What to Do After a Car Accident in Durham, NC
Durham-specific step-by-step guide after a car accident: Durham PD reporting, Duke Hospital, Durham County courts, NC contributory negligence tips.
The Bottom Line
If you have just been in a car accident in Durham, here is what you need to do right now. Call 911 if anyone is injured, or call Durham PD at (919) 560-4427 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. Durham PD will respond for crashes within Durham city limits. NC Highway Patrol typically responds to crashes on I-85, I-40, and NC-147.
- No injuries, property damage only: Call the Durham PD non-emergency line at (919) 560-4427.
- Outside Durham city limits: If you are in unincorporated Durham County, the Durham County Sheriff's Office 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 Durham PD 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)
Durham Hospitals by Location
For serious or life-threatening injuries, you will almost certainly be taken to:
- Duke University Hospital -- 2301 Erwin Road. Durham's only Level I Trauma Center and one of the top-ranked in the Southeast. This is where critical trauma, head injuries, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures are treated.
For significant but non-life-threatening injuries:
- Duke Regional Hospital -- 3643 N. Roxboro Street. Level III Trauma Center serving north Durham.
For crashes on the US-15/501 corridor or western Durham:
- UNC Hospitals (Chapel Hill) -- 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill. Also a Level I Trauma Center. Depending on crash location and ambulance availability, you may be transported to UNC instead of Duke.
Step 3: File and Obtain Your Durham PD Report (First Week)
NC law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or $1,000+ in property damage. In Durham, this means a Durham PD crash report.
Getting Your Report
- In person: Durham PD headquarters at 505 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
- By phone: (919) 560-4427
- Cost: Approximately $6.25
- Timeline: Available 7-10 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 your crash was in unincorporated Durham County, contact the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
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 Durham Court Process
If your claim does not settle through insurance, it will be handled by the Durham County Courthouse at 510 S. Dillard Street, part of NC's 14th 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 Durham car accident claims settle before trial, but knowing the court structure helps you understand timelines and what to expect. Durham County has a moderate caseload compared to Wake or Mecklenburg, which can mean somewhat shorter wait times.