Auto Accident Attorney in Raleigh
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Car Accident Lawyer Raleigh NC
Although drivers never intend to be involved in an auto accident, the reality is most drivers will experience at least one collision in their lifetime. Anyone who has experienced motor vehicle accidents can attest that there are many emotions and ordeals to go through before the car accident claim is completely settled.
Our Raleigh car accident lawyers have helped hundreds of car accident victims achieve fair and just compensation from auto accidents through the years. Our experienced team of Raleigh car accident attorneys has provided an overview of the information victims of a serious car accident should know when moving forward with their personal injury claims.
What to Do After a Car Accident Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence
Navigating auto accidents caused by someone else’s negligence can be a daunting experience. When you find yourself in such a situation, understanding the appropriate steps to take is crucial. From ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved to documenting the accident and communicating with insurance companies, our Raleigh car accident lawyer is outlining the key actions to consider after car and truck accidents caused by careless or reckless drivers.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Seeking medical treatment is the first step after a car collision. Granted, many people don’t feel as if they have injuries following a minor fender bender, but later that day or week they may begin to feel soreness or physical pain and discover injuries. Hairline fractures, broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries that weren’t immediately evident at the time of the accident can become serious and need treatment.
Waiting to seek treatment can be detrimental to your personal injury lawsuit for the recovery of damages and fair compensation. Delay in treatment is commonly argued as a reason to reduce the amount offered for a personal injury claim. In order to recover compensation owed by the at-fault party, it’s important to seek medical treatment regardless of immediate symptoms following the car crash.
Contact Your North Carolina Automobile Insurer
Report your car accident case immediately to both your and the other driver’s insurance company. Avoid giving statements about the car accident or car accident injuries. Only provide the most basic information to the insurance companies.
Once your insurance claim is set up with the other driver’s insurance carrier, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. Our Raleigh auto accident attorneys recommend speaking to an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer who is experienced in personal injury cases before speaking to an insurance adjuster or signing any waivers. This is because interactions with an insurance agent could negatively affect the long-term outcome of your car accident claims.
Gather Evidence of Your Car Crash
If you are physically capable, make sure you take adequate pictures of the accident scene. Your Raleigh car accident lawyers can use this evidence in your personal injury case to help with recovering damages from the negligent party.
Our personal injury lawyers recommend taking pictures so the following evidence:
- All the vehicles (bicycles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) in the auto accident, especially the damage.
- The location and position of the vehicles in the roadway.
- The debris on the road, such as broken glass, car parts, and leaking oil/gas.
- Weather conditions, road conditions, skid marks, damaged property, etc.
- Visible injuries to you or anyone involved (may require permission from the affected party).
Additionally, it’s vital to do the following:
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Seek a copy of the police report if an officer responded to your crash.
Determining Fault or Liability in Your Auto Accident
Determining who is at fault for the auto accident is an extremely important aspect of your car accident lawsuit. Fault or liability means determining if the driver was driving in a manner that was not reasonable or violated safety laws. Often, in rear-end, running a stop sign, or texting and driving situations, the determination of an at-fault party is clear. Other cases, however, may require testimony from expert witnesses to help the court determine liability in the auto accident case.
What is Contributory Negligence in NC?
Under the Contributory Negligence Law, if an injured party is found to have contributed in any way, even minimally, to the accident that caused their serious injuries, they may be barred from recovering any compensation from the other party, regardless of how negligent the other party may have been.
Evaluating Personal Injury Damages for Car Accident Cases
Make sure you review all aspects of your personal injury case and how being injured in a car accident caused you harm.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Medical bills: Be sure to account for current and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: Time out of work to recover from an accident can be calculated into your settlement.
- Pain and suffering damages: Both physical injuries, as well as emotional suffering, can impact your case.
- Wrongful death cases: Wrongful death cases are legal claims brought by the survivors or beneficiaries of a person who has died due to the negligence, misconduct, or intentional actions of another individual.
If you are unsure of how to account for personal injuries related to auto accident cases, a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer can provide you with the clarity you need.
Know Your Auto Insurance Coverage
North Carolina motorists carry four types of auto insurance to cover personal injury caused by at-fault parties:
- Medical bills coverage: Most insurance companies offer coverage that assists with payment for medical expenses related to the collision, regardless of fault.
- Automobile liability coverage: If you are injured by another party’s negligence, this coverage is your primary source of recovery. North Carolina law requires that all drivers carry a minimum of $30,000 in liability coverage.
- Underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage: While not mandatory, this coverage can be found in your own policy of insurance, and is available to you if the liability coverage of the other driver is insufficient to cover your damages.
- Uninsured (UM) motorist coverage: UM coverage is found in your own policy and is used in a case where the other motorist lacks coverage and in the case of hit-and-run accidents.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Raleigh NC Today
North Carolina law has a statute of limitations regarding car accidents and wrongful death claims. Don’t wait or you could lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your collision. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, a Raleigh car accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation for damages related to your accident.
Call our experienced team of personal injury attorneys today at (919) 365-6000 or complete the online contact form below to schedule a free consultation with a Raleigh car accident lawyer.
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Phone: (919) 365-6000
Our Office:
200 North Pine Street
Wendell, NC 27591