Experienced Durham Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been in a car crash in Durham, NC, you probably have a lot on your mind. From physical injuries to emotional stress, financial burdens, and dealing with insurance companies, it can all feel overwhelming. That’s where NC Car Accident Lawyers comes in.
Hiring a trusted Durham car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Durham, NC
The moments after a car wreck can be chaotic, stressful, and frightening. However, knowing what steps to take can help protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do after a car accident.
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Care
First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to move them unless there’s immediate danger.
Even if injuries seem minor, get medical attention. Some symptoms may appear hours or even days later. Medical documentation is vital for proving that the auto accident caused your injuries.
Call the Police
No matter how minor the accident seems, you should always contact the police and request an officer to come to the scene. A police report is key evidence in any car accident case and can help determine who was at fault.
Exchange Information
You’ll need to exchange names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers with the other driver(s) involved. Be sure to get the license plate number and the make and model of each vehicle.
Document the Scene and Speak to Witnesses
If it’s safe, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can be valuable when building your case.
Do Not Admit Fault
It’s natural to want to apologize or say something polite after a crash, but be careful about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could later be used against you. Stick to the facts when talking to the police and other drivers.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can, but again, be cautious with your words. It’s best to stick to the basics and avoid offering opinions about who caused the crash until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Durham Car Accident Attorney
One of the most important steps is to get in touch with a knowledgeable Durham car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you avoid common mistakes after an accident and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Durham Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But the process of proving fault and recovering damages is rarely simple. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or even deny valid claims. That’s where an experienced Durham car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Gathering Evidence for a Strong Case
A skilled lawyer knows what evidence is needed to support your claim. This includes police reports, medical records, accident scene photos, witness statements, and, when necessary, expert testimony.
We will search for traffic camera footage of the collision. If distracted driving is suspected, we’ll request a subpoena to obtain the other driver’s phone records.
Settlement Negotiation
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court, but getting a fair settlement isn’t easy without legal help. Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements that don’t fully cover your medical expenses or lost income. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and push back against unfair offers to ensure your needs are met.
Representation in a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your Durham car accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. This includes filing the lawsuit, handling all legal procedures, representing you at trial, and arguing your case in front of a judge and jury. We’re not afraid to fight in court if that’s what it takes to get you justice.
What Compensation Can Auto Accident Victims Recover?
The damages from a car accident can go far beyond just fixing your vehicle. Victims often face medical bills, time off work, emotional trauma, and more. If someone else was responsible for the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for these and other losses.
Our Durham car accident lawyers understand the ins and outs of North Carolina personal injury law. We will ensure no expense or hardship is overlooked and fight to maximize your financial recovery.
Medical Bills
Medical treatment after a car accident can be expensive, especially if you need surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care. Compensation can cover current and future medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital stays, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Potential
You can recover compensation for lost wages if you miss work while recovering. In cases of long-term disability, your lawyer can seek damages for the lost income you would have earned in the future if the accident hadn’t happened.
Property Damage
Vehicle repairs or replacements are typically part of a car accident claim. Your lawyer can also help recover the cost of any personal property damaged in the crash, such as a cell phone, laptop, or child car seat.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. A car accident can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. You may experience chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, or depression as a result of the crash. A Durham car accident lawyer can include pain and suffering as part of your claim to reflect the full impact of your injuries.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme carelessness or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Durham, NC
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but most collisions are caused by driver error. Understanding the most common causes can help you stay safe and know what to look for after a crash.
- Distracted driving: Using a phone, eating, or doing anything that takes attention off the road is one of the top causes of accidents in Durham.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit makes it harder to stop in time and increases the force of a crash.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol slows reaction time and affects judgment, leading to serious and often deadly accidents.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive behavior like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring other drivers puts everyone at risk.
- Drowsy driving: Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, especially on long stretches of road or at night.
- Disobeying traffic laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, or not using turn signals can cause unexpected and avoidable collisions.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads can make it harder to see, steer, and stop safely.
- Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
What If I’m Partly Responsible for a Car Accident?
Unlike most states, North Carolina has a strict contributory negligence rule for car accident claims. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be disqualified from recovering any compensation.
This can be extremely harsh, especially for victims who suffered serious injuries but played only a small role in the accident. For example, if you were slightly speeding or failed to use a turn signal, the other driver’s insurance company might use that to deny your claim.
This is why it’s so important to have an experienced Durham car accident lawyer on your side. Insurance companies look for ways to shift even a small amount of blame onto the victim, knowing it could eliminate their financial responsibility. Our legal team will carefully investigate the crash, gather strong evidence, and build a case showing that the other driver was at fault.
How Much Does a Durham Car Accident Attorney Cost?
One of the most common concerns people have is the cost of hiring a Durham car accident lawyer. The good news is that at NC Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Instead of charging hourly fees or requiring a retainer, we take a percentage of the settlement or court award we secure for you. If we don’t recover any money for you, you owe us nothing. This arrangement allows anyone, regardless of their financial situation, to access high-quality legal representation without taking on more financial risk.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina G.S. 1-52, you usually have three years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit for your injuries or damage. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
If you don’t take legal action within that three-year window, you could lose your chance to get money for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once the deadline passes, the court will most likely refuse to hear your case.
There are a few exceptions. If the person hurt in the crash was a minor (under 18 years old), the three-year countdown doesn’t start until they turn 18, giving them until they’re 21 to file. In the tragic case of a fatal car crash, the family or estate has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Because these deadlines can sneak up on you, it’s critical to talk to a Durham car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can make sure everything is filed on time and help protect your rights every step of the way.
Contact NC Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
After a car accident in Durham, NC, you don’t have to go through the process alone. Our legal team is here to handle the paperwork, deal with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests, all while you focus on healing.
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we take pride in providing compassionate, personalized service to every client we represent. We have helped many accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, and we’re ready to help you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, don’t wait. Call 864-561-6247 or contact our law firm online for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and answer your questions.
