Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Should I Consult With an Attorney After a Car Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, it is likely one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. You or your loved ones may be facing serious injuries and, as a result, the possibility of financial problems. Not all accidents are major, but if you have injuries, you will want to make sure that the responsible party pays for your damages. An experienced North Carolina car accident attorney will help you through the claim process.
North Carolina Has Strict Laws
Some states allow parties to share responsibility for a car accident. North Carolina has strict pure contributory negligence rules in place. North Carolina generally follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if an injured person’s own negligence contributed to the accident and resulting injuries, the person may be barred from recovering damages.
As a result, establishing the other party’s negligence while defending against allegations of contributory negligence can be critical to a North Carolina injury claim. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will ensure that the insurance company understands the details and facts of the accident.
An Attorney Works With The Insurance Company
It is difficult for a person to negotiate with an insurance company on their own. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they may sometimes try to minimize the settlement payments they make or even deny a claim altogether. An insurance adjuster will request a statement from drivers, and what you say can be harmful to your case. If the insurance company believes your own negligence contributed to the accident, it may assert contributory negligence as a basis for denying or disputing your claim. Before you make any statement to the insurance company, it is often advisable to consult with an attorney.
Prevent an Unsatisfactory Payout
Insurance adjusters are often busy and may make hasty offers to resolve the matter quickly. The insurance company may try to make a fast settlement offer, but many times it does not adequately cover your financial needs. Companies know that victims may be strapped for cash and therefore may be willing to accept a quick offer. Unfortunately, sometimes these payouts are far below the amount necessary to adequately compensate you for your damages. An attorney can evaluate your damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue the compensation available under North Carolina law.
Protect Your Rights
A skilled personal injury attorney understands the process and will be on your side to protect your rights at every step along the process. Do not sign away your rights by accepting a payment too soon. Accepting a settlement and signing a release may prevent you from seeking additional compensation later, even if you discover that your injuries or expenses are more serious than you initially believed. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Your lawyer will answer your questions and explain your options throughout the claim. Arnold & Smith, PLLC offers a free initial consultation to discuss your potential car accident claim. Personal injury cases may also be handled on a contingency-fee basis, depending on the circumstances.
If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault, don’t wait to talk to an attorney. You may be owed money for your injuries and other damages. To learn more, call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a free initial consultation
Injured because of someone else’s negligence?
Source:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/contributory_negligence
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/damages
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArnoldSmithPLLC/videos
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Understanding Contributory Negligence: What North Carolina Residents Need to Know
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Doctrine: Fault, Compensation, and Exceptions