Automobile Accident

Pedestrian Car Accident Deaths on the Rise

May 1, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “How much does your firm charge to represent me in a personal injury case?”

Every year, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) prepares various reports on car accident statistics all across the United States. Recently, the GHSA has released its findings for 2018. A notable finding from last year is the high rate of pedestrian deaths from car accidents. The report found that the number of pedestrian deaths that occurred in 2018 is at the highest it has been since 1990. There was approximately a 4% increase from the number of deaths that occurred in 2017. Pedestrian deaths were studied from each state across the country to prepare this report. Within the report, there are statistics of increases in deaths in different states. North Carolina is one of the states with the largest amount of pedestrian deaths and a high increase year-over-year of pedestrian deaths from car accidents.

Safety First: Tips for Safe Driving This Summer

March 20, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What if the accident was my fault?”

The end of winter weather is near, and it seems like summer is just around the corner. Many people think that the dangers of driving might decrease as the weather gets nicer. There is not any snow, ice, or other inclement weather dangers to create issues on North Carolina freeways, right? Yes, inclement weather increases the dangers of driving in the winter, but summer carries with it its own dangers. Nicer weather can result in more drivers letting their guard down since they do not have to be worried about driving over a patch of black ice. Driving in the summer can be dangerous due to greater numbers of drivers on the roads, and their propensity to drive faster in nicer weather. Now is the best time for a refresh on safe driving tips to keep in mind for driving in North Carolina in the summertime.

North Carolina Supreme Court Rules on Collateral Source Rule

March 6, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can you sue for in a personal injury case?”

The collateral source rule in North Carolina states that a plaintiff’s award in a personal injury suit can not be reduced by amount that is received by third-party sources. For example, if you are in a car accident and are injured, you might receive payment from the insurance company for medical bills. In a personal injury suit, the amount paid by the insurance company could not be reduced from the overall award amount. Recently, the North Carolina Supreme Court expanded the application of the collateral source rule.

Types of Auto Insurance in North Carolina

February 20, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and how may it apply to my case?

You have been in an auto accident. One of your first thoughts is to reach out to your insurance provider for help and guidance on what you need to do next. Which insurance company do you call? Your own insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver involved in your accident? Auto accident attorneys can help you deal with insurance companies following an accident. In order to successfully navigate the insurance process after an accident, you need to understand the insurance coverage you have. Insurance coverage is required by North Carolina law.

I Was the Passenger in a Car Accident, Now What?

January 23, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Personal injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “What should I do if I have been injured by another party but I can’t afford a lawyer?”

It is bad enough being involved in a car accident when you are the driver, but being the passenger in a car accident can be even worse. As the passenger in the car, you are thrust into a situation in which you are dealing with injuries from an accident you did nothing to cause. Who is responsible for paying for the medical bills you now have? Who is responsible? The driver of the car you were in? Or, the driver of the other vehicle? The following are options available to you for injuries sustained as a passenger in a car accident.

Tips for Safe Travel Around the Holidays

November 28, 2018 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can you sue for in a personal injury case?”

The holiday season is upon us. For most of us that means spending time with family and friends, eating holiday treats, and celebrating the holiday season. With all of the enjoyment that the holiday season brings, it also has its stressors. One of the biggest stressors of the holiday season is traveling and feeling pressured to be everywhere at once to spend time with family and friends. The National Safety Counsel found that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are some of the most dangerous times for travel. Increased volume of drivers on the roadways, the pressure to be at the location as soon as possible, and the potential for bad weather, depending on your location, are all contributors to the danger of holiday traveling. This holiday season, it is imperative that you take the steps to protect you and your family when traveling. The following are just a few things that you can do to make your travels safer:

What Evidence is Necessary After a Car Accident?

November 21, 2018 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Personal injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “If I am injured in a car accident or at work what should I do?”

Car accidents never happen at a convenient time. Accidents can result in serious injuries that have consequences far beyond physically pain. In an ideal world, insurance companies would be happy to pay for the damages you are suffering as a result of the accident. Theoretically, you are paying a monthly premium for coverage for accidents or emergencies. In the real world, insurance companies are generally not eager to hand out settlements or large payments. Private insurance companies are much like other businesses; their aim is to increase profits. In order to increase profits, payments for damages must be minimized. A car accident attorney can help you determine what the best course of action is to recover damages. It is important to note that there is no guarantee that compensation for damages can be achieved, but an attorney can give you the best chance for success.

Avoiding a Car Accident in North Carolina

November 14, 2018 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: ” If an incident report was filled out, do I have a right to receive a copy?”

The majority of people all across the United States rely on automobiles to get around. This is true in North Carolina, as well. Lack of reliable public transportation systems and convenience are popular reasons that people turn to cars to get around. With so many cars on the road, there are many car accidents. Reports show that in 2016, there were 267,494 traffic crashes reported in North Carolina. Breaking this down, this averages to approximately 732 traffic crashes every day.

Protecting Yourself Against Road Rage

November 7, 2018 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What if a loved one dies from the injuries sustained in a serious accident while the case is pending?”

Most people who have driven a vehicle will tell you that they have been angered by another motorist on the road at one point or another in their driving career. You may associate this with the term “road rage.” You might have heard a friend say they had road rage, or you yourself might have said it about your own experience. Road rage is more than a driver getting annoyed by another driver on the road. It can be a serious, even deadly, danger to drivers on the roadways.

Involved in a Hit and Run? Here is What to do

October 31, 2018 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Charlotte Injury Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “What happens if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?”

With so many cars on the road, it is not surprising that traffic accidents are a common occurrence. Studies show that the number of car crashes in North Carolina is increasing. This includes the number of hit and run accidents. A hit and run accident is just as it sounds – after a car crash, a car flees the scene of an accident. Being involved in a car accident can result in serious injuries. When a driver flees the scene of a car accident, it becomes more difficult for any injured victims to get justice.