Move to a Safe Location
If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of active traffic lanes — to a shoulder, parking lot, or side street. Activate your hazard lights immediately. Staying in a live lane of traffic after a collision is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Your safety takes priority over everything else.
Check on Everyone Involved
Before anything else, assess injuries. Check yourself for pain or disorientation, then check on your passengers and anyone in the other vehicle. Do not attempt to move anyone who appears seriously injured — wait for emergency responders. Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) are not immediately apparent. Note any complaints of pain from all parties.
Call 911 / File an Accident Report
Always call 911 and request a police report — even for minor accidents with seemingly little damage. A police report creates an official, independent record of the incident that is critical if liability is disputed later. Do not skip this step even if the other driver suggests settling without involving authorities. If police cannot respond to the scene, file a report at your local precinct or through your state's online reporting system within 24 hours.
Exchange Insurance Information
Collect and document all of the following from every driver involved: full legal name, phone number, home address, driver's license number, license plate number, vehicle make, model, and year, and insurance carrier name and policy number. Use your phone to photograph each driver's license, insurance card, and license plate. Also photograph all visible vehicle damage, the surrounding scene, traffic signs, and road conditions. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.
Call Carolina Industrial
Contact our office at 704-845-2456 during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM). We will confirm your coverage, initiate the claim, and assign a dedicated claims representative who will guide you through every step — from vehicle inspection scheduling to repair authorization. You never have to navigate this alone.
Important: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you may be responsible. Fault determination is a legal and insurance process — let the adjuster and police report do their job. Stick to the facts when speaking with other parties and law enforcement.