Whether you should get a lawyer depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of damage to your vehicle. If you have been in a car accident and are unsure whether you need a lawyer or not, contact a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Charlotte car accident lawyers have years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We will work with the insurance company to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

A lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries and damages. If you’ve been in an accident and sustained serious injuries, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses and losses. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you are entitled.

How Much Does a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees or expenses until you receive a settlement or verdict.

Frequent Causes of Car Accidents in Charlotte

Several factors can contribute to car accidents, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Charlotte:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers traveling too fast are more likely to lose control of their vehicle or be unable to stop in time and cause accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can include anything from texting to eating to talking on the phone. When drivers are distracted, they’re less likely to see potential hazards on the road or be able to react in time.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous. Drivers who are impaired are more likely to cause an accident.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes things like tailgating, speeding, and running red lights. These behaviors can lead to accidents.

Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can make roads slick and dangerous. Drivers need to take extra care when driving in these conditions.

Poor Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads can also lead to accidents. Potholes, debris, and other hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by one of these factors, you may have a case. Contact a personal injury attorney at Jason E. Taylor today to learn more.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries after a car accident include:

• Head Injuries – Head injuries are one of the most common types of injury after a car accident. They can range from minor concussions to severe brain damage.
• Neck Injuries – They can include things like whiplash and spinal cord injuries.
• Back Injuries – They can include herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
• Broken Bones – Broken bones are another common type of injury after a car accident. They can include things like fractures and broken wrists or ankles.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it will be to recover from your injuries.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC

There are several different car accidents, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common types of car accidents in Charlotte:

• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipe collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Head-on collisions

If you’ve been involved in any type of car accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, there are a few things you should do:

Seek Medical Attention

After an automobile accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.

Contact the Police

After you’ve sought medical attention, the next thing you should do is contact the police. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case. This will likely include a statement from you as to what happened.  You can tell the officer factually what happened and let the officer make the fault determinations.  

Exchange Information

This includes their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.

Take Photos of the Accident Scene

If you can, you should take photos of the accident scene and the damage to all the vehicles involved, not just your own. These photos can be used as evidence in your case.

Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if hiring a lawyer is right for you.

The Role of the Insurance Company in Car Accident Claims

After a car accident, the insurance company will likely be one of the first people you contact. Therefore, it’s important to understand the insurance company’s role in your car accident claim.

The insurance company is responsible for compensating you for any damages caused by the actions of the negligent driver. This includes property damage and personal injuries. To receive compensation, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and possibly your own.

The insurance company may try to offer you a settlement amount that is less than what you deserve. It’s important to speak with a lawyer before accepting any offers from the insurance company. An auto accident attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement amount and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Factors That Impact Your Claim

Some of the factors that will impact the amount of damages that you can receive in a car accident case include:

The Severity of Your Injuries

The severity of your injuries will impact the amount of compensation you receive. If you’ve been seriously injured, you may be entitled to pain and suffering damages, as well as lost wages and medical expenses.

The Cost of Your Property Damage

Another factor that will impact your claim is the cost of your property damage. If your car is totaled, you may be entitled to receive the fair market value of your vehicle. If your car is only moderately damaged, you may only receive the cost of repairs. You may also be entitled to a rental car for a period of time or loss of use for being without a vehicle.  

The Statute of Limitations in North Carolina

The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally three years. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you don’t settle your claim or file a lawsuit within this time period, you will be barred from recovery. However, there are instances where the statute of limitations is less than three years, so it is important to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about how long you have before your claim expires.  

Determining Fault

One of the first things you will need to do to file a car accident claim is determine who was at fault. In most cases, the driver who caused the accident compensates the other drivers involved.

Several factors can be used to determine fault in a car accident, including:

• The driver’s failure to obey traffic laws
• The driver’s negligence
• The driver’s use of excessive force or speed
• The driver’s intoxication or impairment
• Weather conditions that contributed to the accident

It can be difficult to determine who was at fault in a car accident. If you’re not sure who is responsible, you should speak with a lawyer. Car crash attorneys will help you investigate the accident and determine who was at fault.

North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law

North Carolina law follows a contributory negligence doctrine. This means that if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you will not recover any damages from the other driver.

This is why it is so important to have a Charlotte car accident lawyer on your side who can investigate the accident and build a strong case for you.

How to Prove Fault

To prove fault in a car accident, you will need to provide evidence of the other driver’s negligence. This can include witness statements, police reports, and photos or videos of the accident scene.

Damages You Can Recover

The amount of damages you can receive will vary depending on several factors. However, in most car wreck cases, you can expect to recover damages for:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic

Non-economic damages are those that do not have a specific monetary value, such as:

• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 

Punitive

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious. Punitive damages are rare and designed to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior in the future. North Carolina courts have affirmed punitive damages where the at-fault driver is impaired or for excessive speeding, among other factors.  

Wrongful Death Damages

If someone dies due to a car accident, the survivors can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit allows the survivors to recover damages for:

• The victim’s medical expenses
• The victim’s funeral expenses
• The victim’s pain and suffering
• The victim’s lost wages

Can You Sue For a Car Accident If You Are Not Hurt?

Yes, you can sue for a car accident even if you are not hurt. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages for your property damage and other possible losses.

How a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer. A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you:

• Determine who was at fault in the accident – This can be difficult to do on your own, especially if you’re not familiar with North Carolina law.
• Make a car accident claim – A lawyer can help you establish your claim and make sure you follow all of the necessary procedures.
• Collect evidence of the other driver’s negligence – This evidence can be used to prove fault in a car accident and obtain the compensation you deserve.
• Represent you in negotiations with the insurance company – A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and make sure you get the best possible deal from the insurance company.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial – A car accident lawyer will have experience handling car accident trials and will be able to represent you effectively.
• Get the compensation you deserve – If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t try to handle it on your own. Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.

A car accident can be a stressful and confusing time. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Charlotte car accident lawyer.

Is it Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident If It Was Minor?

Yes, getting a lawyer for a minor car accident can be worth it. A lawyer can help you investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove fault. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and property damage. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Charlotte car accident lawyer.

Determining the Value of Your Claim

The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The amount of property damage
• Whether you can return to work
• The impact the accident has had on your life
• Insurance coverage

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t try to handle it on your own. Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.

Can I Get a Settlement for a Charlotte Car Accident Without a Lawyer?

It is possible to get a settlement for a car accident without a lawyer, but it is not recommended. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and get the best possible deal. If the case goes to trial, a lawyer will represent you effectively. Without an attorney, the insurance company knows you likely don’t have the ability to file a lawsuit on your own and navigate the legal requirements to bring the same to fruition and will use that against you if you are trying to handle your claim on your own.  

When Should I Get a Lawyer for My Auto Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get started, the easier it will be to make your case.

If you’re considering hiring a car accident lawyer, please contact us for a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if hiring a lawyer is right for you.

Contact our Car Accident Attorneys in Charlotte, NC

According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, over 35,000 car accidents occurred in Charlotte in 2019. Unfortunately, auto accidents become more and more common as the city grows. If you have been injured in one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.

Our auto accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including car accidents. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.