Are rideshares reducing car accidents?

A crash can turn into a second emergency the moment you start getting calls from insurance adjusters, tow companies, and repair shops—while you’re still in pain, still shaken, and still trying to figure out what happens next. This checklist is written for people in the Triangle area who want to protect their health and reduce the risk of mistakes that can hurt an injury claim. It’s general information—not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, talk with a lawyer as soon as possible. Need help now? Frasier & Griffin has offices in Durham and Raleigh and offers in-person consultations (and can accommodate phone or Zoom appointments). Call 919-680-4039 or use the site’s contact form to request a consultation. Immediate steps at the scene Get to safety, then call for help If you can move without worsening injuries, get yourself (and others) out of danger. If vehicles can be moved and doing so is safe, move out of active lanes to reduce the risk of a secondary collision. North Carolina law includes duties to stop after a crash and to provide identifying information and reasonable assistance to injured people. Taking the situation seriously at the scene matters—not just medically, but legally. Call 911 and request law enforcement In North Carolina, the driver of a vehicle involved in a reportable crash must immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. “Reportable” can include crashes involving injury/death or certain property damage thresholds (commonly referenced at $1,000) and other defined categories. Even when you believe injuries are “minor,” it’s often wise to involve law enforcement so the event is documented while details are fresh. Exchange information, but don’t argue fault Collect the basics: Names, contact information, driver’s license numbers Vehicle and insurance information Tag numbers and vehicle descriptions Be careful about apologies or speculative statements (“I didn’t see you,” “I was distracted,” “I’m fine”). In North Carolina, fault issues can be especially high-stakes because contributory negligence defenses can turn small “admissions” into major claim disputes later. Photograph the scene and preserve evidence If it’s safe, get photos of: Vehicle positions before they move (if possible) Damage to all vehicles Skid marks, debris fields, and road conditions Traffic signals/signage and lighting conditions Visible injuries (as appropriate) If there are witnesses, ask for names and contact information. If you’re unsure what to document, call 919-680-4039 and ask for a free case review —getting the evidence plan right early can matter. The first 24–72 hours after the crash Get medical care promptly and follow through If you are transported from the scene, keep discharge papers and follow-up instructions. If you do not go to the ER/urgent care that day, consider being evaluated promptly anyway—some injuries (including neck/back pain, headaches, or joint injuries) can worsen after adrenaline fades. Keep a simple timeline: When symptoms began How they changed over time Any missed work or activity limitations Start a “claim file” you can actually use later Create a dedicated folder (paper or digital) for: Photos and videos Medical records and receipts Medication and treatment logs Vehicle repair estimates and towing bills A short daily journal of pain and limitations This is not about “building a case” in a dramatic sense—it’s about ensuring the documentation exists if liability or damages are disputed. Be cautious with insurance communications Insurance companies may contact you quickly. You can report basic facts, but think twice before giving a recorded statement—especially if you’re unsure about details or still seeking medical evaluation. In a contributory negligence jurisdiction, “gray area” statements can become leverage against you later. Get the official crash report In North Carolina, crash reports are regulated records. If you were personally involved in a crash, the North Carolina DMV explains that you can order a redacted copy in person or by mail (individuals generally cannot order online). This report can be important for identifying parties, insurers, and the initial incident record. How North Carolina rules can affect your claim Contributory negligence can change everything North Carolina is one of the jurisdictions that still follows the contributory negligence rule. In general terms, if the plaintiff is even slightly at fault, they may be unable to recover compensation from the defendant. This is one reason why early evidence matters: photos, witness names, a clear medical timeline, and careful communication. Related point: under G.S. 1-139, the party asserting contributory negligence carries the burden of proof on that defense. Deadlines matter North Carolina’s civil time limits can be strict. G.S. 1-52 sets a three-year limitations period for many claims and includes provisions addressing personal injury/property damage accrual. Wrongful death actions (under G.S. 1-53(4)) are subject to a two-year limitations period, with specific statutory language about accrual. Because exceptions and fact-specific issues can apply, it’s safer to talk to an attorney early rather than “wait and see.” What compensation may be available in a serious injury claim Every case is different, but personal injury claims commonly involve one or more of the following categories: Medical expenses (current and future) Lost income and reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life Out-of-pocket costs (medications, mileage, medical equipment) If a crash results in a fatality, the firm’s wrongful death page describes categories that may be part of a wrongful death case, such as funeral/burial costs, certain medical bills, and other losses tied to the death. Wrongful Death When to talk to a lawyer You don’t need to “wait until it gets worse” to get legal guidance. Consider speaking with a lawyer quickly if any of these are true: You have significant pain, progressive symptoms, or a new diagnosis You missed work (or expect to) because of the crash The other driver disputes fault You were hit by a commercial vehicle (delivery truck, semi, work vehicle) An insurer pushes for a fast settlement before your treatment stabilizes Frasier & Griffin’s personal injury practice includes motor vehicle collisions (car, truck, motorcycle) and wrongful death, and the firm uses a contact-first intake flow to get people connected to an attorney. The firm also states on its motorcycle accident page that initial consultations are free and that clients do not owe attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. Start a confidential case review through the contact form or call 919-680-4039. In-person consultations are available, and phone/Zoom appointments can be accommodated. https://frasierandgriffin.com/car-accidents/ https://frasierandgriffin.com/truck-accidents/ https://frasierandgriffin.com/motorcycle-accidents/ https://frasierandgriffin.com/case-results/ FAQ Do I have to call the police after a car accident? If a crash is “reportable,” North Carolina law requires the driver to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately. The definition of “reportable” can include injury/death and certain property-damage thresholds. How do I get a copy of the crash report? The North Carolina DMV explains that people personally involved in a crash can order a redacted crash report in person or by mail (not online for individuals). How long do I have to file? North Carolina statutes include a three-year limitations framework in G.S. 1-52 for many claims and a two-year limitations period for wrongful death under G.S. 1-53(4). Because deadlines can be affected by details of the case, ask a lawyer early. Why does “fault” matter so much in North Carolina? North Carolina uses contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if the claimant is found even slightly at fault. That’s why evidence, careful statements, and a clear medical timeline can be critical. If you were hurt in a crash and you’re not sure what to do next, get help before the insurance process picks your path for you. Call 919-680-4039 for a consultation or send a message through the contact page. Offices are located at 4400 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27609 and 100 East Parrish St, Suite 350, Durham, NC 27701.

