If you were injured in a car accident in North Carolina, you may be faced with unanticipated medical bills, lost wages if you are unable to work, excruciating pain, and emotional trauma. These should not be your burden to bear if someone else caused the crash. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers want to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and accountability from the person who harmed you.
The law firm of Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., is ready to help you on your road to recovery after a car crash in North Carolina. Our attorneys are dedicated to representing car accident victims and seeking the maximum compensation they deserve. We can handle all the legal aspects of your case as you heal and recover from your injuries.
Contact us today to discuss your case with a compassionate car accident lawyer in North Carolina.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a North Carolina Car Accident?
While there is no law requiring you to have legal counsel, the right attorney could make a big difference in the outcome of your case. After a car accident, you may find yourself inundated with messages and phone calls from insurance companies, medical providers seeking payment, or even the other driver’s lawyers.
A North Carolina car accident attorney with Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can handle these communications for you as we build your case for compensation. We can investigate the accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and then pursue the money you need from them. While we do that, you can focus on resting and recovering from your injuries.
What Damages Can You Recover from a Car Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a car accident that another driver caused, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Your compensation may include money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (intended to punish the at-fault party)
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina Law, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a car accident, or two years if the case involves a wrongful death claim. The time limit is called the statute of limitations. Failing to file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident would likely prevent you from seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses.
By contacting the car accident lawyers at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., as soon as you can after your accident, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have a lawyer to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
North Carolina Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents in North Carolina are a common occurrence. According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, the number of both non-fatal and fatal car accidents has increased over the last few years. In one recent year, a staggering 114,722 people were injured, and 1,783 were killed in car accidents in North Carolina.
Common Types of Car Accidents in North Carolina
The attorneys at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., have experience handling all types of car accidents, including these common types of car accidents in North Carolina:
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Broadside collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Accidents caused by drunk drivers
- Accidents due to distracted drivers
- Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers
Common Causes of Car Accidents in North Carolina
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reports that nearly 25 percent of the fatal accidents in one recent year in North Carolina were due to speeding. Other common causes of accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol or drug use
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Driver fatigue
- Tailgating
- Driver inexperience
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failure to signal turns
Types of Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
The type and severity of injuries caused by a car accident depend on many factors, including the speed of the vehicles and the point of impact. Common injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Joint damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Abdominal injuries
- Strains, sprains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments
What to Do After a Car Accident in North Carolina
Any car accident can be traumatic, and it is difficult to know what to do when dealing with the shock of the crash. By taking the following steps, you can protect yourself and your legal rights after an accident:
- Call 911. Emergency medical personnel will assess any injuries at the scene and determine whether further medical care is needed. Law enforcement can investigate the circumstances of the accident. The police will create a standard crash report that may provide information to help determine the parties’ liability for the accident.
- Seek medical attention. Although some injuries sustained in car accidents require immediate medical attention, other injuries may not surface for hours, days, or even longer after the accident. Be sure to be seen by your primary care physician, at an urgent care facility, or at the hospital for a complete medical evaluation and treatment.
- Gather evidence at the accident scene. If you can, take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, the accident scene itself, and any nearby traffic signals or signs. If you are injured, document your injuries. Be sure to obtain the contact information of any witnesses. You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Contact a car accident attorney. By contacting a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases, you can be confident your case is in good hands from the start. Your attorney can investigate the accident, obtain a copy of the crash report and any medical records documenting your injuries, and communicate with insurance companies for you. If the insurance company will not settle for the fair compensation you need, your attorney can file a lawsuit and pursue your case in court.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in North Carolina Today
The friendly and knowledgeable attorneys at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., are ready to help with your North Carolina car accident claim. We strive to give each client the personal, one-on-one attention they deserve. Let us help you during this difficult time. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys in North Carolina.
