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Monroe Car Accident Lawyer

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Monroe Car Accident Lawyer

Expert Monroe Car Accident Attorney

When a car accident occurs due to the careless or reckless actions of another, you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. North Carolina uses a fault-based system when determining who is responsible after a car accident. A Monroe car accident lawyer can pursue the compensation you deserve to pay for these unexpected expenses.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

It can be difficult to prove who was at fault after a car accident. When you hire a car accident lawyer from Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, you gain an ally who can gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and guide you through any difficulties that may arise. With over 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand the complex personal injury laws that could affect your case.

Traffic Accidents in North Carolina

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, through the Traffic Records and Traffic Safety Units, provides annual crash data from throughout the state. In 2023, a total of 284,157 traffic crashes were reported, an increase of 3.8% from 2022. Of these crashes:

  • 1,565 caused fatalities.
  • 1,686 fatalities occurred.
  • 74,161 caused injuries.
  • 115,009 people were injured.

Car accidents are most likely to happen in areas with heavy traffic congestion, speeding, ongoing road construction, and busy intersections. Some of the most accident-prone roads in Monroe include:

  • West Roosevelt Boulevard
  • U.S. Highway 601
  • Secrest Shortcut Road
  • Downtown Monroe Corridors

If you are in a car accident and cannot agree on a fair settlement amount with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you may have to file a claim in civil court to pursue compensation. In Monroe, car accident cases are heard at the Union County Judicial Center. Minor claims are heard in small claims court, more serious claims are processed in district court, and the most serious claims are handled in superior court.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Following a traffic accident, it is understandable that you may feel shaken and unsure of your next course of action. If you are able, you should take some steps that could help you receive a fair settlement offer later. These include:

  • Remain at the scene. By North Carolina law, you are required to remain at the scene of an accident until law enforcement officers allow you to leave. You should also check on the condition of any passengers and other affected drivers.
  • Report the accident. Report to law enforcement that an accident has occurred. You should answer any questions as truthfully as possible without guessing or making speculations. Notifying the police also allows you to get a police report for the accident.
  • Exchange information. You are required to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. You should be sure to get the other driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company name, and insurance account number.
  • Document evidence. Take photos of the crash site, including the damage to both vehicles, and make note of any weather or road conditions that may have contributed. Collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
  • Seek medical attention. If paramedics are called, don’t leave the scene of the accident until you have been evaluated. Also, see your own healthcare provider as soon after the accident as possible. Keep any documents you are given by your provider.
  • Report to your insurance company. Within a few days of the accident, contact your insurance provider to inform them of the incident. Answer their questions honestly, but do not admit fault. Also, don’t downplay or exaggerate the severity of your injuries.
  • Keep thorough records. Keep records of any correspondence related to the accident. Also, keep copies of any expenses you incur from the incident.
  • Contact a Monroe car accident attorney. It can be challenging to handle this process without an experienced attorney. Your attorney can handle communications with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.
  • Keep a journal. If you are injured, it can be beneficial to keep a personal journal that details the difficulties you are facing. Take note of your injury’s severity and how it has impacted your day-to-day activities.

Evidence Needed to Prove How You Were Not at Fault

North Carolina is one of the few pure contributory negligence states in the country. Under this statute, if the victim of an accident is found to have contributed to that accident, even if they are only 1% at fault, they are barred from seeking financial compensation from the other party involved. Given this strict standard, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable Monroe car accident lawyer to build your case for compensation.

Some key types of evidence could prove that you are not at fault and are entitled to compensation. These include:

  • Photos of the damage to both vehicles
  • Photos of debris, skid marks, or other identifying marks on the road
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Videos or dashcam footage of the accident
  • Witness statements
  • Statements from medical professionals
  • An official police report

Elements of a Fair Settlement After a Car Accident

Fair compensation after a car accident should cover the expenses you have suffered, along with future expenses resulting from the accident. The types of compensation you might be entitled to include:

  • Economic damages. This category of damages covers financial losses that can be easily recorded. You should be compensated for medical expenses, including future expenses for long-term care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and the cost to repair or replace any damaged property.
  • Non-economic damages. This category covers losses without fixed financial values. You can seek compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and psychological conditions that developed due to the accident.
  • Punitive damages. If the accident occurred due to the at-fault party engaging in illegal activities, such as drunk driving or excessive speeding, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are infrequently awarded to punish the guilty party and deter future wrongdoing.

It can be challenging to estimate how much compensation you could be eligible for under the state’s car accident laws. Your attorney can determine which damages you have suffered and the value of a fair settlement.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement After a Car Accident in Monroe, North Carolina?

The average settlement amount after a car accident in Monroe, North Carolina is determined by the severity of the incident, along with the resulting injuries and property damage. Minor accidents usually result in less compensation than more severe accidents. Overall, the amount is determined by the severity of all injuries and the long-term cost of treatment. Compensation also considers lost work hours and the cost to repair or replace damaged property.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney After a Car Accident in North Carolina?

Yes, it is generally considered worth it to hire a car accident attorney in North Carolina. In general, victims represented by an attorney can see higher payouts than those who represent themselves.

Attorneys are also adept at negotiating with the insurance agency and healthcare providers to ease your financial burdens after an accident. If you suffered injuries, liability has been disputed, or the insurance company is hesitant to settle, you could benefit from the work of an attorney.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove After a Car Accident?

The hardest injuries to prove after a car accident are invisible injuries, such as concussions, soft-tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, and psychological conditions. These have few or no tests that can conclusively demonstrate that someone is suffering from them.

Without physical evidence, it becomes more difficult to prove that these injuries occurred and are connected to the original accident. Keeping thorough documentation of your medical treatment, seeking medical specialists, and maintaining a journal of your symptoms can help.

What Should I Not Say to My Car Accident Lawyer?

You should tell your car accident lawyer everything about your accident, but there are some things to avoid. Never accept blame or take responsibility for the accident; doing so could damage your future compensation. Don’t hide details about previous medical conditions. You should also avoid exaggerating your symptoms. When answering questions, be honest, but never guess or speculate if you are unsure.

What Should I Do If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company after a car accident, you are not obligated to discuss the incident with them. Refer them to your insurance agent or car accident attorney if they require information. Never agree to record a statement or discuss the details of the accident. When providing basic information, avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as accepting fault. Apologizing can be seen as an admittance of guilt.

Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices

A car accident can leave you overwhelmed, scrambling to find a reliable vehicle, and trying to cover unexpected medical costs, all while being out of work. We understand how stressful this situation is and can ease your burdens. Our team works efficiently to seek fair compensation without unnecessary delays. Contact Bridgman Gantt Law Offices today to schedule your initial consultation about your car accident case.

Monroe Car Accident Lawyer Reviews

★★★★★
“What an amazing and professional group of people!! Mr. Gantt was super informative and treated us with respect and kindness. He explained everything from start to finish. His team was always available and were also kind and professional. When it came time to go to court he called a few days before and went through the process step by step. Making us feel comfortable. The day of court he called again and asked if we had questions or concerns. Ensured us that everything was going to be okay and just relax and he would be there every step of the hearing. Once the hearing was done he called us again and explained what he felt the result was going to be, and he was right! Would 100% recommend him to anyone. Thank you Mr. Gantt!” – Polly Clark

★★★★★
“All I can say is that this firm took care of EVERYTHING! I never felt out of the loop and was quite happy with the results. Also, Mr. Gantt and the staff made it extremely easy to discuss matters, even those that are personal! Thanks!” – Ken Soltys

★★★★★
“Mr. Bridgman was professional and on point he kept me fully aware of the process and what was always going on a true blessing to me and others.” – Tameron Gaines

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