Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in Charlotte?

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Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident in Charlotte?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Exchange information with the other driver – Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. Don’t leave the accident scene – This is against North Carolina law and can result in criminal charges.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

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120 3rd St NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 327-9004
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301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
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Charlotte Injury Lawyers & Attorneys at Law

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Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

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