If you are in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a lawyer. But, if you are injured in the accident, you may need one and it may actually be one of the first things you should do. A Charlotte car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you think you are not injured, it is important to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show up immediately. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
Call the Police
The police will create a report of the accident. This report can be used as evidence in your case. The insurance company may also use the report to help determine who was at fault for the accident.
Get the Other Driver’s Insurance Information
You should get the other driver’s insurance information and contact information. If the other driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.
Do Not Give a Statement to the Insurance Company
The insurance adjuster may try to get you to admit fault or sign a release. Insurance companies will do whatever they can to give you the lowest settlement possible. Do not sign anything without talking to your lawyer first.
Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact one of the car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. We will be able to help you file a claim and get the compensation that you deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
You may be tempted to handle your car accident claim on your own. However, insurance companies are not on your side. They will try to offer you the lowest settlement possible. A Charlotte car accident attorney will level the playing field and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Charlotte Accident Lawyer Help You?
Help You Understand Your Rights
Car accident lawyers help you understand your rights after an accident. They will explain the process of filing a claim and what to expect from the insurance company.
Offer Legal Advice
A car accident lawyer can offer legal advice about your case. They will help you decide whether to settle your claim or go to trial.
Investigate The Case
A lawyer will investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim. They will talk to witnesses, review police reports, and hire experts to testify on your behalf if necessary.
Assess the Extent of Your Damages
Your lawyer will assess the extent of your damages and make sure that you are compensated for all of your losses. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Help You Get Medical Treatment
Some car accidents result in serious injuries. A lawyer can help you get the medical treatment that you need. They will work with your doctors and insurance company to ensure that you get the care you need.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
A Charlotte car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for the maximum compensation available to you. If the insurer fails to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will take your case to court.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive For My Damages?
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:
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages are those that cannot be quantified in terms of money. This includes pain and suffering, which is the physical and emotional anguish you have experienced due to your car accident. This may include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, these claims are best supported through actual diagnosis and treatment by a medical professional.
Economic
Economic damages are those that can be quantified in terms of money. This includes:
- Medical expenses are the costs of medical treatment that you have received or will receive due to your car accident. Medical costs may include rehabilitation, surgery, ambulance costs, and any future medical expenses you may incur due to your injury.
- Lost wages include any income you have lost due to your car accident.
- Property damage is the damage to your vehicle or other personal property due to the accident.
Punitive Damages
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.
Factors that Impact Your Car Accident Claim
Some of the factors that will impact the amount of damages that you can receive in a car accident case include:
The Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations is the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim. In North Carolina, if you don’t file a car accident injury claim within three years from the date of the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. However, there are exceptions so it’s important to talk to a lawyer early on about what the statute of limitations is in your case.
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law
North Carolina law follows the 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.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries will also impact the amount of damages you can receive. If you have suffered severe injuries or become permanently disabled due to the accident, you may be able to recover more damages.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Charlotte Today
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 and its population 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 our law firm 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.
