You need to report a car accident in North Carolina as soon as possible if the accident causes more than $1,000 in property damage or the injury or death of at least one person. This duty is outlined in GS §20-4.01(33b).
In This Article
Getting Compensation After a Car Accident in North Carolina
Car accidents can cost you a lot, not only financially but also physically and emotionally. According to North Carolina law, you can seek compensation for these injuries and losses.
Financial losses are called economic damages. Common examples include:
- Loss of income, for those who took a leave of absence from work to recover
- Loss of employment, for those who lost their job because of their injuries or who can no longer work in their chosen field
- Medical expenses, for those who received any form of professional medical treatment
- Repair expenses, for those who had to get their car repaired or replaced due to accident-inflicted damage
Physical and emotional losses are called non-economic damages. Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering, for those whose overall health (physical or emotional) declined because of the accident
- Physical disability, for those who lost (or lost the use of) an organ, a digit, a limb, or any other body part
- Mental disability, for those who suffered brain damage or any other injury that affected their intellectual abilities
- Reduced quality of life, for those who can no longer participate in favorite activities or who need help with everyday tasks
These and other damages are also available if you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit after the passing of a loved one. Our firm can represent you in both types of cases.
What a Lawyer can do for You After a Car Accident
Getting compensation is not always easy. We can help you build your case and present it to the liable party’s insurance company. You will not have to worry about anything except recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life. In general, our team covers the following steps:
Step One: Gather Evidence
Your case will be harder to ignore or devalue if supported by evidence from a variety of sources, such as:
- Medical records
- Car accident reports
- Eyewitness testimony, photos, or video
- Surveillance footage
Collecting evidence might prove especially difficult after a DWI crash. Our team will investigate to uncover as much evidence as possible to prove the other party’s liability. A DWI accident lawyer in Newton from our team can help you build an evidence-based case.
Step Two: Notify the Liable Party
Your case officially begins once you send proper notification to the liable party and their insurance company. You must tell them that you are seeking damages and state the reasons why.
In addition to sending out notifications, your attorney can keep in touch with the liable party throughout the case. That way, you do not have to speak with them or meet them face to face.
Step Three: Meet with the Insurance Company
The liable party’s insurer may be reluctant to offer a fair settlement right away. It is your (or your lawyer’s) responsibility to fight for what you need by:
- Arranging a meeting with the insurance company and their lawyers
- Presenting the collected evidence
- Negotiating for appropriate compensation
- Making sure the settlement agreement is satisfactory before you sign
While the majority of cases settle at this stage, it may be necessary to proceed with a lawsuit.
Step Four: Go to Court
If negotiations are unsuccessful, our attorneys are willing and able to fight for you in the courtroom. We can:
- Prepare and submit evidence
- Schedule courtroom dates
- Find eyewitnesses and expert witnesses to testify for you
- Cross-examine the liable party’s witnesses
- Make opening and closing statements
We will also provide you with all the necessary support throughout your case. We do this by answering questions promptly, explaining your rights, and helping you make the best possible legal decisions.
What Function Does a Car Accident Report Serve?
By reporting the accident as quickly as possible, you comply with state law and avoid prosecution under GS §20-166.1(k).
The information in a car accident report can help strengthen the case by proving that:
- The accident happened.
- The specifics (e.g., time and place) are consistent with your statements.
- The accident caused you bodily harm or property damage.
You can request a copy of your car accident report by contacting the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) and paying a small fee. In conjunction with evidence from other sources (e.g., medical records or witness statements), a car accident report may help convince the insurance company to pay the compensation you need.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
After you report a car accident in North Carolina and get all necessary medical treatment, call auto accident attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, for a free, no-obligation case review. You can reach our main office day or night. In addition, we charge no attorney’s fees until you get your money.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form
