What to Do After a Car Accident in Greensboro, NC
Greensboro-specific step-by-step guide after a car accident: Greensboro PD reporting, Moses Cone Hospital, Guilford County courts, and NC contributory negligence tips.
The Bottom Line
If you have just been in a car accident in Greensboro, here is what you need to do right now. Call 911 if anyone is injured, or call Greensboro PD at (336) 373-2222 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. Greensboro PD will respond for crashes within city limits. NC Highway Patrol typically responds to crashes on the I-40/I-85 corridor and other interstates.
- No injuries, property damage only: Call Greensboro PD at (336) 373-2222.
- Outside Greensboro city limits: If you are in High Point, Jamestown, Summerfield, or unincorporated Guilford 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 Greensboro 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
- Note the time, weather, and road conditions
- Save dashcam footage if you have a camera 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.
Step 2: Get Medical Treatment (First 24-48 Hours)
Greensboro Hospitals
For serious or life-threatening injuries, you will almost certainly be taken to:
- Moses Cone Hospital -- 1200 N. Elm Street. A Level II Trauma Center and the primary trauma facility for the greater Greensboro area. Part of Cone Health.
For significant but non-life-threatening injuries:
- Wesley Long Hospital -- 501 N. Elam Avenue. Also Cone Health. Handles emergency cases, particularly for accidents on the north and west sides of the city.
For less critical injuries or next-day visits:
- Urgent care centers throughout Greensboro
- Your primary care physician within 24-48 hours
For the most severe injuries, patients may be transferred to Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, which operates a Level I Trauma Center.
Step 3: File and Obtain Your Greensboro PD Report (First Week)
NC law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or $1,000+ in property damage. In Greensboro, this means a Greensboro PD crash report.
Getting Your Report
- In person: Greensboro PD headquarters at 100 Police Plaza, Greensboro, NC 27401
- By phone: (336) 373-2222
- Cost: Approximately $6
- Timeline: Available 7-10 business days after the crash
If a Different Agency Responded
If your crash happened on the I-40/I-85 corridor, NC State Highway Patrol may have filed the report. Request it through the NC DMV Crash Report system. If you crashed in High Point, Jamestown, or Summerfield, contact that municipality's police department.
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.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance
The other driver's adjuster may call quickly, sometimes within hours. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Doing so before understanding 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 bills regardless of fault
For a complete guide, see filing an insurance claim step by step.
Step 5: Understand the Greensboro Court Process
If your claim does not settle through insurance, it will be handled by the Guilford County Courthouse at 201 S. Eugene Street, part of NC's 18th 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 Greensboro car accident claims settle before trial, but knowing the court structure helps you understand timelines.