Greenville is a beautiful city in North Carolina that offers its residents and visitors many things to do. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, you can visit one of the many parks or take a walk or bike ride on one of the city’s greenways. There are also several museums and attractions, including the Greenville Museum of Art and various parks throughout the city. You can enjoy live music or theatre at one of the city’s many performance venues for a night out.
No matter what your plans are while in Greenville, NC, no one expects to be injured in a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you have been injured in a car accident while riding as a passenger, you may wonder what your legal options are.
The experienced car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help. We have helped many passengers obtain the compensation they deserve after being injured in a car accident, and we are ready to help you too. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Greenville, NC
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger in Greenville, NC, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and interests. These steps include:
- Seek medical treatment. Getting prompt medical attention is important if you have been injured. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is always best to avoid caution and get checked out by a doctor.
- Collect evidence. If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene and any injuries you have sustained. It is also important to collect contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
- Call a Greenville, NC, car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect your rights and interests after an accident. They will also be able to help you navigate the claims process and maximize the compensation you recover.
The personal injury lawyers at our firm have extensive experience handling all types of car accident claims, including those involving passengers. We understand the challenges you are facing and we will fight to help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Greenville, NC
Many different factors can contribute to car accidents in Greenville, NC. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
- Defective auto parts
- Poor road conditions
Common Injuries Passengers Face After an Accident
There are a variety of injuries that passengers can face after a car accident. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Sprains and strains
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger in Greenville, NC, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Legal Options for Passengers in Greenville, NC
Passengers in Greenville who have been injured in a car accident may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Passengers can often recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, speaking with a car accident lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjuster is important.
The insurance company may try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether. An experienced car accident attorney will know how to deal with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim Against Both Drivers
Under North Carolina law, passengers can file a claim against anyone at-fault for the accident. In some cases, filing a claim against both drivers may be possible. For example, if the at-fault driver was speeding and the other driver rear-ended them, you may be able to recover compensation from both drivers’ bodily injury liability insurance coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In some cases, the at-fault driver may not have insurance or may not have enough auto insurance coverage to cover your injuries. If this is the case, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have it) may come into play. Uninsured motorist coverage is included in insurance policies in North Carolina.
Underinsured motorist coverage is an optional type of coverage that you can purchase when you buy auto insurance. If you have this coverage and are injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own insurance company may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries up to the limits of your policy.
Medical Payments Coverage in Greenville, NC
Another type of coverage that may come into play after a car accident is medical payments coverage. This optional coverage can be purchased when you buy auto insurance. If the driver of the car you are in has this coverage, it will pay for your medical bills, up to their policy limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident while riding as a passenger in Greenville, NC, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. We will review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in North Carolina
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. You will need to prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries.
Many types of evidence can be used to prove negligence, including witness testimony, photos and videos from the accident scene, and the police report. An experienced car accident lawyer will know what evidence to look for and how to use it to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim as a Passenger in Greenville, NC
If you are successful in your personal injury claim, you may be able to recover a variety of damages. These can include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are considered “special” damages because they can be quantified with receipts, bills, and other documentation. You can recover both past and future medical expenses in a personal injury claim. Monetary requests include costs for:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Doctor’s visits
- Medical treatment
Lost Wages/Loss of Earning Capacity
You can recover lost wages if you miss work because of your injuries. If your injuries have caused a permanent disability, you may be able to recover future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
“Pain and suffering” damages are considered “general” damages because they cannot be quantified with a specific dollar amount. These damages are intended to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have experienced due to your injuries.
Loss of Consortium/Services
If you are married, your spouse may be able to file a “loss of consortium” claim against the at-fault driver. This type of claim can compensate your spouse for losing your companionship, love, and affection. If you have children, they may also be able to file a “loss of services” claim against the at-fault driver. This type of claim can compensate your children for the loss of your guidance and support.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may award “punitive” damages for car accidents to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence. Punitive damages are not available in all personal injury claims, and they are typically only awarded in cases where the at-fault driver’s negligence was particularly egregious.
Contact a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today
If you have been injured in a car accident as a passenger, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Greenville car accident lawyers. We will review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
