Driver error causes accidents across the country, and North Carolina is no exception. Some causes of accidents in North Carolina include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield or stop
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to stop
Car accidents can lead to serious and life-altering injuries, such as:
- Cognitive damage
- Mobility impairments
- Paralysis
- Loss of a limb
- Chronic pain
- Broken or fractured bones
An accident can cause you to miss time from work or absorb significant medical debt, which can impact your standard of living and independence. Injuries can allow you to recover damages from the other driver and their auto insurance policy. However, North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, meaning that you must prove that the other party is 100% at fault for your injuries. So, you may want to discuss your claim with a Spindale car accident lawyer.
A lawyer can:
- File a personal injury claim against the other driver
- Pursue economic and non-economic damages
- Negotiate a settlement
- Collect evidence
- Argue your case at trial
- Interview and subpoena witnesses
You must file a claim within 3 years from the date of your accident to pursue civil damages; otherwise, you are barred from compensation under G.S. § 1-52. A lawyer ensures that your lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations and that you take the necessary legal actions to obtain what you deserve.
To discuss the details of your claim during a free consultation, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866.
What Car Insurance Covers in North Carolina
The North Carolina DMV affirms that under G.S. § 20-279.21(b)(2), North Carolina requires all vehicle owners to carry auto insurance. The mandatory minimum coverage drivers must carry is:
- $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for one injured person
- $60,000 in bodily injury coverage for multiple injured people
- $25,000 in property insurance coverage
Drivers are allowed to obtain coverage with higher limits, and a personal injury attorney can help you determine what coverage is available to you.. Insurance policies cover or reimburse expenses you have already paid or will have to pay as a result of your accident.
Possible economic damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle replacement and repair costs
For a legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Spindale, call 828.286.3866
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine Fault in Your Car Accident
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy will reimburse you for your economic losses. Damages that exceed coverage limits can be recovered through civil litigation against the driver or by filing a claim with your insurance company. North Carolina requires drivers to maintain underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, which can pay for excessive economic costs.
Fault is determined by the involved insurance companies. The results of a police investigation can play a role in who your insurance company determines is responsible for the accident. This means that you may want to contact a lawyer if you have been hurt in a car accident.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866 for a free consultation.
Spindale Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Contributory Negligence
To collect damages in a personal injury lawsuit, North Carolina requires you to prove that you did not contribute to the accident and the other party is 100% responsible for the injuries you sustained. If you are 1% at fault for a car accident, you could potentially be barred from recovery for civil damages from the other driver.
For example, if you are injured because you were hit by a drunk driver, if you failed to use a turn signal and it contributed to the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. That makes it essential to document the accident and your injuries, as some injuries may support your argument that the other driver was 100% at-fault.
A Spindale car accident lawyer can use evidence (such as video footage of the accident or results from a police investigation) to prove to the jury the other driver is solely responsible.
Potentially Recoverable Economic Damages in Your Case
Economic damages are generally uncapped in North Carolina and are used to compensate you for actual expenses you paid or incurred because of the accident. You can prove actual damages by providing bills, bank statements, and other receipts linked to your losses the accident caused. When you sustain extraordinary economic losses, you can collect reimbursement from your auto insurance policy and pursue damages against liable parties.
If an injury prevents you from working, you can receive reimbursement for lost wages. You may also be entitled to file for unemployment or Social Security disability benefits if your injury is severe and results in a long-term impairment.
The cost to repair or replace your vehicle is considered an economic cost, making it important to document any bills you paid related to fixing or replacing your damaged car.
Potentially Recoverable Non-Economic Damages in Your Case
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for future losses, such as a diminished quality of life, inability to engage in the benefits of marriage, or a decreased earning capacity. Factors such as the severity of your injury and the impact it has on your ability to work, pursue your goals, and provide for your family can be considered by a jury when deciding non-economic damages.
Non-economic damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you will experience throughout the remainder of your life, which can mean having severe limitations that prevent you from participating in hobbies or living independently. Serious car wrecks can lead to depression, trauma, and anxiety, which can decrease your happiness and cause chronic symptoms. If the accident impacts your mental health, you can receive non-economic damages.
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Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today for More Information
A Spindale car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation against the other driver in your Spindale car accident. If you are suffering from injuries sustained in a car accident, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866 to speak to a team member about a consultation and case evaluation.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form