Kinston Car Accident Lawyer
While car accidents can vary greatly, from minor fender benders to accidents with several fatalities, almost every accident shares one common factor – that is someone bearing responsibility for causing the collision.
If you were involved in a car accident and believe another party is at fault, a Kinston car accident lawyer can help you determine whether you may have a valid personal injury claim. Call today to discuss your claim with an injury attorney in Kinston and what steps you can take.
What Types of Damages Could a Person Recover From an Auto Injury Claim?
The purpose of a car accident personal injury claim is to help make the victim “whole” again – at least from a financial standpoint. For some victims, this will simply mean obtaining compensation for their property damage. For others, it may mean reimbursement for medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and lost wages. If a victim is severely hurt or permanently disabled, the court may also consider the person’s diminished quality of life, loss of enjoyment and pursuit of certain goals, emotional trauma, and even the loss of future wages.
When a victim is killed, the person’s estate may seek compensation for their medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of the person’s financial and emotional support.
What are Punitive Damages?
If the responsible party’s conduct was especially dangerous, the court may even award punitive damages aimed at punishing the defendant and deterring future harmful actions. In certain circumstances, these damages may be capped.
Your Kinston car accident attorney can advise as to whether it might be beneficial for you to pursue punitive damages.
Common Types of Car Accidents
The Kinston car accident lawyers at our firm handles all types of car accidents, including, but not limited to:
- Reckless and aggressive driving
- Drunk-driving and DUI
- Unlicensed or underage drivers
- Uninsured and under-insured motorists
- Revoked and suspended licenses
- Racing and tailgating
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car crash, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights. First, it is critical that you obtain medical care right away, even if you do not believe you are injured. Some injuries may not immediately be apparent, but you will want your doctor to make a record of your condition following the accident.
Next, it is important to call the police. Some insurers require a police report, and this neutral record of the circumstances surrounding the accident may be necessary if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Finally, it is a good idea to preserve what evidence you can. Taking pictures of the scene of the accident, obtaining witness contact information, and noting the damage to all vehicles, drivers, and passengers could be beneficial for you and your Kinston car accident attorney in filing a claim.
Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
The doctrine of contributory negligence states that when a person contributes to his or her injury or damages in some way, he or she may be barred altogether from recovering compensation from the other party, even when the other party bears a much greater portion of the fault.
Most states have done away with the contributory negligence rule in favor of more proportionate recovery rules.
But in North Carolina, it is especially important that you work with an experienced car accident attorney in Kinston who is familiar with the ins and outs of the contributory negligence doctrine and can diligently prepare to combat any allegations that your conduct caused, even in-part, the accident that led to your injuries.
