Auto Accident Injury in Wilmington, NC

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Wilmington? 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 Wilmington, NC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Wilmington, 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 Transportation reported a 2% increase in fatalities due to auto accidents from 2018 to 2019. There was also a near 3% increase of pedestrians killed in auto accidents. With a population of over 120,000, Wilmington has an increased chance of auto fatality when compared to some smaller cities and counties.

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.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance states that it is a requirement to inform the police of an auto accident. According to their guidelines the only priorities that come before this are getting yourself to safety and moving your vehicle so it doesn’t block the road. After contacting the authorities, you should get the names and insurance information of anyone involved in the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses or bystanders.

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 Center for Disease Control states that auto accidents cost the state of North Carolina over $2.26 billion on average, every year. The majority of these costs are due to lost wages. In addition, the comprehensive costs of an auto accident in North Carolina can swell to over $200,00. This includes repairs to vehicles, medical costs, and any fines or restitution one party must pay.

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 Wilmington

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 is an at-fault state when it comes to filing an insurance claim after an auto accident. This means that the claim is filed against the insurer of the party that is charged with bearing the responsibility of having caused the accident.

Statute of Limitations in Wilmington

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. North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations surrounding auto accidents. If an injured party allows this timeframe to lapse in Wilmington, there is a significant chance the claim will be rejected by the court.

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 Wilmington, 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!