Were you hit & hurt in a car accident?
Representing Car Crash Victims in Charlotte, NC
In 2019 alone, there were over 1,300 fatalities related to motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina. Data put out by the state of North Carolina for 2020 listed the city of Charlotte as having over 126,400 car accidents, with 288 of the crashes being fatal. In the same year, there were over 31,800 non-fatal crashes resulting in injuries in Charlotte, NC.
Car accidents, whether relatively minor or incredibly severe, often have catastrophic consequences. At Payne Law Firm, we provide serious representation for the seriously injured. Our Charlotte car accident lawyer has successfully represented automobile accident victims in complex personal injury claims, recovering significant settlements and verdicts for his clients. In every instance, our goal is to maximize our clients’ recoveries, providing them with the financial resources they need to heal and move forward with their lives.
We represent victims involved in the following types of car accidents in Charlotte, NC:
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- Rear-End Accidents
- Hit & Run Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- Reckless Driving Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
If you were injured in a car crash in Charlotte, NC, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Payne Law Firm online call our car accident attorney in Charlotte at (713) 999-4801 for a free initial consultation with Attorney Jason E. Payne.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can make a significant difference in how your case proceeds. It is essential to take the right steps immediately following the crash to protect your rights and enhance your chances of securing fair and just compensation.
- Check for Injuries and Call 911: The first and most important step is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is still crucial to get medical attention to ensure there are no underlying issues.
- Move to a Safe Location: If the accident occurs in the middle of the road and it is safe to move, relocate your vehicle to the side to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers, and if you can, place warning signs or flares to caution oncoming traffic.
- Exchange Information: Gather necessary information from the other drivers involved, including their names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration. It is also helpful to document the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicles that were involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, road conditions, damage to both cars and any visible injuries.
- Talk to Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and statements. Witness testimonies can play a key role in determining fault and supporting your version of events.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. Having medical records linking your injuries to the accident is crucial for your claim.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Make sure to notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide them with the necessary details, but try to avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements without first consulting an attorney.
- Consult a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer: Car accidents can quickly become complex, particularly when dealing with insurance companies that could try to minimize your claim. Consulting with an experienced Charlotte car accident lawyer will ensure that your rights are safeguarded, and you can focus on recovery while our team handles the case.
What Injuries Can You Get from a Car Crash?
All car accidents, whether serious or minor, have the potential to cause injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Spinal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries (muscles, ligaments, tendons)
- Burn injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic amputation
- Lacerations or scrapes
No matter how minor you think your injuries may be, you should always seek medical attention after a crash. Be sure to keep a record of any treatment you receive, as well as the costs.
North Carolina Car Accident Laws
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in North Carolina?
The North Carolina statute of limitations requires accident victims to file a claim against the responsible party within 3 years of the date of their accident. (You can read more about the statute of limitations in North Carolina General Statutes section 1-52). This does not mean that you should wait until 2 years have passed to file your claim- the sooner you file the better because this will allow you to gather evidence supporting your claim while it’s still fresh.
How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company?
While some insurance companies give an exact timeframe in their policies about how quickly you need to notify them of an accident, other companies just require drivers to report their accidents “promptly.” In general, you should try to report your accident to your insurance company within 30 days (unless otherwise noted on your policy).
How to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
The first step in filing a car accident claim is determining whether you have grounds to bring a civil case against a negligent person or party.
You may have grounds to file a car accident claim if you can prove the following elements:
- You suffered injuries in an accident
- The accident was caused by someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct
- As a result of your injuries, you sustained measurable damages
For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, you likely have grounds to file a lawsuit and seek compensation from the drunk driver’s insurance provider. This is because driving while under the influence of alcohol is not only against the law, but it is also extremely negligent. A drunk driver has breached the duty of reasonable care he or she owes to other drivers and, therefore, can be held legally liable for any damages he or she causes.
Note that filing a claim with the at-fault person’s insurance provider is different than filing a car accident lawsuit. Typically, when a claim cannot be resolved via a settlement, that is when the injured person can file a lawsuit. In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of an accident resulting in injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years from the date of an accident resulting in death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Is It Worth It to Sue After a Car Accident?
