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Car accidents are incredibly stressful events. Adrenaline and emotions run high, and sometimes it can be difficult to think clearly about what you should do in the moment. When it comes to car accidents, as with many other difficult situations in life, knowledge is power. You want to protect yourself and your family, so why not learn what to do after a car accident in Greensboro, NC?
Car Accidents in North Carolina and the United States
Getting in the car and driving to work, school, or anywhere else we need to go is an activity most of us do daily, without even giving it a second thought. In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, car travel is essential for most Americans. However, just because an activity is universal does not mean that it is universally safe. In North Carolina and across the United States, car accidents happen everywhere, every day.
The United States recorded more than 6 million car accidents in 2023, the most recent year for which complete data are available. Over 37,000 people lost their lives in these accidents, and nearly 1.7 million sustained injuries. In North Carolina, there were 284,157 reported car accidents in the same year, resulting in more than 115,000 injuries.
What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident in Greensboro
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, there are several things you can do to take care of yourself and make the process of dealing with the financial and legal effects of the crash easier. Those practical steps are as follows:
- Seek medical attention. Your health is the most important thing. If you are injured or even suspect you may be, the first thing you should do is get a proper medical evaluation. Some injuries caused by car accidents are not immediately obvious, so if the impact was significant, this first step is imperative.
- Call the police. If a bystander has not already called the police, you should call them to report the accident. Hopefully, an officer will soon arrive to take statements and assess the accident scene.
- Get insurance information. Everyone is required to maintain car insurance. The next step after a wreck is to exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Get witness contacts. If there are people nearby who witnessed the crash, and you are physically able to do so, it is a good idea to get their names and contact information. This can help you later if you need witness statements to file a personal injury claim.
In the days following the accident, you should file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. This is usually a simple phone call or an online form. North Carolina operates under an at-fault system for car accidents, meaning that the person who caused the accident is ultimately held liable for any damages. Pursuant to this, insurance companies generally will not pay claims until they receive official word from the police regarding who is liable for the crash.
What if Your Claim Is Denied?
Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims they should pay or underpaying claims they should completely cover. If this happens to you, you can continue to pursue just compensation. Your next step is to hire a car accident lawyer. Your attorney can review the claim and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Sometimes all it takes is a strongly worded letter from a lawyer.
If the insurance company continues to deny the claim or refuses to fully pay compensation, your attorney can help you file a personal injury claim against the insurance company or the other driver, or both. With a personal injury claim, you can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Ideally, after filing a claim, your lawyer can negotiate with the other party or parties on your behalf and reach a satisfactory settlement. If not, the case may go to trial. In that situation, your attorney can represent you and present your case in the courtroom.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Greensboro?
The cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Greensboro depends on the complexity of the case and individual lawyers’ hourly rates and fee structures. However, most attorneys who take on car accident cases do so on a contingency basis. This means that, rather than charging an up-front fee for services, they receive a percentage of any settlement they secure.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing Personal Injury Claims for Car Accidents in North Carolina?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations of three years for filing personal injury claims, including those for car accident injuries, in North Carolina. This statute of limitations is established in Section 1-52 of the North Carolina General Statutes. After this three-year period has passed, an injury victim can no longer pursue compensation through the legal system.
What if the Other Driver Is in a Commercial Vehicle?
If you are in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the procedures for what to do after the crash are essentially the same as they are for collisions with other passenger cars. However, commercial drivers are usually insured under a company policy rather than a personal one, so there may be more parties who are potentially liable for the crash.
What if the Other Driver Flees the Scene of the Accident?
If you are in a car accident, and the other driver leaves the scene without exchanging information or talking to the police, do not leave the scene yourself. Call the police to report the accident and let them know that the other driver left without exchanging information. Even if the accident was minor, this behavior constitutes a hit-and-run.
Injured? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident and need to file a claim to recover damages, enlist the help of an experienced car accident attorney. Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices today to discuss your case.
Greensboro Car Accident Resources:
