What to Do After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte-specific step-by-step guide after a car accident: CMPD reporting, Atrium Health hospitals by corridor, Mecklenburg County courts, and NC contributory negligence tips.
The Bottom Line
If you have just been in a car accident in Charlotte, here is what you need to do right now. Call 911 if anyone is injured, or call CMPD at (704) 336-7600 for non-injury crashes. Do not admit fault -- NC's contributory negligence rule means even 1% fault can bar your entire claim. Document everything with photos, get witness information, and seek medical treatment within 24-48 hours even if you feel fine.
Step 1: At the Scene (First 30 Minutes)
Call for Help
- Injuries present: Call 911. CMPD will respond for crashes within Charlotte city limits. NC Highway Patrol typically responds to interstate crashes on I-77, I-85, and I-485.
- No injuries, property damage only: Call the CMPD non-emergency line at (704) 336-7600.
- Outside Charlotte city limits: If you are in Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Cornelius, Pineville, or unincorporated Mecklenburg County, a different agency may respond.
For a full guide to post-accident steps that apply statewide, see what to do at the scene of an accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
This is the most important thing to remember in North Carolina. NC follows pure contributory negligence -- if the insurance company can show you were even 1% at fault, your entire claim can be denied. At the scene:
- Do not say "I'm sorry" or "It was my fault"
- Do not speculate about what happened
- Provide basic information to the officer (name, license, insurance)
- Let the police report document the facts
Document Everything
While waiting for CMPD or Highway Patrol:
- Photograph all vehicles -- damage, license plates, positions on the road
- Photograph the scene -- traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, debris
- Get witness contact information -- names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash
- Note the time, weather, and road conditions
- Screenshot your dashcam footage if you have one running
Exchange Information
Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number, and license plate number. Give them the same information from your side.
Step 2: Get Medical Treatment (First 24-48 Hours)
Charlotte Hospitals by Corridor
For serious or life-threatening injuries, you will almost certainly be taken to:
- Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) -- 1000 Blythe Boulevard. Charlotte's only Level I Trauma Center. This is where you go for major trauma, head injuries, spinal injuries, or multiple fractures.
For significant but non-life-threatening injuries:
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center -- 200 Hawthorne Lane. Level II Trauma Center serving the Midtown/Plaza Midwood area.
For less critical injuries or if you need to see a doctor the day after:
- Atrium Health University City -- 8800 North Tryon Street (I-85 North/UNCC corridor)
- Atrium Health Pineville -- serving the south Charlotte/I-485 South corridor
- Urgent care centers throughout Charlotte (faster than the ER for non-emergency injuries)
Step 3: File and Obtain Your CMPD Report (First Week)
NC law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or $1,000+ in property damage. In Charlotte, this means a CMPD crash report.
Getting Your Report
- In person: CMPD headquarters at 601 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
- By phone: (704) 336-7600
- Cost: $14-$16
- Timeline: Available 5-10 business days after the crash
If a Different Agency Responded
If your crash happened on an interstate, the NC State Highway Patrol may have filed the report. Request it through the NC DMV Crash Report system. If you crashed in Huntersville, Matthews, or Mint Hill, contact that town's police department for the report.
Step 4: Deal with Insurance (First 1-2 Weeks)
Contact Your Own Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Most policies require "reasonable" notification -- waiting weeks can jeopardize your claim.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance
The other driver's insurance adjuster may call you quickly, sometimes within hours. They will ask for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to give one to the other driver's insurer, and doing so before you understand the full extent of your injuries can hurt your claim.
Understand Your Coverage Options
- Third-party claim: Against the at-fault driver's insurance
- UM/UIM claim: Against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver lacks adequate insurance
- MedPay: Your own medical payments coverage pays your medical bills regardless of fault
For a complete guide to the insurance process, see filing an insurance claim step by step.
Step 5: Understand the Charlotte Court Process
If your claim does not settle through insurance, it will be handled by the Mecklenburg County Courthouse at 832 East 4th Street, part of NC's 26th Judicial District:
- Small claims (up to $10,000): Heard by a magistrate
- District Court ($10,001-$25,000): Judge, no jury
- Superior Court (above $25,000): Jury trial available
Most Charlotte car accident claims settle before trial, but knowing the court structure helps you understand timelines and what to expect.