After being a passenger injured in a car accident, you may be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have over 17 years of experience handling car accident claims in Concord, NC. We will thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and work to get you the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today for a free consultation. We do not get paid unless you get paid, so you have nothing to lose by seeking our help.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Concord, NC
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, in Concord, there were more than 3,200 people injured or possibly injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2021. To most Concord residents this may come as no surprise. Concord Parkway South is notorious for its accidents. And with The Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills both in Concord, the city sees its fair share of traffic.
Many different factors can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents in Concord, NC include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have over 17 years of experience handling car accident claims in Concord, NC. We will thoroughly investigate your case and work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
What To Do After the Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident, there are several things you should do to protect your rights:
- Report the accident to the Concord police and get a copy of the police report.
- Get the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
- Take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
- See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
- Keep all of your medical records and bills related to the accident.
- Save any lost wage information or other documentation of financial losses you incur because of the accident.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
Common Injuries to Passengers After a Concord Car Accident
Car accident injuries can range from minor injuries to life-threatening injuries. Some common injuries that occur to passengers after a car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, they may be more serious than you think. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you can then focus on taking the next steps in your personal injury claim.
What You Need to Know About Filing Car Accident Claims as an Injured Passenger in Concord, NC
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you may wonder how to file a claim. Here are some things you need to know:
You May Be Able to Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
When most people think of car accidents, they think of the fallout that happens to both drivers of the cars involved. However, often there are passengers involved. If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and maximize your recovery.
You Can File a Claim Against The Other Driver’s Car Insurance Policy
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against their car insurance policy. All North Carolina drivers are required to carry a minimum of bodily injury liability coverage. This coverage is to pay for your medical bills and other damages if you are injured in an accident caused by the other driver. Even if you were the passenger in the at-fault car, you may have a claim against your driver’s insurance company.
File a Claim Against Your Own Insurance Policy If The Other Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured
If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim against your own insurance policy. North Carolina law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage will pay for your medical bills and other damages if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. You may even have underinsured motorist coverage, which kicks in when the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to adequately compensate you for your injuries and damages.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against The At-Fault Driver
If the other driver was at fault for the accident and they do not have insurance, or if their insurance does not cover all of your damages, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. To file a personal injury claim you must be able to prove that the other driver was at fault and that you incurred damages as a result.
You will also need to show that your damages are significant enough to warrant a personal injury claim. Evidence that can help prove your claim includes:
- The police report from the accident
- Witness statements
- Photos of the accident scene
- Your medical records
Filing a personal injury claim can be a complicated process, and you may need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we will thoroughly investigate your case and work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
You May Be Able to File a Claim Against the Driver of the Car You Were In
If the driver of the car you were in was at fault for the accident, you may be able to file a claim against their auto insurance policy and possibly your own. Bodily injury liability insurance will help pay for your medical expenses up to the policy of the driver’s limit.
Medical Payments Coverage May Also Be Available
North Carolina law does not require drivers to carry medical payments coverage. However, if the driver of the car you were in carried this coverage or you carry this coverage, it should help pay for your medical expenses and some of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred.
You Have a Limited Time to File Your Claim
In North Carolina, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you do not file your claim within this time frame, you will be barred from doing so. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which is why it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney about your claim, including the statute of limitations.
What Compensation Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
If you are successful in your personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Your medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
If you have questions about what compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today.
Call The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor for Legal Help After You’re Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger in Concord
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, it is important to seek legal assistance from a car accident lawyer. At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have helped many car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We value the attorney-client relationship and do everything we can to make sure our clients get justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your options for pursuing a claim.