Car accidents can be life-changing events. If you suffered injuries in one, a McAdenville personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
After a car accident, you may have to deal with a variety of unexpected expenses, including but not limited to medical bills and vehicle repairs. A McAdenville car accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can provide the guidance and support you need to obtain compensation for your losses.
What a McAdenville Car Accident Attorney Can Do for You
A skilled lawyer can provide critical support after a car crash. Specifically, a lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the accident: Your lawyer can gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Evaluating your damages: From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, a lawyer can help ensure that all your losses are accounted for.
- Handling insurance companies: A lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and protect you from unfair tactics.
- Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can advocate for you in court.
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery.
What Causes Car Accidents in McAdenville?
McAdenville sees a mix of local traffic and seasonal visitors, especially during the holiday season. Accidents can result from:
- Distracted driving: Texting or using a phone while driving remains a leading cause of accidents.
- Speeding: Even on local roads, exceeding speed limits increases the severity of collisions.
- Poor road conditions: Rain, fog, and uneven roads can lead to accidents.
- Traffic violations: Many accidents occur at intersections where drivers fail to yield or run stop signs.
A car accident lawyer in McAdenville can investigate your crash and determine liability.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Even at low speeds, car accidents can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries in McAdenville car accidents include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and head trauma
- Broken bones or fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention after a crash. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show immediate signs.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in McAdenville
If you were involved in a car accident in McAdenville, take these steps to start developing a strong legal claim:
- Notify the authorities: Move to a safe location and call the police.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Collect names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle information from all parties involved.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Notify your insurer: Notify your insurance company, but avoid going into detail about the accident or discussing fault before you speak to a lawyer.
- Consult a lawyer: Reach out to our car accident lawyers to discuss your situation.
How Is Fault Determined in North Carolina Car Accidents?
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages from the other party. Because of this strict standard, gathering evidence and clearly documenting what happened is crucial.
A car accident attorney in McAdenville can use evidence to push back against claims that you are to blame for your crash.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of car accidents in McAdenville may be entitled to various types of compensation under North Carolina law. These can include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital visits, surgeries, therapy, and medication.
- Lost wages: You can claim compensation for income you lost due to injuries that prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: You can recover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings.
An attorney can calculate your damages and help make sure that your claim includes them all.
Tips for Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after your accident and offer a settlement. While it can be tempting to accept an early offer, doing so without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages may leave you undercompensated.
For this reason, you should talk to an attorney before accepting any offers from insurers.
Statute of Limitations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, there are strict time limits for filing car accident claims. They are as follows:
- Personal injury claims: You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Property damage claims: In most cases, this type of claim must also be filed within three years.
- Claims against government entities: These claims often have shorter deadlines and special notice requirements.
Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, which is why you should get representation as soon as possible.
Types of Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
The strength of your evidence can make or break your car accident case. Important forms of evidence include:
- Photographs
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle repair estimates
A lawyer can gather this evidence on your behalf.
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in McAdenville
Car accidents in McAdenville can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. But you don’t have to deal with them alone. A knowledgeable McAdenville car accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help gather evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free case review to learn about how you can get compensated for your accident.