It can be a very scary and overwhelming experience to be a passenger in a car accident. You may be worried about your injuries, how much medical treatment you need, whether you will miss any time from work, and the impact your injuries may have on your life. An experienced car accident attorney can help answer any questions you have about filing a personal injury claim.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we offer representation on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay us anything unless we recover compensation for your injuries. We will handle all communication and negotiations with the drivers’ insurance companies. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and answer any questions you have about filing a personal injury claim.
Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, from 2018-2020, Charlotte had the most crashes in all of North Carolina, with 126,479 accidents recorded. Many more likely go unreported.
Charlotte is a hot spot for motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina. This may come as no surprise to those who live here. Driving down I-77, I-85, or I-485, it is not uncommon to see cars stopped on the side of the road with their hazard lights on.
Heavy traffic and frequent construction keep the roads congested, and drivers often become frustrated, which can lead to aggressive and dangerous driving. That means there is a good chance that you know someone who has been involved in a car accident or you have been involved in one yourself. And if you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you are not alone.
Passengers Have Rights Too
Just because you were a passenger in a car accident does not mean that you do not have rights. Under North Carolina law, a passenger can file claims against all drivers who share blame for the accident, even if you were in the at-fault vehicle. North Carolina requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of bodily injury liability. If two drivers contributed to the cause of the accident, a passenger could collect from both drivers’ policies.
Once the liability insurance coverage is exhausted, a passenger might also be able to recover damages from their own car insurance or a household relative’s car insurance policy to collect additional compensation through Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). UIM coverage is potentially stackable in NC, meaning passengers could collect from multiple policies after they’ve exhausted the liability insurance limits.
Passengers in Charlotte, NC, can also file personal injury claims against the at-fault driver to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic losses. Contact a car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor if you have questions about how to pursue a personal injury compensation claim.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim as a Passenger in Charlotte, NC
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident as a passenger in Charlotte, NC, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This type of claim can help you get compensation for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But it is important to remember that you must act quickly. In North Carolina, you typically have only three years from the date of your accident to settle your personal injury claim or file a lawsuit to preserve the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations in your case is one of the first things you should talk with your attorney about.
What Happens if the Driver Who Caused the Accident is a Friend or Relative?
If the driver who caused the accident is a friend or relative, you may be hesitant to take legal action. You may not want to cause any hard feelings or damage your relationship. But you should not let that stop you from getting the compensation you need and deserve. Additionally, if the collision was not their fault, their insurance rates should not go up.
Not seeking compensation only benefits the insurance company. The at-fault driver’s insurance company has a legal duty to pay for any car accident-related injuries the passenger has suffered, regardless of the relationship between the driver and the passenger.
What If the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still be able to get compensation for your injuries. You can file a claim against your own insurance company or the insurance for the owner of the vehicle you were in at the time of the collision. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. But it is important to remember that in most cases, you only have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. That is why it’s important to talk to your lawyer about what the statute of limitations is in your case.
What is Considered Fair Compensation for a Car Accident Claim in Charlotte, NC?
The compensation you can receive for a car accident claim in Charlotte, NC, will depend on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. Some of the factors that will be considered include the severity of your injuries, how much medical treatment you needed, whether you missed any time from work, and the impact your injuries have had on your life. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and give you a good idea of how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Getting Help from a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in Charlotte, NC
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have been helping passengers injured in car accidents in Charlotte, NC, for over 17 years. We have a track record of success in car accident cases and are ready to put our experience to work for you. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident.
We value the attorney-client relationship and will work with you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and answer any questions you have about filing a personal injury claim.
