If you have been involved in a car accident in Raleigh, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between recovering full compensation for your injuries and financial losses or nothing at all. At Shipman & Wright, we are committed to helping you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer.
Why Work With Shipman & Wright
- No Win, No Fee: You will not pay us a legal fee unless we win compensation for you.
- A Free Consultation: Start with a free case evaluation to discuss your options without any financial obligation.
- Our Experienced Legal Team: Our Raleigh personal injury attorneys bring years of successful practice in car accident litigation, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome.
Understanding Car Accident Claims
A car accident can lead to severe personal injuries, impacting your life and livelihood. The consequences can be long-lasting, often requiring substantial compensation. Unfortunately, however, auto insurance companies typically aim to minimize their payouts. Claimants represented by experienced attorneys like those at Shipman & Wright generally recover significantly more compensation than those without legal representation, highlighting the importance of experienced legal guidance in these cases.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Raleigh
Understanding the cause of a car accident is the first step in assigning liability and holding the at-fault party accountable for the resulting damages:
- Speeding: Drivers exceeding speed limits contribute to the frequency and severity of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, calling, or engaging in other distractions that divert their attention from the road is currently the leading cause of car accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s abilities, increasing the risk of drunk driving accidents in Raleigh.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections or while merging often cause accidents to occur.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction, leading to car and truck accidents in Raleigh.
How Liability for a Car Accident is Established in North Carolina
Establishing liability for a car accident in North Carolina primarily revolves around proving negligence. This involves showing that someone’s lack of reasonable care directly caused the accident. Important aspects include:
- Determining Fault: A thorough investigation to gather important evidence collection is crucial to establishing who is legally at fault for a car accident.
- Violations of Traffic Laws: Evidence that a party violated traffic laws can strongly support claims of negligence.
- Contributory Negligence: North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence rule may prevent you from recovering any compensation if you are found even minimally at fault. (N.C. General Statutes, Chapter 1, sections 1-139)
Compensation For a Car Accident
In North Carolina, victims of car accidents can seek various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case:
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the costs to repair or replace a damaged vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of egregious negligence to punish the wrongdoer.
The Statute of Limitations For Car Accident Claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a car accident claim must be filed within three years of the date of the accident, as per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52. This statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit, although certain conditions may shorten or lengthen this timeframe. It is also important to note that while the statute of limitations determines the deadline for filing a lawsuit in court, an insurance claim should be initiated much sooner to ensure the best possible outcome. Starting early will also give your Raleigh car accident attorney a better chance to obtain and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong case.
How a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Hiring a skilled Raleigh car accident attorney offers numerous benefits, including:
- Help with navigating the legal complexities
- A greater chance of maximizing your compensation
- We will negotiate with the liable insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you are not taken advantage of
- We will manage all the necessary paperwork and deadlines effectively.
- If necessary, our Raleigh car accident lawyers will provide you with robust representation in court.
Contact Shipman & Wright for an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Raleigh
Do not navigate the aftermath of a car accident alone. Reach out to Shipman & Wright for compassionate and competent legal guidance. Our experienced Raleigh car accident lawyers are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards recovering the compensation you need and deserve.