Have you been injured in a car accident in Concord, North Carolina? Has a relative been injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash? If so, it is only natural to be confused and distraught. You may be wondering about the financial burdens. There will be medical expenses, time away from work to recover, and property damage to your vehicle that must be addressed.
If this sounds anything like your situation, you may be eligible for compensation to aid you in your recovery. Call the Concord car accident lawyers at the law offices of 1Charlotte at (704) 706-2689 right away and get legal aid to protect your interests in this affair.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
With all the financial implications brought about in the wake of a motor vehicle collision, factoring in lawyer fees for a car accident case is the last thing on anybody’s mind. Our Concord car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
This means we charge no upfront fees for our consultations, investigative services, negotiations with the insurance company, or even our representation in a court of law. We will not charge you anything unless we win the case and get you financial compensation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Concord, NC?
It is only natural to be very confused and upset in the aftermath of a car accident. But it is important to keep a clear head and do all you can to strengthen your case. Keep the following pointers in mind if you or someone you care about is injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Contact the Police
The police report on the accident is a key component of a strong personal injury case. Make sure that you call the police and do not leave the scene of the accident until a full report has been made. Make sure you take note of the names, precincts, and badge numbers of the officers arriving on the scene.
Check on Other Involved Parties
A car accident poses a serious threat to your safety and the chances of a secondary collision can make the accident worse. Do not leave the scene of the accident, but if your injuries are mild and it is safe to do so, do what you can to keep yourself and others involved in the accident safe from harm.
Exchange Information
Get the name, driver’s license number, license plate number, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver in the accident.
Record the Scene
Using your cellphone, capture a visual record of the accident in as much detail as possible. Take close-ups of the damage done to both vehicles involved, road debris, and skid marks. Take wide-angle shots of both vehicles in relation to each other as well as traffic signals in the vicinity.
Never Admit Fault
You may feel angry, upset, or even guilty after the accident and this is only natural. But it is important to not say or do anything that will jeopardize the strength of your case. Even a simple “sorry” can be taken as an admission of responsibility for the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Make sure you have yourself fully examined by a medical professional who can determine the full extent of your injuries. Not all injuries will be easily detected in the immediate aftermath of the motor vehicle accident. Serious injuries like internal bleeding, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Medical records will be essential to determining the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Call a Concord Car Accident Lawyer!
Call an experienced car accident attorney who can begin the claims process. A professional personal injury lawyer will have the skills and experience to accurately calculate your damages, prepare a case against the negligent driver, and negotiate with the insurance company.
When Should I Get a Lawyer for My Auto Accident?
As a general rule, the sooner you contact your lawyer the better. The strength of your case will be bolstered by freshly captured evidence. Ideally, you will contact a reputable car accident lawyer the same day as the collision, but as long as you have retained legal representation within days of the incident the strength of your case is optimal.
Why Do I Need a Concord Car Accident Lawyer?
At a glance, your case may seem very straightforward, but nothing is ever straightforward in personal injury law. Your best chance of getting full compensation for your damages will be having your case represented by an experienced Concord car accident lawyer in Concord, North Carolina.
Here are some of the benefits a Concord Car Accident Lawyer can bring to your personal injury case.
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
There are many details involved with preparing a strong case and meeting all time constraints. An experienced Concord car accident lawyer has done this many times before and will prepare a water-tight case that will stand strong in negotiations and on the court floor.
Settlement Negotiation
A skilled car accident lawyer will look at your case from every possible angle and create an accurate account of your damages and the compensation you deserve under North Carolina law.
Then they will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement amount. Having an experienced lawyer handle these negotiations gives you an upper hand that can be crucial in achieving a favorable resolution.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If no resolution can be reached, the case will have to be handled in the courts. This is where a seasoned Concord car accident lawyer will prepare a strong case and ensure your legal rights are respected.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
Victims of a car accident can receive damages in three separate categories.
Economic Damages
These damages are easily converted into a financial figure. This will include past, present, and future medical bills, lost wages due to time in recovery, and loss of earning capacity due to injuries sustained in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Damages like loss of consortium, emotional distress, or pain and suffering are not easily converted into a financial figure. Your legal team will rely on the testimony of experts to assign a cash value to these non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Additionally, you may be awarded punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were especially grievous. The court will assign these damages to the at-fault party for the sole purpose of punishing the responsible party.
How is Fault Determined in a Concord Car Accident?
North Carolina law follows a contributory negligence rule in determining who is at fault in car accident cases. This means that if the plaintiff is even 1% to blame for the accident that resulted in injuries, they are not eligible to receive compensation.
This highlights the importance of having a skilled legal representative who can demonstrate the accident occurred because of the other driver.
Statute Of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in North Carolina
North Carolina has a three-year time limit in which personal injury claims, like a car accident lawsuit, can be filed. This statute of limitations begins on the date the accident occurred.
However, if you were not initially aware that negligence contributed to your accident and subsequent injuries, you may have more than three years to make a legal claim against the at-fault driver.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in North Carolina is two years from the death. If someone loses his or her life in a car crash, the family has two years to pursue compensation.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Denies the Claim?
Insurance companies may deny your claim for compensation for a wide variety of reasons, but this should not be taken as a last word and may have nothing to do with the merit of your case.
Concord car accident attorneys at 1Charlotte have won millions of dollars for our clients after their insurance claims were denied. Insurance providers often have no right to deny the claim, and their decision can be rescinded.
Do I Have a Case?
If you have been involved in a Concord car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver you may have a case and be entitled to compensation for the damages you have sustained.
To find out for sure, a Concord personal injury lawyer will need to examine the details of your case. Call the law offices of 1Charlotte to arrange a free consultation and get a professional legal perspective on your rights and options.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Concord, NC
If you have been injured in a car accident or have a family member who has been killed or injured due to the negligence of another driver, you will need the expertise and representation of a qualified Concord car accident lawyer.
Call (704) 706-2689 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with our legal professionals. We will look over the details of your case and provide you with the best course of action for achieving the best possible outcome.
