The effects of a car accident can last a lifetime. Contact a North Carolina car accident lawyer that will fight to get you and your family the compensation and lifetime care you need.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies, driver error is the primary cause of automobile accidents in the United States. Accidents caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence such as poor judgment, driving distracted or under the influence, and fatigue, fall into the category of driver error. In these cases, a specific person may be held liable for their actions.
Other factors such as road or car defects can also lead to serious accidents. Common roadway defects that may indicate a road was not properly constructed or maintained include:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has strict guidelines to ensure that all roads, streets, and highways are designed and maintained with driver safety as the top priority. If architects, engineers, construction companies, paving companies, or contractors fail to adhere to those rules, they may be held liable for your accident.
Common car defects that indicate a vehicle was manufactured using defective parts or did not undergo the proper safety testing include:
In these cases, several parties could be held liable for the accident. These parties include the manufacturer or designer of the auto part and the manufacturer or seller of the vehicle.
The outcome of an automobile accident claim in North Carolina is contingent on proving that the other motorist was at fault. A qualified lawyer can assist you in obtaining all of the evidence necessary to establish liability so you can recover the damages you are owed.
In North Carolina, most punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 whichever is greater.
The time it takes to resolve a case depends on many factors; the most important are what happened in the wreck and what were the resulting injuries.
Generally, before we file a lawsuit on your behalf, our North Carolina auto accident attorneys will attempt to negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement. In the majority of cases we handle, we do not begin negotiating your case until you have healed. This way, we are aware of all of the damages and losses related to your injuries and how those damages will affect your quality of life.
Our North Carolina auto accident lawyers recommend that you seek the help of a lawyer if:
| Year | Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 273,732 | 1,784 | 110,544 |
| 2021 | 276,026 | 1,783 | 114,722 |
| 2020 | 247,214 | 1,658 | 105,382 |
| 2019 | 285,074 | 1,470 | 125,232 |
| 2018 | 281,685 | 1,442 | 125,454 |
You should only leave the accident area after exchanging information with others involved in the crash and receiving permission from any law enforcement officers there. You risk being charged with hit-and-run if you leave before then.
You should only leave the accident area after exchanging information with others involved in the crash and receiving permission from any law enforcement officers there. You risk being charged with hit-and-run if you leave before then.
If there are any injuries, dial 911 immediately. Having a law enforcement officer there, regardless of any injuries, may be beneficial if discovered that the other driver is driving while intoxicated or without insurance.
If the crash is minimal and there are no significant injuries, try to relocate all vehicles to the road’s shoulder and away from the traffic flow. This will help avoid a larger traffic delay and make it easier for first responders to get to the accident.
Identify any other drivers who may have been involved in the collision and gather their names, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance company and policy number. If there are any witnesses, you should also collect their information.
When you have a chance, write down everything that happened before and after the accident as accurately as you can. Take photos of any damage to the car, skid marks, or weather conditions in the vicinity. Look around to check whether any cameras, such as traffic or security cameras, are nearby. Make a mental note of where they are in case you need a copy of the footage.
If you’re unsure if you’re to blame for the accident, don’t admit fault. Also, don’t lie, especially if you’re making a police statement.
Regardless of who is at fault for the car accident, it is critical to contact your car insurance company as quickly as possible. Failure to notify your insurance company in a timely manner could risk your coverage.
A child involved in a truck accident suffered numerous brain bleeds as well as severe and permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits as a result of his Traumatic Brain Injury. The case was filed in court and settled after multiple depositions of the parties and medical experts. The settlement was collected in full.