Most road users are likely aware that drunk driving is a major public safety concern. Many motorists have encountered devastating accidents and sustained catastrophic injuries due to drunk driving. For this reason, it is important to raise awareness about the factors that contribute to driving under the influence. Understanding the types of vehicles most commonly associated with drunk driving is a good place to start. Passenger cars Passenger cars are the vehicles most associated with drunk driving incidents. This is primarily because they make up the largest share of vehicles on the road. These vehicles include sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs. Passenger vehicles are typically used for daily commutes, social gatherings and leisure activities. These situations happen to be where alcohol consumption might be more prevalent. Younger drivers in passenger cars are particularly prone to DUIs, often due to peer pressure, lower experience levels or a higher tendency to underestimate the risks of driving under the influence. Younger drivers might not understand just how quickly alcohol can slow down their reaction times, compromise their decision-making and undermine their coordination. Pickup trucks Pickup trucks are frequently linked to DUI cases because drivers of these vehicles are often involved in late-night activities and live in rural settings. In such activities and areas, alcohol use tends to be more common. Male drivers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, statistically dominate DUI cases involving pickup trucks. The association may be, in part, due to cultural perceptions, as pickups are often linked with rugged, carefree lifestyles.  Such lifestyles may be linked to risk-taking behavior, including drinking and driving. Motorcycles Motorcycles are also disproportionately associated with fatal drunk driving accidents. Motorcycles have unique risks due to their lack of protective structures and the precision required to operate them safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can severely impact a motorcyclist’s ability to maintain balance, respond to road hazards and make quick decisions. Riders under the influence are less likely to wear helmets or adhere to traffic laws. Such reckless behavior further increases the severity of a crash. The culture surrounding motorcycles, including social gatherings like biker rallies, may also contribute to higher rates of drinking and riding. No matter what vehicle an individual drives, they have the responsibility to consider the safety of other road users when they get behind the wheel. Therefore, when a driver operates their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, they should be held accountable for any damages caused.

The force of a car accident can leave individuals facing serious injuries, whether it was a rear-end collision or a head-on collision. And it is this force and the jarring movement that can also cause serious damage to one’s back muscles – or their spinal cord. Back injuries are some of the most common injuries that result from a car accident, but many people might wonder just how serious these injuries can be. What kinds of back injuries can a crash cause? Some of the most common back injuries resulting from an accident include: Whiplash: While many people associate whiplash with the neck, it can also affect the upper back and spinal cord, and limit one’s ability to move. Herniated disks: This is when the disks between the vertebrae – or the bones in the spinal cord – are out of place. This can cause pain or numbness in one’s back, but also their legs or arms. Muscle sprains: While sprains and strains in the back muscles are not often serious injuries, they are common. They limit movement and cause individuals pain while they recover from a car accident. Injuries to the back can affect one’s life much more than they think, especially with how much they can restrict movement. While these injuries listed above often can heal overtime with a lot of rest, there are other back injuries that can have much more serious effects. How common are spinal cord injuries? Mayo Clinic reports that motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries across the country. Collisions that result in spinal cord injuries only make up a small percentage of all accidents, but they still pose a serious risk. This is because spinal fractures or other spinal injuries can cause considerable damage and have lifelong effects. The most serious spinal cord injuries can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, but even acute spinal cord injuries can significantly decrease movement and require physical therapy to regain function. Watch out for symptoms – and see a doctor immediately Back pain and injuries can affect nearly every aspect of one’s daily life, whether they are temporary or long-term. This is why it is important for individuals not to overlook any back pain after an accident – even if they believe the collision was minor. That is also the reason why it is so critical to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a crash on North Carolina roads. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of back injuries might not appear right away. However, seeking medical treatment can ensure the cause of an injury is documented, while also making sure individuals get the care they need immediately.