You might feel like hiring a lawyer is unnecessary for a fender bender or sideswipe. But, if you’ve been injured or there is damage to your car, it’s worth it to seek counsel from an experienced car accident attorney.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have years of experience dealing with auto accident cases, and we know how to get results. No matter how minor the car accident is, we can help you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Examples of Minor Car Accidents
Here are a few examples of what constitutes a “minor” car accident:
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision is a type of car accident that occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the back end of another.
Side-Swipes
A sideswipe is a type of car accident that occurs when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another. This type of accident can be caused by driver negligence, poor road conditions, or a driver hitting a parked car.
Fender Benders
Also known as a low-speed impact, fender benders may not seem like a big deal. But these types of accidents can still cause serious injuries, such as whiplash or back pain.
Dents in Your Car
If there’s a small dent in your car, you might not think it’s worth fixing. But if another driver caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim for the damage.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Minor car accidents happen every day. According to the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, there were 33,358 car accidents in Charlotte. Of these accidents, over 22,000 caused property damage, and almost 11,000 caused non-fatal injuries.
A variety of factors can cause a minor car accident, including:
- Distracted Driving – Includes activities such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, and applying makeup.
- Drunk Driving – Whether a car accident is minor or severe, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and can result in criminal charges and punitive damages.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for conditions is one of the most common causes of minor accidents.
- Reckless Driving – weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and making unsafe lane changes are all examples of reckless driving.
- Weather Conditions – Inclement weather such as snow, rain, or fog can make driving more dangerous.
The best way to avoid any car accident is to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. Driving defensively, wearing your seatbelt, and obeying speed limits are important safety measures.
Common Minor Car Accident Injuries
If you’re involved in a minor car accident, there’s a good chance you won’t suffer any serious injuries. However, it’s still important to seek medical treatment as some injuries take days or weeks to present.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most common minor car accident injuries. It occurs when the head and neck are quickly thrown backward and forward.
- Back Pain – Back pain is another common injury caused by a minor car accident. It can range from mild to severe and may take weeks or even months to recover fully.
- Concussions – A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur if your head is violently shaken or struck. Concussions can cause various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
If you’ve been involved in a minor car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
What Should I Do After a Minor Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a minor car accident, there are some important steps you should take:
- Call the police – The police will create an accident report that will be helpful if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Exchange information with the other driver – Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene – Use your cellphone to take pictures not only of the scene, but the damage to both vehicles and any visible injuries.
- See a doctor – Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to see a doctor after a car accident. Some injuries may not appear until days or weeks later.
- Hire a Charlotte car accident lawyer – A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Not to Do After a Minor Car Accident
There are also some things you should not do after a minor car accident:
- Don’t leave the accident scene – This is against North Carolina law and can result in criminal charges.
- Don’t admit fault – Even if you think you were at fault, don’t say anything to the other driver or police officer. Instead, let your attorney handle the insurance company.
- Don’t sign anything – The other driver’s insurance company may try to get you to sign a release form that waives your right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t sign anything without first speaking with an attorney.
If you’ve been in a car accident, the best thing to do is speak with an attorney. An attorney can advise you on your legal rights and help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law
North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, which means that if you are found to be even partially responsible for the accident, you can’t recover damages. This can be a tricky law to navigate, and it’s important to have an attorney on your side.
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact one of our experienced attorneys today. We’ll review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Getting the Settlement You Deserve for a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. The amount of money you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and other factors, such as lost wages and medical expenses.
Damages You Can Recover in a Minor Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
If you file an injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses – This includes medical bills, prescription drugs, and any medical treatment needed due to your injury.
- Lost Wages – If you’ve had to miss work because of your injuries, you can recover the wages you would have earned.
- Pain and Suffering – You can also seek damages for emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
The Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Charlotte, North Carolina
The statute of limitations for a car accident claim in North Carolina is typically three years. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to settle your claim or file a lawsuit to preserve the statute of limitations. You should always discuss the statute of limitations with your attorney.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you’ve been injured in a minor car accident, it’s important to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. An attorney will:
Put Together Your Accident Claim
We have experience handling all types of car accident claims at our firm, from minor fender benders to serious multi-car collisions. We know what it takes to establish a strong case and get the settlement you deserve.
Investigate Your Charlotte Car Accident
We’ll thoroughly investigate your car accident to determine the cause and who is at fault. We’ll gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and photos of the scene.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
We know how to deal with insurance companies. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.
File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If the insurance company fails to offer you a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. We have a successful track record in court and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Charlotte Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can be traumatic and confusing events. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we help car accident victims of minor accidents, severe accidents, and even car accidents that result in wrongful death. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights and options, help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, and seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Charlotte Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
