBX wreck, we’re here to help.
Danny Glover Jr. is a local, Outer Banks Attorney with substantial courtroom experience helping people with serious personal injury matters, traumatic injury cases, and wrongful death claims.
My law firm is dedciated to compassionate legal representation for clients who have been hurt due to the negligence of others. We’re here to help – Danny Glover, OBX Attorney
Call now to schedule a confidential consultation. Talking to us is entirely free. We do not charge consultation fees.
Everything you tell lawyers in North Carolina, including during the initial consultation, remains subject to the attorney-client privilege.
Lawyers are trusted with sensitive information. As such, we keep and protect such confidences.
You may also email: Danny@DannyGloverLawFirm.com