Car accidents can be life-changing events. If you were on the wrong end of one, a Mills River personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and recover damages.
A car accident can lead to all kinds of unexpected expenses. A Mills River car accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.
Why Should You Hire a Mills River Car Accident Attorney?
In the wake of a car crash, here’s what a lawyer can do for you:
- Investigate your accident: Your lawyer can gather evidence, review police reports, and reconstruct the crash to establish fault.
- Handle communications with insurers: Your attorney can speak directly to insurance adjusters and opposing parties to prevent misstatements that could hurt your claim.
- Negotiate settlements: Your lawyer can fight for fair compensation based on the extent of your injuries and other losses.
- Prepare your case for trial: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
A car accident lawyer in Mills River can work tirelessly to win your case while you recover from the crash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Many accident victims unintentionally hurt their own claims by making simple mistakes. Being aware of these pitfalls can make a significant difference. They include:
- Talking to insurers without representation: Insurance adjusters may ask questions that seem harmless but can later be used to reduce your settlement. For this reason, it’s best to consult a lawyer before providing any statements.
- Failing to document evidence: Photos of the accident scene, witnesses’ contact information, and copies of police reports are crucial to recovering damages.
- Delaying medical attention: Not all car accident injuries are immediately apparent. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, it’s important to visit a doctor after a crash.
Who Is Liable for a Car Crash?
Determining liability is a key part of any car accident claim. Parties who can be held responsible for a car crash include:
- Other drivers: Any motorist whose negligence caused or contributed to the accident can be held responsible for your damages.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Companies may be liable if a mechanical defect or faulty part contributed to the crash.
- Employers of commercial drivers: Businesses can be responsible if an employee caused the accident while performing work duties.
- Government entities: Local or state agencies may be liable if poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or traffic signal issues contributed to the crash.
- Third parties: Pedestrians or cyclists whose actions directly caused or contributed to the accident can share liability.
A car accident attorney in Mills River can investigate all possible sources of liability, gather evidence, and help ensure that everyone responsible is held accountable.
Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
Car accident victims in North Carolina may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and long-term medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost income: You can be compensated for wages you lost due to missed work and for any reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and limitations in your daily activities caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can recover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal property damaged during the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can seek compensation for a diminished ability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or other aspects of daily life that were affected by the accident.
A lawyer can help calculate your damages and work to include all of them in your claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a car accident can make or break your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the police: Move to a safe location and notify the police of the accident.
- Document the scene: Take clear photos of the vehicles, injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and any other relevant details.
- Collect contact information: Get names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all other drivers involved in the accident. If any witnesses are present, trade contact information with them, too.
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional to protect your health and create a documented record for your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Provide factual information about the accident to your insurer, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: Reach out to our car accident attorneys as soon as possible to start putting together your claim.
What Is the Legal Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in NC?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.
Acting quickly is also important for preserving evidence and locating witnesses. A lawyer can help you file your claim as promptly as possible.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Mills River
Car accidents can have far-reaching consequences. A Mills River car accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help mitigate them by protecting your rights, negotiating with insurers, and working tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Book a free case review to find out how we can help you secure your financial future.