Car Accident

Auto accidents are an everyday occurrence in our society. Even a minor car accident can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health and those who depend on you.

After the Accident
Following some simple rules can help you and an attorney that you choose to assert and process your claim.

We suggest the following:

• Ensure that the auto accident is reported to the police.
• Attempt to obtain the other driver’s information including name, address and insurance. However, if the police respond to your call, they will obtain all information and it will be reflected in the accident report.
• Do not refuse medical attention if you need it. Go to the hospital or make an appointment with your family doctor.
• Contact an attorney for initial advice as soon as possible.

Common Mistakes

• Failure to seek proper medical treatment Many people who have been in an automobile accident do not go to the Emergency Room or see their family doctor right away because the effects are usually not immediately apparent. Besides having an adverse effect on your health, insurance companies and their lawyers frequently argue that because an injured person did not go to the emergency room, or seek medical treatment until several days or weeks after the accident, they are not really injured.
• Making statements to the other parties’ insurance company: Often the at-fault parties’ insurance company will have a representative contact you immediately after an automobile accident in order to obtain a recorded statement. Most people do not understand that the adjuster may craft his or her questions in a way to elicit a response that will later hurt your case.

Automobile accidents are the most common type of personal injury case
In the state of North Carolina as well as all other states, the law of negligence governs auto accident cases.

In short, if another driver fails to exercise a reasonable duty or care in operating their vehicle and that failure causes you injuries, you may file a claim to recover money damages from them. In general, you are entitled to recover the cost of your medical bills (whether you have health insurance or not), your lost wages and some amount for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering may include the value of your permanent injuries, such as scarring and permanent disability.

Your Auto Insurance
Many car and truck accidents are the fault of an uninsured (UM) or under-insured (UIM) motorist. Often times, you may be required to make a claim against your own insurance policy to protect yourself. This type of claim is called an uninsured motorist claim or an under-insured motorist claim (UM) or (UIM). Learn more about auto insurance claims.

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