Establishing Negligence in Jacksonville Car Accident Cases
One main factor that moves liability one way or another is how both parties were driving when the accident occurred. North Carolina state laws set out rules for motor vehicles to drive with reasonable care in different circumstances while on the road. Following too closely, failing to yield the right of way and driving while impaired are examples of someone violating this framework while driving. Courts may also look at whether the at-fault driver was keeping a lookout, driving at an excessive speed, being wary of their surroundings, and if they were making improper lane changes. An experienced car wreck attorney could use this information when establishing negligence in Jacksonville car accident cases.
What is Contributory Negligence?
Jacksonville is, under North Carolina state law, a contributory negligence jurisdiction. Contributory negligence establishes that if the injured person any degree at fault for the accident, they can be completely barred from receiving any compensation, regardless of how negligent the other driver was in comparison. This policy is one of the reasons why hiring an attorney so early in the process can be beneficial. A skilled attorney could fight on an individual’s behalf to establish negligence in a Jacksonville car wreck claim.
Steps to Take After a Car Wreck
Following a car crash, it is critical for the injured victim to avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking to an attorney. It is also important to be cooperative and willing to speak with law enforcement or any police officers who arrive at the scene.
Car wreck victims should seek medical care as soon as possible. In some cases, the injury might not be immediately apparent but they should still get check out by a medical professional. Adrenaline can be high following a crash, so the individual may not realize that a part of their body is injured. Following a motor vehicle wreck, they should see a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible because it can hurt their case the longer that they wait to get checked out. The prognosis is generally better the sooner an injured individual seeks medical care and can help the timeline of their case. Medical treatment could also help as evidence for establishing negligence in Jacksonville car accident cases.
Gathering Evidence
Someone who is involved in a car accident should document everything relating to the incident. They can do this by taking photographs of their vehicle, their injuries, writing in their calendar days that they missed work, activities they had to miss, and other ways that this wreck affected their life. Months and years down the road, when it may be time to resolve the case, it can be harder to remember those details. A seasoned lawyer could help an injured victim with gathering evidence promptly.
Importance of Contacting an Attorney Early On
It is essential for someone injured in a car accident to contact an attorney early on in their case. There is a three-year statute of limitations, so the longer someone waits to contact a lawyer, the less time they have to work on their case. An attorney also could preserve physical evidence, hire experts to go out to the scene of the wreck, use the crash report, and take photographs to help establish liability in a Jacksonville car accident case.
If the lawyer is involved earlier, that means the injured victim is getting the help they need sooner. The lawyer may be able to get medical records and better understand what ongoing treatment may be necessary. An attorney may also be able to consult with life care planners if the individual experienced a catastrophic injury.
Call to Learn More About Establishing Liability in Jacksonville Car Accident Cases
Going through the legal process without a trained professional can be daunting and overwhelming. Luckily, injured victims have the optional to seek advice from an attorney. If you were injured in a car wreck, reach out to a skilled lawyer to learn more about establishing negligence in Jacksonville car accident cases. They may be able to help you build your case and receive compensation for your injuries.
