Pursuing a North Carolina Car Accident Claim

Car accidents are so common today, the majority of them do not even make the local news anymore. But as any crash victim can attest, the impact injuries from a car accident can have on your life can be overwhelming. If you have been injured, consider contacting a North Carolina car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What are the kinds of car accidents that cause injuries?

Although there is any number of ways a crash can happen, the following are the most common that we see at our firm, and which result in injuries through no fault of the victim:

  • Defective or recalled auto parts, such as airbags and ignition switches
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Head-on collisions
  • Hit and run situations
  • Rear-end crashes
  • Texting while driving or engaging in other distracted driving behaviors
  • Vehicle rollovers

In these instances, an NC car accident lawyer can seek compensation from the party or parties responsible for the collision and resulting injury.

What happens if the driver who caused the accident is uninsured?

Even under ideal circumstances, it can be difficult for a car accident victim to fully recover their damages. When the at-fault driver does not have accident liability insurance or their maximum amount of coverage is much lower than the sum total of the victim’s damages, it creates a more complicated – and frustrating – situation. In addition to driving under the influence, not having liability insurance is also a common reason why at-fault drivers flee the scene of the crash.

A North Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the financial compensation you need in these situations. One option is to file a claim with your own vehicle insurance company. Your insurance company may balk at this type of claim because of the large sum of money involved. This is one reason why it is important to have a seasoned attorney advocating for you.

What are the types of damages that car accident victims can pursue?

Every case is different, and every victim suffers different losses. In general, the majority of car accident victims can pursue financial compensation for all of their past, present, and future medical expenses associated with the car accident. This might include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical devices, and medical equipment. Transportation costs to and from medical appointments can also be reimbursed.

If the victim is left with permanent disabilities and there are special accommodations needed in their home, such as widened doorways and wheelchair ramps, the settlement should include those costs, too.

In addition, the victim might be eligible to receive lost wages and benefits from being unable to work while recovering. A victim can also pursue damages for future income if the injury has caused them to suffer reduced earning capacity. If this is the case, then the victim may also be entitled to vocational counseling and training.

Other damages that a victim may be awarded include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Scarring (or disfigurement of any kind)
  • Partial or full permanent disability
  • Loss of life enjoyment

Have You Been Injured?

Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp as soon as possible after you suffer injuries in a crash or collision. Our skilled North Carolina car accident attorneys provide the professional legal guidance you need to protect your rights in a claim. Our firm has a solid track record of obtaining financial compensation for our clients for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, scarring, disfigurement, and more.

It is critical to remember that North Carolina has placed a statute of limitation on how long victims have to file a claim for damages against those responsible for their injuries, so do not delay. Failure to file before that legal deadline could mean you lose any chance of ever filing your claim or getting justice against the person responsible for you or your loved one’s injuries.

Contact our office today to request a free and confidential consultation to find out what type of damages you may be entitled to.

 

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