Car Accident Attorney in Shelby, NC

North Carolina doctors and medical workers see a rush of auto accident victims coming through emergency room doors every day.

Common types of auto accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Abdominal injuries
• Strains, sprains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bruises and cuts to the skin

However, just because doctors are used to dealing with these types of auto accident injuries, that doesn’t mean you are. Serious auto accident injuries can leave victims shocked and terrified about what’s going to happen to them. 

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need:

• Surgery
• Months of physical therapy
• Time off work to recover
• Job retraining

8 Things To Do Immediately After A Car Accident Occurs In Shelby, NC

When your day has come to a screeching halt as a result of an auto accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights. The North Carolina Bar Association suggests you take the following steps after an auto accident:

1. Stop and do not leave the scene. Unless you have serious injuries that require immediate treatment, you should remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
2. Call the police or other law enforcement. The authorities will file an official accident report that includes details of the scene and other information you may need to eventually pursue compensation.
3. Seek medical help. Even if you are feeling fine immediately after the accident, you could be suffering from internal injuries that won’t be obvious until later. Seeking medical attention right away also shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting treatment for injuries.
4. Exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get the driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, insurance company name, and policy number.
5. Get contact details for witnesses. Try to take notes about what they saw, including whether they heard the other driver admit fault.
6. Take photos and make notes. While your memory is fresh, write down what happened and draw a diagram showing the position of the vehicles, where they collided and where they ended up. If you can, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and yourself.
7. Tell your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to get the claims process started.
8. Contact an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer right away. The insurance companies are looking out for themselves, and they have mass amounts of resources at their disposal. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to take on these insurance powerhouses and pursue full and fair compensation for your car accident claim.

What Not To Do Immediately After An Accident

• Do not admit fault. According to North Carolina law, when an accident occurs, you are only required to give your name, address, driver’s license number, and the registration information for the vehicle. Do not tell law enforcement, the other driver, or any witnesses that you think you caused the accident.
• Do not give the insurance company a detailed account of what happened. You are required to report the pertinent details of the accident. But talk to an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer before you give a full statement about what happened. Remember, the insurance company is looking for ways to save money. Don’t give them any reasons to try to withhold compensation.
• Do not promise to pay anything. Your attorney and the insurance companies will hash out details about payments. Do not talk to the other driver about paying for damages.

Were you or a loved one injured in an auto accident that was caused by the negligence of another party? You deserve compensation. Reach out to skilled Shelby car accident lawyers at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert. Call (704) 396-5155 as soon as possible.

Options For Car Accident Compensation

If it is determined that you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages due to injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (intended to punish the at-fault party)

If the insurance company has offered you a settlement, you should discuss this immediately with a qualified car accident lawyer.

An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate the offer and help you determine what to do to pursue a full and fair settlement, including whether you should consider a car accident lawsuit.

Determining Who Is At-fault In A Shelby, North Carolina Car Accident

In North Carolina, all parties will perform a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault in the accident. Insurance adjusters will look over the vehicles, review reports, and interview witnesses.

On your side, your injury attorney will comb through all the evidence, including any photos or notes from the scene, police reports, medical records, and any other information available. Your attorney may also hire an expert to re-create the accident scene and provide more insight into what happened and who is at fault.

It is important to note that North Carolina law adheres to “pure contributory negligence,” which means that if you are found even 1 percent at fault for the accident, you may be denied compensation in many cases. That’s why having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is imperative.

When The Worst Happens: Wrongful Death From A Car Accident

The stress and frustration that come with being injured in a car accident can pale in comparison to the pain and suffering of those who lose a loved one suddenly and tragically in a crash.

If you have lost a family member in an auto accident, you may be able to seek justice by filing a wrongful death suit. Loved ones may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering of the loved one who died
• Lost income
• Loss of companionship
• Punitive damages

How To Handle Auto Repairs After A Shelby North Carolina Accident

For many of us, a working vehicle is paramount to our livelihood. Getting to work every day, taking the kids to school, picking up groceries — almost every necessary task is complicated when your car is knocked out of commission in an accident.

It’s important to know your rights when it comes to getting your car repaired after an accident. The North Carolina Department of Insurance reminds consumers:

• An insurance company cannot require you to use a certain repair shop. However, if the insurance company can get a lower estimate from another shop, you may have to pay the difference.
• After receiving a claim, the insurance company has 30 days to acknowledge it – either by paying it, offering a settlement, denying the claim, or telling you the investigation is ongoing. Payments must be sent within 10 business days after the claim is settled.
• If you and the insurance company cannot agree on the amount to be paid by collision coverage, you can opt to use the appraisal provision of your policy. Each party will choose an appraiser, and the appraisers will choose an umpire. If the appraisers do not agree on the amount, the decision goes to the umpire.

Arguing with an insurance company can be a huge headache. A qualified North Carolina car accident attorney can take this burden off you by managing these negotiations on your behalf.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney For a Car Accident?

Deciding whether it's worth getting an attorney for a car accident depends on the specifics of your situation. In minor accidents where there are no injuries and minimal property damage, you might not need an attorney. In such cases, you can typically handle the insurance claim process on your own.

However, there are situations where hiring an attorney can be highly beneficial. If the accident results in injuries, especially severe or long-term injuries, involving a lawyer is advisable. They can help you navigate complex medical bills, understand the full extent of your damages, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

An attorney can gather proof, speak with witnesses, and present a compelling case on your behalf if there is a dispute regarding fault or if the other party rejects responsibility. Having legal counsel can level the playing field because insurance companies frequently employ teams of adjusters and attorneys to reduce payouts.

Furthermore, if you encounter challenges in the claims process, such as a low settlement offer or delays, an attorney's expertise can be invaluable. They can negotiate with the insurance company and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Ultimately, while you may not need an attorney for every car accident, in more complex cases involving injuries or disputes, their assistance can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

When To Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Hiring a lawyer after a car accident is often necessary when specific circumstances make the process more complex. If your accident results in significant injuries or long-term medical issues, an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Additionally, when liability or fault is disputed, it's wise to consider legal representation. A lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to establish the other party's responsibility.

If the insurance company offers an insufficient settlement or presents difficulties during the claims process, an attorney's negotiation skills and legal expertise can be invaluable. They can assist you in obtaining fair compensation, especially if the insurance company appears unwilling to cooperate.

Finally, in cases where the accident results in a fatality or wrongful death, retaining a lawyer to represent the deceased's estate and surviving family members in pursuing a wrongful death claim is critical.