Auto Accident Injury in Durham, NC
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Durham? 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 Durham, NC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Durham, North Carolina
North Carolina, experienced a notable number of car accidents recently, with some tragic outcomes. A key concern has been the rise in high-speed collisions and pedestrian accidents. For example, recent incidents included fatalities caused by wrong-way drivers and several multi-vehicle crashes near highways like I-40 and U.S. 70. Across the state, traffic fatalities decreased overall, but Durham continues to see dangerous intersections.
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 reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
Durham car accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported immediately to the Durham police. You must stay at the crash scene and call 911. Once the accident report is filed, you may obtain a copy through the Durham Police Department.
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
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 Durham
Determining fault after a car accident is crucial, as it affects everything from insurance claims to liability for damages and medical expenses. The process can quickly become complicated, leading to confusion and delays during the claims process if responsibility isn’t clearly established.
In North Carolina, fault plays a central role in car accident cases. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for covering damages through their insurance provider. If you were involved in a collision in Durham, you also have the option to pursue legal action to seek compensation for your losses.
However, under North Carolina law, you may not be able to sue for damages if you bear any responsibility for your injury. According to the North Carolina DMV, a vehicle must carry minimum insurance limits of $30,000/$60,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Statute of Limitations in Durham
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 auto accidents is 3 years. If you live in Durham this means you only have 3 years from the date of your accident to file a suit.
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 Durham, 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. We can even help you connect with legal help across North Carolina state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
If you would like to do more research, we can tell you about the basics of other areas of Durham, NC law.
