If you sustained injuries in a car accident that was the other driver’s fault, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. However, filing a claim and taking on insurance companies alone isn’t just overwhelming, it is almost impossible to get the fair amount your case is worth. Instead, you need an experienced car accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC who will advocate for your best interests and work to get you the damages you deserve.
Attorney Harry H. Albritton is a car accident attorney with Irons & Irons P.A. and has the vast knowledge and experience you need as well as a track record for excellence in representing clients. Whether he is negotiating a settlement or litigating your case in court, he has your best interests and wellbeing as his leading priority, and because we know the challenges you’re facing during this difficult time, you only pay when your claim is paid.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Car accidents can happen at any time, and they are often caused by human error, specifically:
Reckless driving, like speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other vehicles;- Driving while distracted, such as texting while driving;
- Inexperienced drivers who are on the road alone;
- Failure to follow traffic laws;
- Driving while intoxicated;
- Fatigue which can dull reaction time;
Even accidents that seem to be no one’s fault may still be due to the negligence of the other driver. They may have defective vehicle equipment, such as worn brakes, or icy roads may make braking difficult. In these cases, the other driver can still be held accountable as they failed to keep their vehicle in road-safe condition or maintain a safe distance between them and your vehicle.
Common Injuries from Automobile Accidents
Car accident victims may suffer from a wide range of injuries, many of which cause permanent pain and disability. Our car accident lawyer represents clients who are working to recover from the following injuries:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns, cuts, or lacerations
- Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain and paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Following a car accident, it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong. Many back and neck injuries don’t reveal themselves for a few days or longer following the accident.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you are seeking compensation for expenses and lost income caused by your injury, having a car accident attorney by your side can help you secure a more favorable outcome. Insurance companies may offer a settlement, but rarely does it include ongoing treatment or pain and suffering. They may also try to show that you are partially to blame to absolve their client using the contributory negligence clause or drag out the claim so the statute of limitations runs out. Having a personal injury lawyer who can not only stand up to insurance companies but who will calculate exactly how much your case is worth can lead to improved results.
Contributory Negligence
North Carolina has a clause of pure contributory negligence when determining liability in a personal injury case and whether the plaintiff (victim) can receive damages. If the plaintiff contributed in any way to the accident or was in any way at fault, they are barred from receiving any compensation for their claim. The other driver must be 100 percent at fault.
For example, a driver is texting while behind the wheel and doesn’t see that you have slowed down. They collide with you from behind, resulting in you receiving back and neck injuries. Normally this would be the other driver’s fault.
However, if you had a brake light out, the jury may determine that you were slightly at fault for the accident, as the driver may have seen you had slowed down. Due to contributory negligence, you would be unable to receive damages.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim
We recommend consulting with a car accident attorney in Charlotte about your case as soon as possible due to the statute of limitations which limits how much time you have to file a civil suit. In North Carolina, a car accident victim has three years from when the accident occurs to file a claim for property damages and personal injuries. When the statute of limitations period ends for a claim, a judge can throw the case out and stop them from trying to collect damages. Often, insurance companies will intentionally attempt to run out the clock on the statute of limitations, absolving them of having to pay.
Choosing Irons & Irons P.A.
We know how hard it is to choose a car accident lawyer in Charlotte. At Irons & Irons P.A., we make each client a top priority, taking care to always walk them through the process, keeping them up-to-date on any changes, and answering questions as they arise. We understand that negotiations and court cases are stressful, but we’re by your side through the entire process, advocating for your rights, and fighting to secure compensation.
History of Success
We are dedicated to helping you get fair compensation and will fight relentlessly on your behalf to do so. Here are some examples of our verdicts for car accident injury cases:
$850,000 to a former airline pilot who suffered a head injury during a low-speed automobile accident.- $300,000 to a college student with orthopedic injuries sustained when his motorcycle was forced off the road by a negligent driver changing lanes.
- $100,000 to a client who suffered orthopedic injuries as the result of being struck by a driver who ran a stop sign.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Car Accident Lawyers
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Immediately after a vehicle collision, you should:
- Assess your health and wellness to check for injuries
- Dial 911 to report the accident.
- If possible, photograph the circumstances of the accident, like road conditions, traffic signs, and damage to the vehicle.
- Don’t give a statement to the other driver or the insurance company who could use your words against you.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible to check for injuries that may not be instantly felt, including disc issues in your back or whiplash.
- Call a car accident lawyer to discuss your options and your case.
Do I have to go to court if I file a personal injury claim?
Most of our car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company is not willing to negotiate a fair settlement, we would most likely take the case to trial.
What do I need to file a personal injury claim?
Collect as much information as you can, including:
- Contact information of the other driver;
- Contact information of any witnesses;
- Written explanation of your side of what happened (as soon as possible so it’s fresh in your mind);
- Photographs of the scene;
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
Your car insurance policy requires you to have underinsured or uninsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage in the case that an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault in a collision. There are limits to what they will pay under UIM, generally the amount of personal liability coverage.
I was offered a settlement — Should I take it?
Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests, so they may not offer you the full value of what your case is worth. It’s important to consult with a car accident attorney before accepting any kind of settlement.
I believe I was partially at fault for the accident — Can I still seek compensation?
Yes, because we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine fault, which is why it’s important to discuss your case with your car accident lawyer and avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company about your accident.
What can I be compensated for?
Damages can be for economic costs or non-economic costs, including:
- Hospital and medical costs already accrued;
- Estimated medical costs for future treatment (like physical therapy or continued treatments);
- Pain and suffering;
- Economic loss, like being unable to work;
- Punitive damages that specifically punish the defendant for particularly egregious actions.
I was in a car accident 8 months ago — Can I file a claim?
Yes, but you need to speak to a car accident attorney quickly as you have limited time to move forward due to the statute of limitations.
Can I seek compensation if I was the victim of a hit-and-run driver?
Yes, your claim would go through the uninsured motorist coverage of your car insurance policy. Make sure to have the following:
- A police report of the accident
- Photographs of the scene and of damages
- Contact information of eyewitnesses.
Schedule a Consultation with our Charlotte, NC Car Accident Lawyer
Attorney Albritton and the team at Irons & Irons P.A. are committed to providing strong legal representation to get you the damages you are owed. . Irons & Irons P.A. accepts car accident cases in Charlotte and the surrounding areas, including Gastonia, Concord, Mooresville, and Monroe. Call 252-215-3000 today or fill out the contact form below to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.
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