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No, North Carolina is NOT a no-fault state. North Carolina is, in fact, an at–fault state. Under an at-fault state insurance policy, you would file an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They would be responsible for covering your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
A car accident lawyer from our law firm can pursue the money you deserve from all liable parties, allowing you time to recover from your injuries.
How We Can Fight for Your Compensation in North Carolina
Instead of trying to manage a personal injury claim while recovering from your injuries, let one of our offices serving North Carolina handle the tough legal work. We will answer any questions that you have throughout the legal process.
As the personal injury lawyers spearheading your case, we will:
Investigate the Car Accident
An attorney from our legal team can conduct an independent investigation into your car accident. Such an investigation may involve:
- Listening to your story
- Visiting the accident scene
- Requesting police reports, medical records, and other documentary evidence
- Tracking down witnesses and recording their accounts
By the time the investigation is complete, your car crash lawyer will have:
- Identified the liable party
- Explained how much compensation you may qualify to receive
- Collected enough evidence to build your case
We may also seek testimonies from expert witnesses, such as financial advisors and accident reconstruction specialists, to clarify and validate our findings.
Pursue a Fair Settlement Offer from the Insurers
After building your case, we can:
- Arrange a meeting with the liable party’s insurance company
- Negotiate for appropriate compensation
- Draw up a settlement agreement
If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement for any reason, we can take your case to court. This step generally involves:
- Scheduling court dates
- Submitting trial exhibits, motions, and other paperwork
- Making oral arguments
- Examining and cross-examining witnesses
Even while we are in court, we will always allow the insurance company to amend its stance and offer a settlement that reflects your losses.
Guide You Through the Legal Process
The legal system may be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate. It may help to have a Rutherfordton accident lawyer on your side who can:
- Explain your rights
- Answer any questions as you think of them
- Bring a neutral, professional perspective on the case
- Explain the pros and cons of your legal options
- Prioritize your goals and figure out how to achieve them
We will be with you throughout the process and provide compassionate support and legal advice on your best options for achieving the maximum compensation possible.
What are the Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After an Accident in North Carolina?
Having an attorney on your side could make your life easier and result in financial recovery. Our accident attorneys have secured fair compensation for many auto wreck victims in North Carolina, with many outcomes surpassing the million-dollar mark.
By hiring an attorney from our legal team, you can:
- Focus on your recovery: If you’re trying to heal while also managing a car wreck case, your recovery may be at risk. By allowing our firm to handle your claim or lawsuit, you can focus on your injuries and move forward.
- Gain an advisor who is familiar with cases like yours: We will lead the legal process, but we will also be your partner. You will have the power to make important decisions about your case. As you make those decisions, we will be there to advise you, answer your questions, and guide you toward the best outcome.
- Get the financial support of our firm: Our team will pay all case-related expenses up front. We will receive a preapproved percentage of any financial recovery we get for you, and individual expenses won’t be added to your attorney’s fees. If we don’t secure a financial recovery for you, then you owe us nothing.
- No longer have to worry about your case: A car accident case can be a source of anxiety. Once you hire us, you’ll no longer have to worry about whether you’re doing everything possible to get compensation for your losses. We’ll handle every step of your case for you, hopefully allowing you to sleep better at night.
As noted, an attorney may be especially helpful if you’re not a lawyer. We already have the legal experience and knowledge that your case may require. Why struggle on your own?
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
Getting Compensation After a Car Accident in North Carolina
The types—and amount—of compensation you may recover after a motor vehicle accident depends on multiple factors. However, the two most important are the severity of your injuries and the time you need to recover.
Typically, your damages will fall into one of two categories:
Economic Damages
The legal term for monetary losses from an accident is “economic damages.” Economic damages represent a direct financial loss. Examples of such damages include:
- Lost wages: You took time off (days, weeks, or more) from work because your injuries prevented you from fulfilling your job-related duties.
- Lost earning capacity: Your injuries make it more difficult for you to earn a living and support your family.
- Repair expenses: The accident caused property damage, particularly damage to your car, that you paid to have fixed.
- Medical expenses: The accident caused you bodily harm that required short-term or long-term treatment.
If you’ve incurred any other economic damages, we’ll include them in your case.
Non-Economic Damages
“Non-economic damages” is the legal term for physical and emotional distress from the effects of the accident. Though more subjective, they are just as relevant to your recovery as any economic damages.
You could qualify for non-economic damages based on:
- Pain and suffering: The accident harmed your physical and psychological well-being.
- Disability: Whether you sustained a permanent or temporary disability, you could be eligible for compensation.
- Disfigurement: Your injuries caused permanent scarring or another disfigurement that affects your self-confidence, your ability to use the scarred area, and so on.
- Lesser quality of life: You require assistance to complete everyday tasks, such as dressing yourself or caring for your children.
There is no rigid definition of how non-economic or economic damages look. We will create a thorough picture of your damages and then seek appropriate compensation.
We Can Pursue Wrongful Death-Related Damages for a Fatal Accident in NC
You have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one passed away from their car accident injuries. Wrongful death damages may be similar to personal injury damages, with a few notable differences.
Recoverable damages in a wrongful death claim in North Carolina may include the following:
- Funeral expenses: The cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial may fall to the liable parties. These expenses generally cost thousands of dollars, and you may not have to cover them.
- Grief counseling: If you need grief counseling, medications, or any other therapies to cope with your loved one’s passing, we may include the cost of those treatments in your wrongful death claim.
- Loss of companionship: Spouses who lose their partner may seek coverage for their lost companionship.
- Loss of parental guidance: Children whose parents pass away have lost the guidance, advice, support, and wisdom that the parents provided them.
- Lost financial support: Wrongful deaths can be financially devastating when the decedent was supporting a spouse, children, or other loved ones. Though the loss of a loved one is far more than a financial loss, the monetary aspect is one that we cannot overlook.
Wrongful death cases often also involve medical expenses, pain and suffering, and certain other losses you’d also face in a personal injury case.
Other Factors that May Influence Your Ability to Collect Damages
Navigating the law and insurance regulations presents many challenges. We can guide you through obstacles such as:
The Statute of Limitations
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, one law you must consider is the statute of limitations. This statute generally prevents you from filing a lawsuit after a specified period.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations is set at three years for personal injury cases, per GS §1-52. For wrongful death, it is two years and falls under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53. Every type of case will have a statute of limitations, and exceptions may shorten or extend that deadline.
In addition to losing the right to sue, you will also lose any negotiating leverage with the insurance companies if the statutory deadline in your case expires. By connecting with our legal team, though, we can file your case within its allotted deadline.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
As part of your car insurance requirements, you must purchase insurance against uninsured drivers. As the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) states, this insurance covers:
- Property damage
- Your injuries
- Your passengers’ injuries
This insurance policy could help you pay damages if the liable party did not carry appropriate coverage. While a minimum amount of insurance is required, you can purchase additional coverage as desired.
It is advisable to also carry underinsured motorist coverage to make sure you have sufficient coverage when the liable party has limited coverage. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you through both the insurance and legal processes.
Let Us Evaluate Your North Carolina Car Accident Case at No Charge
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you pursue compensation in North Carolina, an at-fault state. We have recovered over $100 million and served over 1,000 clients. We will provide a free case review, and we work on a contingency basis. This way, you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless you receive compensation.
Call us today for a free consultation.
