As a new driver, it’s important to be attentive and drive defensively. Since you have less experience behind the wheel than many other people on the road, you’re at greater risk of getting into a car accident. Your first wreck can have a huge impact on your life, as any good car accident lawyer will explain – but there are steps you can take to make it easier.

Possible Injuries

When you’re in a collision, your first concern is to get prompt medical care for any injuries, even ones that seem small. Some types of injuries common in car accidents seem minor at first but create larger problems later – and if you’re hoping for compensation for medical costs, you need to be able to show that you sought medical treatment.

Legal Consequences

If you did anything illegal that caused or contributed to the accident, you will likely suffer the legal penalties. For instance, North Carolina’s law prohibit texting while driving – and for drivers under 18, any use of a phone, even for a voice conversation, is illegal. A car accident lawyer may be able to help minimize or avoid charges, but the better solution is to prevent this situation entirely by following the laws and driving safely.

Financial Costs

In addition, if you contributed to the accident in any way – even if your actions were legal – you may not be eligible to recover medical costs for the accident. North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning that if you are determined to have contributed to the accident in any way, you’re disqualified from seeking compensation – even if the other driver is more at fault.

Take the situation seriously. For the best chance of recovery, don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene. Gather evidence from the crash site and retain the services of a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

If you’ve been in an accident, the attorneys of Hill & Hovis in High Point, NC, will help you recover. These experienced car accident lawyers offer knowledgeable legal advice to help you receive compensation as quickly as possible after a collision. To meet with a personal injury attorney serving Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, and Randolph counties, call (336) 883-6000 or send a message online.