North Carolina is not a no-fault state. This means that if you are in a car accident, you can hold the party that caused the collision responsible for your damages. An attorney from our firm can help you get the money you deserve from the liable party.
How We Can Fight for Your Compensation
Instead of trying to manage a lawsuit while recuperating from your injuries, let our office handle the tough legal work. We can do the following and more:
Investigate the Accident
An attorney from our 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
By the time the investigation is complete, your lawyer can:
- Tell you who the liable party is
- Tell you how much compensation you may qualify for
- Collect enough evidence to build the strongest possible case
Pursue a Fair Settlement
After building your case, we can:
- Arrange a meeting with the liable party’s insurance company
- Negotiate for appropriate compensation
- Draw up the settlement agreement
If we cannot negotiate a settlement for whatever reason, we can take your case to court. This involves:
- Scheduling court dates
- Submitting trial exhibits, motions, and other paperwork
- Making oral arguments
- Examining and cross-examining witnesses
Guiding You Through the Process
The legal system is often difficult for outsiders to navigate, so it helps to have a car accident lawyer on your side who can:
- Explain your rights
- Answer any questions as you think of them
- Bring a neutral, professional perspective to the case
- Explain the pros and cons of your legal options
- Prioritize your goals and figure out how to achieve them
Getting Compensation After a Car Accident
The types—and amount—of compensation you can recover after a motor vehicle accident depends on the types of injuries you suffered. All of your injuries will fall into one of the two categories described below.
How to Qualify for Economic Damages
The legal term for monetary losses from an accident is “economic damages.” Examples of such damages include:
- Loss of wages: You took time off (days, weeks, or more) from work because your injuries prevented you from fulfilling your job duties.
- Loss of earning capacity: Your injuries make it much 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.
How to Qualify for Non-Economic Damages
“Non-economic damages” is the legal term for physical and emotional distress from the effects of the accident. You could qualify 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 that affects your self-confidence, your ability to use the scarred area, and so on.
- Impaired quality of life: You require assistance to complete everyday tasks, such as dressing yourself or caring for your children.
Qualifying for Damages After a Wrongful Death
You have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one passed away from their car accident injuries. Wrongful death damages are often the same or similar to personal injury damages.
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 following:
The Statute of Limitations
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, the first law you have to consider is the statute of limitations. This statute 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. You can find this statute at GS §1-52.
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 will help you pay damages if the liable party has broken the law by not carrying insurance or by carrying an insufficient policy. While a minimum amount of insurance is mandated, you can purchase additional coverage as desired.
It is very advisable to also carry underinsured motorist coverage to ensure you have sufficient coverage to help you in situations in which the liable party has limited coverage in comparison to your injuries. It is important that you recover such available coverage when you need it. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you through this process.
Let Us Evaluate Your Case at no Charge
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help you pursue compensation in North Carolina, a no-fault state. We can provide you with a free case review, and we work on a contingency basis. This way you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless and until you receive compensation.
Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form