At Shipman & Wright, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on victims and their families. Our dedicated team of Fayetteville car accident attorneys is committed to providing effective representation. With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, damages, and losses. Our approach combines personalized attention with aggressive advocacy, leveraging the evidence to maximize your outcome. Let us be your guide and advocate through this challenging time so we can secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Shipman & Wright in a Fayetteville Car Accident Claim
Choosing Shipman & Wright in your Fayetteville car accident claim means choosing a firm that brings a blend of local knowledge, personalized attention, and a proven track record of success to your case. Here are key reasons to consider Shipman & Wright as your legal representative:
- Local Knowledge: Our Fayetteville car accident lawyers understand the intricacies of Fayetteville’s roads, and traffic patterns, including the legal landscape of local regulations.
- Personalized Attention: Every car accident and its subsequent impact is unique. Shipman & Wright prioritizes a personalized approach for our clients so that your specific circumstances, needs, and objectives are fully understood and addressed.
- Extensive Experience: With decades of collective experience in handling car accident claims since 1980, our Fayetteville personal injury attorneys have the knowledge to handle all car accident claims. We let our track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients speak for itself.
- Comprehensive Support: Shipman & Wright provides comprehensive support to address all aspects of your claim, including assistance with medical bills, negotiations for fair compensation, and guidance on dealing with insurance adjusters.
- No Upfront Costs: Shipman & Wright operates on a contingency fee basis meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Our approach aligns our success with yours.
How an Attorney Assists in a Fayetteville Car Accident Claim
Having an attorney by your side after a car accident in Fayetteville can significantly improve the outcome of your claim. At Shipman & Wright, our approach to assisting clients is with support and advocacy from start to finish. Here’s how our Fayetteville car accident lawyers will assist you:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: From the outset, we offer a free detailed initial consultation to understand the specifics of your accident. This step is crucial for evaluating the strength of your claim and outlining a strategic plan tailored to your situation.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will gather all necessary evidence to prove your claim, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available surveillance footage.
- Expert Collaboration: We have access to a network of experts, including medical professionals, accident reconstruction analysts, and financial experts, who can provide critical insights and testimony to support your claim.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: Our Fayetteville car accident attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies to make sure you don’t settle for less than what your claim is worth.
- Legal Strategy and Representation: Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or needs to be taken to court, Shipman & Wright provides strategic legal representation tailored to the specifics of your claim.
Insurance Requirements in Fayetteville Car Accident Claim
North Carolina’s insurance requirements are outlined under General Statute § 20-279.21:
“§ 20‑279.21. “Motor vehicle liability policy” defined. (a) A “motor vehicle liability policy” as said term is used in this Article shall mean an owner’s or an operator’s policy of liability insurance, certified as provided in G.S. 20‑279.19 or 20‑279.20 as proof of financial responsibility, and issued, except as otherwise provided in G.S. 20‑279.20, by an insurance carrier duly authorized to transact business in this State, to or for the benefit of the person named therein as insured. (b) Except as provided in G.S. 20‑309(a2), such owner’s policy of liability insurance: (1) Shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all motor vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby to be granted; (2) Shall insure the person named therein and any other person, as insured, using any such motor vehicle or motor vehicles with the express or implied permission of such named insured, or any other persons in lawful possession, against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of such motor vehicle or motor vehicles within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada subject to limits exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each such motor vehicle, as follows: thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident”
In plain English, what this translates into is that all drivers must carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $30,000 for bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury coverage per accident when multiple people are injured
- $25,000 for property damage coverage per accident
These requirements are designed to ensure that all drivers have a basic level of protection in the event of an accident. Knowing the minimum insurance requirements is crucial in formulating legal strategies for car accident claims. It informs the negotiation process with insurance companies and guides the decision on whether to settle within the policy limits or to pursue further compensation through litigation. The limits set expectations on what compensation might be realistically obtained from the at-fault party’s insurer and help in making informed decisions about accepting settlement offers. While the mandated minimums offer some level of financial security, they may not fully cover the total costs associated with more severe accidents. At Shipman & Wright, we use this information to advise our clients on the best course of action, whether it’s pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer, utilizing underinsured motorist coverage, or exploring other compensation mechanisms.
Damages in a Fayetteville Car Accident Claim
In a Fayetteville car accident claim, understanding the types of damages that can be recovered is important for anyone involved in an accident. North Carolina law allows for the recovery of various damages that typically fall into economic and non-economic categories.
Economic Damages are quantifiable costs directly resulting from the accident. Economic damages aim to cover the financial losses the injured party has incurred or will incur. They include:
- Medical Expenses: This can range from emergency services at the scene, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatments related to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time the injured person could not work due to their injuries. It also covers loss of earning capacity if the individual cannot return to the same level of work as before the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for non-financial losses related to the accident, which can be more difficult to quantify:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident. This can include ongoing discomfort, fear, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to the spouse or family members of the injured party for the loss of companionship, affection, assistance, and sexual relationship due to the injuries.
Contact Our Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Fayetteville car accident, securing legal representation is a critical step towards safeguarding your rights. Our Fayetteville car accident lawyers will help you deal with the injuries and financial strains of your legal claims. With a deep commitment to our clients and a thorough understanding of North Carolina car accident laws, our team is equipped to navigate the challenges of your case effectively. Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Call Shipman & Wright today to schedule a consultation with our Fayetteville car accident attorneys who will fight for your rights every step of the way. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you in your Fayetteville car accident claim.