Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys

Our North Carolina Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You Fight for the Compensation You Need 

For many North Carolinians, driving is a regular part of their daily routine, helping them get to and from work, church, and social functions; shuttle their children between school and activities; and run errands. American motorists are spending more and more time on the road, and North Carolina residents are no exception. Unfortunately, the more time motorists spend behind the wheel, the greater their chances of being involved in an auto accident.

After a car crash, accident victims may find themselves seriously injured, facing a long road to recovery, and inundated with unexpected medical bills—all while being unable to work due to their injuries. This can be a difficult and stressful situation, leading many auto accident victims to wonder if they'll be able to provide for themselves and their families.

If you're suffering physically and financially after being injured in a car accident caused by another person or entity's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call (980) 246-2656 to learn how Shane Smith Law can help.

Important Auto Accident Statistics

• Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that the average U.S. motorist travels nearly 11,000 miles—and for more than 290 hours—each year.
• An estimated 4.6 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2016, according to the National Security Council (NSC).
• NSC statistics show as many as 40,000 people died in auto accidents in 2016, which represents a 6% increase from the previous year and a 14% jump since 2014.
• In North Carolina, nearly 267,500 motor vehicle crashes were reported to law enforcement in 2016, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
• More than 130,000 people were injured in North Carolina auto accidents in 2016.
• NCDOT research shows that auto accident fatalities rose 4.4 % in 2016 to 1,441 deaths.

Common Types of Car Crashes in North Carolina

Our firm handles personal injury cases involving many different types of auto accidents, including:

• ​DUI accidents
• Distracted driving crashes
• Drowsy driving accidents
• Drugged driving wrecks
• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone or side-impact crashes
• Single-vehicle wrecks
• Rollover accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Collisions with motorcycles
• Collisions with trucks
• Collisions with bicycles
• Collisions with pedestrians
• Fatal accidents

North Carolina Car Accident Laws

North Carolina follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the person at fault for causing the accident is responsible for the resulting damages.

All state drivers are required to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage limits:

• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. However, if you can prove the other party was entirely at fault, you can seek compensation for your losses.

State law mandates that you report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles within 24 hours.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Traffic in Charlotte

Traffic in Charlotte can vary significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and ongoing construction projects. Generally, Charlotte experiences heavy traffic during peak commuting hours, particularly on weekdays in the mornings and evenings. However, congestion can also occur throughout the day due to the city's growing population and expanding urban development.

Here are some common highways and roads in Charlotte where car accidents frequently occur:

• Interstate 77 (I-77): I-77 runs north-south through Charlotte, connecting the city with neighboring states like South Carolina. Common accident areas include stretches near downtown Charlotte, especially during rush hours.
• Interstate 85 (I-85): I-85 also runs north-south, intersecting with I-77 and providing important connections to cities like Atlanta and Greensboro. Accident hotspots often occur near major interchanges and construction zones.
• Interstate 485 (I-485): I-485 forms a loop around Charlotte, serving as a vital beltway for local traffic and commuters. Accidents can occur along various sections of I-485, especially during high-traffic times.
• Independence Boulevard (US-74): Independence Boulevard is a major east-west arterial road connecting uptown Charlotte with suburban areas. Accidents frequently occur at intersections and along stretches with heavy commercial and residential development.
• Providence Road: Providence Road is a busy north-south thoroughfare, especially in affluent neighborhoods like Myers Park. Accidents may occur at intersections and during peak traffic times.
• South Tryon Street: South Tryon Street is another north-south corridor, passing through uptown Charlotte and extending southward. Accidents are common along this route due to high traffic volumes and numerous intersections.

Resources Available After Car Accidents

There are several local resources you can contact in the event of a car accident:

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD): Call 911 immediately after an accident to report the incident. The police will arrive at the scene to document the accident and provide assistance.
• Charlotte Fire Department (CFD): In case of injuries or if there's a fire hazard, you can contact the fire department by dialing 911. They can provide medical assistance and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS): If there are any injuries, call 911 to request an ambulance. EMS will provide medical care and transport injured individuals to the nearest hospital.
• Mecklenburg County Health Department: They may provide support or information regarding medical services, especially if there are concerns about infectious diseases or public health issues resulting from the accident.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): You'll likely need to report the accident to the DMV, especially if there's significant damage to the vehicles involved. They can provide guidance on what steps you need to take regarding insurance and vehicle documentation.
• Local Towing Services: Have contact information for local towing companies handy in case your vehicle needs to be towed from the accident scene. Some insurance policies also offer towing services, so it's good to check if you're covered.
• Legal Aid Organizations or Lawyers: If there are legal issues arising from the accident, such as determining fault or seeking compensation, you may want to contact a local legal aid organization or a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents.
• Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and initiate the claims process. They can guide you through the necessary steps and provide assistance in handling the aftermath of the accident.

How Our Firm Can Help

In the aftermath of a car accident in Charlotte, navigating the complexities of insurance claims, proving liability, and securing fair compensation can be overwhelming. At Shane Smith Law, we understand the challenges you face, and we're here to help.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys is dedicated to advocating for your rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your car accident claim. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward with confidence.

Contact us by calling (980) 246-2656 today, and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to schedule your consultation appointment.