Experiencing a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your future. North Carolina can be a dangerous place to drive, especially in urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Wilmington. Even a minor collision can leave you injured or your car totaled. If you experience a car accident, you may wonder, “What types of car accident compensation can I get in North Carolina?”
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
North Carolina’s contributory negligence system can leave you vulnerable following a car accident. Even when the other driver clearly caused the accident, if you are also at fault, you can be denied any form of compensation.
You should hire a car accident lawyer to represent your interests when negotiating for fair compensation. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we represent all of our clients with dedication and commitment.
North Carolina Traffic Accidents
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles releases an annual report of traffic crash statistics through a joint effort of the Traffic Records Unit and the Traffic Safety Unit. In 2023, there were a total of 284,157 reported traffic crashes. Of these crashes:
1,565 resulted in a fatality1,686 total people were killed1,117 drivers were killed268 passengers were killed202 motorcyclists were killed40 bicyclists were killed250 pedestrians were killed74,161 resulted in injuries115,009 people were injured
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in North Carolina, you may have to file a legal claim to receive fair compensation. For small amounts, you have to file in small claims court. For larger amounts, claims are filed in district court. For very high amounts, you may have to file your claim in superior court.
Restitution Options Available After a Car Accident
North Carolina uses a contributory negligence system to determine fault after a car accident. If you are found to be even 1% at-fault for the accident, you are not eligible to receive any compensation.
If you are not at fault, there are several options you could receive in the way of compensation. These include:
Economic damages. A type of compensatory damage that covers measurable economic losses. These could include lost wages, medical expenses, ongoing medical care, and property damages.General damages. This is another type of compensatory damage that covers non-economic damages, which are more difficult to measure. These could include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of life enjoyment or quality of life, loss of companionship, or physical impairment.Wrongful death damages. When a car accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can seek damages for medical expenses, funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.Punitive damages. In certain circumstances, if the at-fault driver was engaged in reckless behavior, the court may award punitive damages. If the at-fault driver acts in a malicious or reckless way, punitive damages could prevent the behavior from happening again.
A North Carolina car accident attorney can review the facts of your case and determine what damages apply to your circumstances. Representation from an experienced car accident attorney increases the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement following a car accident.
FAQs
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in North Carolina?
There is no average cost for a car accident settlement in North Carolina, but there are several factors that contribute to the total cost. The severity of your injuries, especially if your injuries are permanent or require long-term treatment, affects the potential settlement.
You can also seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering as a result of the accident. However, your payment could be capped based on the other driver’s insurance coverage.
What Are the Signs of a Good Car Accident Settlement Offer?
A good car accident settlement offer should be based on the specifics of your case. The offer should take into consideration current and future medical needs, the severity of the injuries received, lost wages or earning capacity, and non-economic damages.
The offer should be based on documentation with clearly defined terms for payment. There should also be an open dialogue for negotiations.
What is the Statute of Limitations on A Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?
The statute of limitations to file a car accident claim in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident or from the date when a person reasonably would have discovered an injury or property damage.
However, you should file a claim as soon as possible. The more time that passes after the accident, the more difficult it becomes to gather evidence.
Am I Required to Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After an Accident?
No, you are not required to talk to the other driver’s insurance company after an accident. It is often better not to speak with any insurance company but your own. The other driver’s insurance company is trying to minimize any potential payout.
If you speak with the other insurance company, anything you say could be misinterpreted or taken out of context. The insurance company could use the information you provide to claim you took responsibility for the accident.
When Should I Contact My Insurance Company Following an Accident?
After an accident, you should contact your insurance company as soon as you can to inform them of the accident. Most car insurance policies state exactly how long you have, but it is typically a few days.
Failure to inform your own insurance company could cause complications or a denial of your claim. You should answer questions truthfully without admitting fault.
Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices
With over 60 years of combined experience, we know how challenging it can be to receive a fair settlement following a car accident. Insurance companies may try to avoid paying a fair compensation amount by claiming you were also at fault.
While you focus on returning to your day-to-day activities, we can fight for your interests and ensure you are being treated fairly. Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices today to schedule your initial consultation.
North Carolina Car Accident Resources:
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