Concord Car Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Car Accident in Concord, NC?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Concord, NC, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and the pain and trauma of the accident, it can feel like an uphill battle. At Shane Smith Law, we understand the challenges you're facing and are here to help. As your trusted Concord car accident lawyer, we fight tirelessly to ensure our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Call (980) 246-2656 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen in the following ways:

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents and are often caused by following too closely or distracted driving. These accidents frequently result in whiplash and other neck injuries for the driver and passengers in the vehicle that is struck.
• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents): Side-impact collisions occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, often at intersections or due to traffic violations. Injuries from T-bone accidents can be severe, especially for passengers on the impacted side of the vehicle.
• Head-On Collisions: Although less common, head-on collisions often lead to serious or fatal injuries. These accidents typically happen when a driver crosses the centerline or enters the wrong lane.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers often involve larger vehicles, such as SUVs, and are commonly caused by sharp turns at high speeds or by striking a curb or guardrail. These accidents can be catastrophic and are more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Involving three or more vehicles, these accidents are particularly dangerous because they involve multiple impacts and may obstruct emergency responders from reaching victims quickly. Determining fault in these cases can be complex.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in North Carolina:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. This includes texting, using a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or any activity that diverts attention from the road.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes and can make accidents more severe when they occur. Excessive speed is a significant contributor to accidents on highways and rural roads alike.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of severe accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other adverse weather conditions make roads slippery and reduce visibility, often leading to accidents. Poor weather demands extra caution, and drivers can be held liable if they fail to adjust to conditions.
• Failure to Yield or Running Red Lights: Disregarding traffic signals or failing to yield is a common cause of side-impact collisions, especially at intersections.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued driving impairs concentration and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence. Many serious accidents are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel, especially during late-night or early-morning hours.

North Carolina Car Accident Laws

North Carolina is a "fault" state for car accidents. This means that the driver who is determined to be at fault for causing the accident is financially responsible for any resulting damages. In North Carolina, injured parties can pursue compensation by:

• Filing a claim with their own insurance company, which will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer.
• Filing a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

The state also follows a "pure contributory negligence" rule, which is particularly strict. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This can make it challenging to secure compensation, especially if the other party or their insurer tries to assign partial blame to you.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is three years from the date of the accident. If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, you generally have two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering any compensation.

North Carolina requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance, including:

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

North Carolina also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect drivers if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

How Shane Smith Law Can Help with Your Car Accident Claim

Navigating a car accident claim can be complex, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries and financial strain. Shane Smith Law provides comprehensive support throughout the entire claims process.

Here's how we can help:

• Investigating the Accident: We gather crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our team will reconstruct the accident scene if necessary to identify all responsible parties and support your claim.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. We communicate directly with the insurance companies on your behalf to protect your interests and fight for fair compensation.
• Building a Strong Case for Compensation: We calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other accident-related costs, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Negotiating Settlements and Litigation: While we strive to resolve cases through settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our attorneys have extensive experience in litigation and will present a strong case on your behalf.

To schedule a free case review, contact us today at (980) 246-2656.