If you or a loved one received injuries in an automobile accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to get a more favorable outcome in your case, you need an experienced car accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC who will advocate for your rights and work hard to get you the settlement you deserve.
Attorney Harry H. Albritton is a car accident attorney with Irons & Irons P.A. who has the knowledge and experience to navigate your case. With a well-earned reputation for excellence, you can feel confident that your best interests and wellbeing are his top priority. Because we understand that you’re dealing with medical debts and a loss of income, we don’t collect any fees until you receive your compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Raleigh
Human error is the most common cause of car accidents in Raleigh, specifically:
- Reckless driving, including 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;
If your accident was due to poor roads or mechanical failure the driver who didn’t keep their vehicle at a safe distance or in road-safe conditions may be held accountable.
Common Injuries from Automobile Accidents
Car accidents can cause numerous types of injuries, many of which lead to chronic pain and permanent disability. Our car accident lawyer represents clients who experienced 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
After a car collision, you should seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t believe you were injured. Many people don’t realize they have back, head, or neck injuries for several days or longer following the accident.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are more concerned with profits than people. If you are seeking financial compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, or medical treatment, working with a car accident attorney can help you secure a more favorable outcome. They often try to offer minimal settlements, put the fault of the wreck on you, or they may work intentionally slowly to run out the statute of limitations.
Contributory Negligence
For civil cases, including personal injury, North Carolina determines whether a plaintiff can receive compensation based on pure contributory negligence. If the plaintiff is found to be in any way at fault for the collision, damages will not be awarded. The other driver must be 100 percent at fault.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim
The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a civil suit. In North Carolina, a car accident victim only has three years from when the accident occurs to file a claim for property damages and personal injuries. This may seem like ample time, but negotiations with insurance companies may stall or lag, especially if you aren’t represented by a car accident lawyer. When the statute of limitations period runs out, a judge can remove the case, closing the door on your opportunity to get justice.
Choosing Irons & Irons P.A.
Choosing a car accident attorney in Raleigh is difficult. At Irons & Irons P.A., we limit the number of cases we take in order to focus more personalized attention and ensure every case is our top priority. We see clients beyond what their case is worth and strive to work with you as an individual. Our team will walk you through the process and what to expect, help you set goals, and keep you up to date on how the case is progressing. We understand that the negotiation process or court case is overwhelming and stressful, but we’re by your side through the entire process, advocating for your best interests and fighting to secure compensation.
History of Success
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 right after a car accident?
Immediately after a crash, you should:
- Assess your health and wellness to check for injuries
- Dial 911 to report the accident.
- If possible, take pictures of 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.
- Do seek medical treatment quickly 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 need to go to court if I file a personal injury claim?
Most of our car accident claims are settled outside of court. However, if the insurance company will not 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 is uninsured?
Your car insurance policy makes underinsured or uninsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage mandatory in the case that an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault in a collision. While limits are placed on the amount paid under UIM, generally the amount of personal liability coverage.
I was offered a settlement — Should I take it?
Insurance companies are looking out for their profits, 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?
Financial compensation can be for economic costs or non-economic costs, including:
- Hospital and medical costs already owed;
- Estimated medical costs for future treatment (like physical therapy or at-home nursing care);
- Pain and suffering;
- 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh and the surrounding areas, including Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, and Apex. Call 252-888-5164 today or fill out the contact form below to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.
Contact Us Today!