It’s not always necessary to file a lawsuit after a car accident. In fact, if you’re able to come to a favorable resolution with the insurance company without going to court, you should always take this approach. However, there are some situations in which it may be harder to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company and this includes:
- Accidents where you or a passenger suffered serious injuries
- Accidents where the other driver is denying responsibility or is blaming you for the crash
- Accidents where you were forced to miss work or lost income while recovering from your injuries
- Accidents that have resulted in the death or long-term disability of a loved one
In any of the above situations, hiring a lawyer will most likely be the right move for you because it will force the insurance company to take your case seriously and will help ensure you receive fair compensation rather than getting lowballed by the insurance company.
If you are considering a lawsuit after a car crash in Charlotte, NC, don’t hesitate to reach out to Payne Law Firm by calling (713) 999-4801 to start discussing your options today with our Charlotte car accident attorney.
How Much Can I Get for Pain & Suffering from an NC Car Crash?
The biggest factor in determining how much compensation you can receive for your pain and suffering is how severe your injuries are. For example, someone who sustained minor injuries may receive a significantly lower settlement than someone who sustained life-changing injuries such as a TBI or a spinal injury. In general, the average car accident victim may recover around $15,000 or less for pain and suffering, while a victim who sustained a severe injury may receive compensation in the hundreds-thousands for their pain and suffering. To get a better idea of what your case may be worth, you should speak with our auto accident lawyer today.
What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Unfortunately, North Carolina is one of the few states that follow the very strict rule of contributory negligence. Unlike rules of comparative negligence, the rule of contributory negligence bars any individual from receiving compensation if they are even slightly to blame for the accident. This means that you must prove the other person or party was completely at fault for the crash if you wish to recover financial compensation for your damages.
Unsurprisingly, many insurance adjusters attempt to use this rule to their advantage. They will likely try to assert that you were partially (or fully) at fault, thereby eliminating your right to recover. Because of this, it is absolutely crucial that you refrain from speaking to anyone from the other person’s insurance company without first talking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often utilize various tactics to get injured victims to unknowingly admit fault or downplay their injuries, both of which can seriously hurt their claim. Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. You should not speak to them in any capacity provide any written statements, or sign anything without contacting a car accident attorney in Charlotte first.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident Lawsuit?
It’s true that hiring a lawyer can be intimidating and expensive. You may be tempted to try and handle your car accident claim on your own, but you may want to avoid this for several reasons:
- The personal injury lawsuit process can be drawn out and complex; if you attempt to go it alone without the proper experience or understanding of how things work, you may lose your case and be stuck without compensation for your injuries.
- Insurance companies tend to take victim’s claims more seriously when they are represented by a car accident lawyer. This is because it shows you’re serious about pursuing fair compensation, and you can’t just be brushed aside.
- The last thing you want to do is underestimate the value of your claim. If you settle for less than you are owed, you may find yourself unable to pay for all of your medical expenses. Our accident lawyer can help you determine a fair settlement amount and ensure you actually receive it in full.
At the end of the day, by hiring a car accident attorney to represent you, you can help protect your own interests and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take in North Carolina?
A car accident lawsuit can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to be resolved. There are many different factors that can affect the duration of your lawsuit, many of which are outside of your control. For example, if the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate and offer a fair settlement, even after your accident lawyer reaches out to them, you may be forced to take your case to trial rather than settling outside of court. Trial cases typically take longer to resolve because they have to go through the legal system. Our chief goal in representing you is to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf. If that means going to court and fighting your case, we’re ready to do that.
If you would like to request a free consultation with our team, call (713) 999-4801 or submit an online case evaluation form. Hablamos español.
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Contact Our Car Accident Attorney in Charlotte Today
After a car accident, you need someone who can take on the insurance company on your behalf, working to protect your rights while you focus on healing. At Payne Law Firm, our Charlotte car accident attorneys provide aggressive, proven representation to every client who walks through our doors.
When you need someone to protect your rights against the insurance company, turn to our experienced and award-winning car crash lawyer in Charlotte, NC. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a car crash in Charlotte, NC? Start fighting for the compensation you deserve by contacting Payne Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with our Charlotte car accident lawyer.
What Sets Us ApArt
serious lawyers for serious accidents
client Focused
We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
A History of Success
We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
Battle-Tested
We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
Full Transparency
Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.
