An incident report, release, statement, or settlement document should be identified and read before a person decides whether to sign it.

Preserve the event record

  • The location, date, time, conditions, photographs, video, witnesses, and names of people notified
  • Any incident report, request for statement, release, letter, message, or settlement document
  • Medical, expense, work-absence, insurance, and repair records kept in original form
  • The name of the sender, date received, requested response date, and a complete copy of each document

Separate facts from conclusions

An incident report can record what was reported; a release or settlement document can have different language and consequences. A general checklist cannot determine what a document means, whether an obligation exists, who is responsible, or whether a claim is available.

Ask focused questions

Before signing, identify the document, obtain a complete copy, note any response date, and ask a qualified professional about questions that the document raises. A North Carolina personal-injury claim depends on the complete facts and applicable law.