Auto Accident Injury in Charlotte, NC

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Charlotte? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Charlotte, NC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Charlotte, North Carolina

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. Despite efforts from state and local officials to reduce the number of traffic accidents in Charlotte, the city continues to lead North Carolina in total car crashes. In fact, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were just over 135,000 car accidents in Charlotte between Jan. 1, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2019. In these, 273 individuals died and 34,329 suffered some type of bodily injury. Still, with an official commitment to reduce impaired, distracted and drowsy driving, these numbers may improve in the coming years.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department maintains records of the car accidents officers from the department investigate. If there is an accident report on file with the police department, you can request a copy of it by filing a request with police headquarters. By viewing the report online, which has a print feature, you only have to pay a nominal fee of $6. A certified report may cost a bit more, however.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

The economic effect of car accidents is considerable in North Carolina. Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that car accident fatalities and injuries cost North Carolinians $2.26 billion in 2018. This cost estimate includes work losses of more than $2.25 billion and medical expenses of $18 million.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in North Carolina

Liability Laws for Charlotte

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

North Carolina takes an at-fault approach to car accidents. Consequently, the responsible party or their insurance company typically covers damages. If you must file a legal claim, though, the state’s contributory negligence system may affect your ability to recover financial compensation. This may be especially true if you have some legal responsibility for the accident.

Statute of Limitations in Charlotte

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is usually three years from the date of the accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Charlotte, NC

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in North Carolina!