Highway crashes do not always happen during predictable rush hour congestion or in the middle of heavy commuter traffic. In North Carolina, a collision may occur late at night, during an off-peak afternoon, or on a relatively open stretch of interstate where traffic conditions initially appear straightforward. Claims arising from these crashes can still become […]
Scene notes can preserve what a person observed at a particular time, but they do not decide fault, injury, coverage, or the value of a claim.
Record context before interpretation
- Date, time, precise location, direction of travel, traffic controls, lane markings, weather, lighting, road surface, and visibility
- Vehicle positions, visible damage, debris, marks, warning lights, photos, video, and the person or device that created each record
- Names and contact information of participants and witnesses, with separate notes for personal observations and statements from others
- Responding agencies, report number, tow or storage information, and records that were not available at the scene
The North Carolina Department of Insurance’s after-an-accident information provides current consumer guidance. Safety needs and instructions from emergency personnel take priority over gathering information.
The related multi-vehicle crash sequence guide explains how to keep participant and order-of-events records separate. A Charlotte car-accident claim requires a fact-specific review.
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