Auto Accident Injury in North Carolina
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in North Carolina? 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 NC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in 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. The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles states that in 2018 there were 125,454 people injured in auto accidents. While that may seem like a large number, it actually represents a decrease from 2017 of 2%. Those injuries came from 281,685 total accidents.
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. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
In North Carolina, reporting often depends on where the accident occurs. Some cities have mandatory reporting requirements for all accidents. State law, according to the North Carolina General Assembly, requires mandatory reporting for all accidents that result in injury or death. It also requires reporting for accidents with $1,000 or more of property damage. Some insurance companies also have mandatory reporting requirements. If the accident does not require reporting, then drivers should file a crash report with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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
NC.gov estimates the average costs for fatal accidents in 2019 was slightly over $10 million. Injury accidents averaged a cost of $338,000, and property damage accidents were around $12,500. The average cost for all accidents was around $106,000.
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 NC
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 follows contributory negligence laws. For drivers, this means that if they have any fault in an accident, they cannot collect damages. This makes it essential for drivers to prove the complete fault of the other party to seek damages in court.
Statute of Limitations in NC
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. The statute of limitations for making a personal injury claim for damages from an auto accident in North Carolina is three years. The time limit includes claims for injuries, death and property damage.
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 In North Carolina
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 NC!
If you would like to do more research, we can tell you about the basics of other areas of North Carolina law. Otherwise, move on to our home page to get matched wiht a local lawyer today.
