
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an automobile accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and related losses. A Rutherfordton car accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can build a personal injury case and fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Our firm has won over $100 million in damages for accident victims in Rutherfordton County and throughout North Carolina. Hire an experienced Rutherfordton personal injury lawyer from our team today to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward a meaningful settlement.
Benefits of Hiring a Rutherfordton Car Accident Lawyer
Building a successful car accident claim can be complicated, as it requires gathering evidence and tackling complicated paperwork. When you’re already dealing with injuries and trauma, this extra work can feel even more frustrating and out of reach.
To make matters worse, the insurance company will likely do everything it can to devalue your claim and decrease your payment. Hiring a skilled attorney can help you protect yourself from dishonest insurance company tactics.
Your lawyer will review settlement offers, negotiate for more compensation, and handle all communications with insurers. Our Rutherfordton auto accident attorneys can manage your case for you from start to finish by taking the following steps:
- Inspecting your car accident case: We can review the crash report and conduct a separate investigation into your car accident to identify the liable party or parties, any witnesses who saw the accident, or any evidence that can be used to support your case.
- Analyzing evidence: Our team will use police reports, medical care records, accident reconstruction reports, surveillance footage, expert testimony, and other forms of evidence to prove fault and get the compensation you’re owed.
- Representing you in communications and appearances: Our car accident lawyers in Rutherfordton will advocate for you during all forms of contact with the insurance company and other parties. We will also appear in negotiation meetings and court hearings to present your case.
- Submit paperwork relevant to your case: Our Rutherfordton car accident lawyers will keep track of the legal paperwork necessary for your case, including insurance claim documents and court filings.
- Keep you updated as your case progresses: Throughout the litigation process, we can update you when you receive new information, court notices, messages, and even settlement offers. Our team will provide legal advice to help you understand these developments and make informed decisions.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover in Your Car Accident Case
Car accidents can lead to serious or minor injuries. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported that in 2023, there were 21 motor vehicle accidents in Rutherfordton and 497 across Rutherford County. These injuries can have long-lasting impacts on your life.
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the aftermath of a car accident if the collision triggered a series of financial, physical, and emotional struggles. The good news is that when you hire our Rutherfordton car accident attorneys, we will listen to your story to understand what your injuries have truly cost you, so we can fight for your much-deserved full compensation.
Some damages that you may be eligible to recover include:
Economic Damages in Auto Accident Claims
Economic losses are financial ones incurred because of your injury. Our personal injury attorneys will support your claim for these damages with receipts, invoices, and bills that are associated with your injury.
Common economic losses that victims of car accidents incur include:
- Medical bills, including those for hospitalizations, surgeries, and other medical expenses
- Costs to tow a vehicle from the accident scene
- Property damage
- Vehicle repair and replacement costs
- Transportation costs to and from medical appointments to treat injuries
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages if you are forced to miss work because of your injuries.
To prove lost wages, you need to provide pay stubs and proof that you lost income or hours because of your injury-related absence from work. When you hire our dedicated team of car accident attorneys in Rutherfordton, we’ll organize and present these forms of evidence to get you maximum compensation.
Non-Economic Damages in Auto Accident Claims
Our car accident lawyers in Rutherfordton will also pursue non-economic damages for you. These damages compensate for the non-financial losses you suffered. GS § 90-21.19 does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases involving car wrecks.
The non–economic damages you receive are based on a variety of factors, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Future lost earnings
- Ability to provide for dependents
- Mobility impairments
- Chronic pain from injuries
Your motor vehicle accident lawyer will use the available evidence to build a compelling case and help you recover non-economic damages. Keep in mind that since these losses are more subjective, you may qualify to receive compensation for other types of damages not listed here. Our law firm can explain this further in a future consultation.
Laws that May Impact Your Rutherfordton Car Accident Claim
Every case is unique. However, they are also all bound by specific state laws, which can determine how much compensation you can recover, as well as how your case is built.
When you hire our car accident lawyers in Rutherfordton, you’ll have a team of legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of personal injury law and can explain the following:
Contributory Negligence for Auto Accidents
While North Carolina typically does not limit the amount of damages you can recover following an auto accident, the state practices a contributory negligence law that prevents you from collecting damages if you are partially responsible.
Unlike comparative negligence rules, which allow you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault, contributory negligence laws bar plaintiffs from collecting damages if they are at least one percent responsible for the action that resulted in their injuries. Our team can fight against allegations of your partial fault.
North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits
Our Rutherfordton car accident law firm will also make sure to file your case within the statute of limitations, dictated by GS §1-52, and any other legal deadlines that apply to your case. Under North Carolina law, you typically have three years in which you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many personal injury claims for car wrecks involve negligent and reckless driving behavior. Negligence cases involve injuries that occurred because another person or entity violated their duty of care and acted with poor judgment. Actions are considered negligent if a reasonable person would not have engaged in the behavior.
Motorists have an obligation to follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. Some causes of car accidents in North Carolina involve negligent conduct, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to stop
- Failure to yield
- Traffic violations
Texting is one of the most common types of distracted driving that causes auto accidents. If the negligent driver was texting, contact a Rutherfordton texting while driving lawyer now.
If a rideshare driver is responsible for your wreck, our Rutherfordton Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers can help you handle the legal process.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation if You Suffered Severe Car Accident Injuries
Serious and catastrophic injuries from a car accident can prevent you from working or participating in activities you once enjoyed. If your injuries have impacted your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to recover lost wages or compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Common severe injuries caused by car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated joints
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Herniated discs
- Trauma
Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is crucial. Medical records not only support your recovery but also serve as key evidence in your Rutherfordton personal injury case, helping to prove the extent of your injuries and losses. Following a doctor-prescribed treatment plan is also essential to ensure the best possible recovery.
In many cases, serious accidents lead to catastrophic injuries and financial burdens that exceed insurance coverage limits. If this happens, a Rutherfordton car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to pursue additional compensation to help cover your economic losses.
Hire the Rutherfordton Car Accident Attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Today
When you suffer injuries that impact your daily life, you can have difficulty living independently or providing for yourself. If you were hurt in a car wreck, a Rutherfordton car accident lawyer from our firm can provide legal advice and pursue the damages you need to get back on your feet.
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not need to pay any upfront costs and will only pay our fees if we recover compensation for your car accident case.
Contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation and get the legal resources, advice, and representation you need to file a strong claim.