Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
Our Charlotte, North Carolina car accident lawyers know that for passengers and drivers alike, there are unimaginable risks that come with riding in a car. While most North Carolinians are aware of this fact, we often take it for granted until we have a close call.
In 2014, Charlotte saw a 9 percent increase in traffic collisions to 23,000. Of these collisions, 39 were fatal. Many of these accidents could have been avoided were it not for someone’s negligent behavior.
Disruptive passengers, reckless drivers, and unsafe road conditions have all been the cause of serious car accidents in Charlotte. When incidents like these occur, it is important to see that the at-fault parties are held accountable. A Charlotte injury lawyer can help you following your accident.
How an Accident Attorney Can Help
The results of a car accident in Charlotte can be traumatic and far reaching, ranging from minor injuries to loss of loved ones. An attorney cannot reverse the effects of such a loss, but he or she can mitigate your discomfort by ensuring you have the money and resources to move forward and receive proper care.
After an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance claims adjusters will do everything in their power to ensure you are paid the smallest compensation possible. That amount is often nowhere near enough to cover the cost of hospital bills, follow-up care, auto repair, or pain and suffering. Even if you feel that you are receiving a fair amount, it would behoove you to speak with a legal professional.
An experienced car accident attorney in Charlotte, one familiar with state and local laws, can help you decide if the offer you are extended is reasonable, or if further compensation is worth pursuing.
First Steps to Take After a Car Accident
When you are in a car accident, there are a few steps that are essential to ensuring your physical well-being, and for building a case with your Charlotte car accident lawyers:
- Assess the situation. See if you or those are around you are all right and call the police.
- Seek medical help. Even if you appear to be fine, you may have severe internal injuries.
- If possible, move the vehicles to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and causing further accidents.
- Trade information. Exchange insurance information. Do not trade sensitive information such as your driver’s license number. It is not necessary for the process and may put you at risk for identity fraud.
- Take photos of the scene. If you have a camera or camera phone and are physically able, photographs depicting damage, road conditions and weather conditions may provide useful information for your attorney.
- Contact a reputable attorney.
Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. If you or a loved one is hurt, it is easy to become frightened and overwhelmed. It can be difficult to know how to proceed. However, it is important to act quickly. Personal injury cases do have statutes of limitations.
Also, the fresher the details are in your mind, the more easily you and your attorney can make your case. This will allow you to reach a settlement or verdict sooner and begin moving forward with your life.
Are Auto Accident Victims Required to Contact the Police?
Although it is not required to call the police in the event of the crash, doing so is beneficial for creating a legal record regarding the details of the accident and who may be at-fault. It is important that victims make sure to speak with the officer at the scene to obtain the number of the police report so that they could obtain it online. There may be some type of fee with acquiring this report, but it is important to have since it could have the opinion of the police officer regarding who is at-fault for the accident. If the victim cannot obtain this report online, they could also visit the Records Division located in the lobby of Charlotte’s Police Headquarters and would be free of charge. They could also visit any Division Office of the police department for help with obtaining this report.
Talk to a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney Today
Speaking with a car accident attorney in Charlotte as soon as possible can make all the difference. When you enlist a smart, compassionate, and knowledgeable advocate, you are in a better position to fight for yourself and obtain what is rightfully yours. The most important step you can take in an accident is to see to your physical well-being.
The second most important thing is seeing that you have the resources to do so. If you or a loved one has suffered property damage or injury in a Charlotte car accident, speak to one of our attorneys today.
