Gastonia Car Accident Lawyer

Helping Car Accident Injury Victims in Gastonia

Car accidents can leave victims with serious, life-altering injuries. If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Shane Smith Law, our Gastonia car accident lawyer can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Our firm is committed to helping injured individuals and their families in Gastonia and the surrounding areas. We have extensive experience handling car accident claims and have achieved millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

Our Gastonia car accident attorney can help you navigate the confusing and often complex legal process. We are prepared to fight for you both in settlement negotiations and at trial. While we are compassionate and understanding with our clients, we are aggressive and relentless with the opposing side.

Call (980) 246-2656 or online today to schedule a free initial consultation with our car accident lawyer in Gastonia.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gastonia

Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons. In some cases, they are caused by driver error or negligence. In others, they are caused by defective auto parts or dangerous roadways. In many situations, car accidents are the result of a combination of factors.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Road defects
• Defective auto parts
• Poor weather conditions

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from relatively minor to severe to fatal. In some cases, they may not be immediately apparent. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash, even if you do not think you were injured. Some injuries do not cause symptoms right away but can worsen over time if left untreated.

Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Lacerations and cuts
• Bruises and contusions
• Internal injuries
• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Burn injuries

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident, take the following steps:

• Call 911: If you were involved in a car accident, it is important to call the police and report the crash. The police will come to the scene, conduct an investigation, and create an official accident report. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your records.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you were injured, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries do not cause symptoms right away but can worsen over time if left untreated. A doctor can evaluate you for hidden injuries and create an official record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to file a claim.
• Document the accident: After a car accident, it is important to document the crash and your injuries. Be sure to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries. If there were any eyewitnesses to the crash, be sure to get their names and contact information. You should also write down your own account of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: Most auto insurance policies require you to report any accident to the insurance company within a certain time frame. Be sure to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, do not provide any written or recorded statements to the insurance company, and do not accept a settlement offer without first speaking to our Gastonia car accident lawyer. The insurance company is not on your side and may try to take advantage of you.
• Call a car accident lawyer: After a car accident, it is important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Gastonia. Our firm can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In North Carolina, car accident victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Types of Damages in a Car Accident Claim

In a car accident claim, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses that can be easily calculated. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and are intended to compensate you for intangible losses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or egregious.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Shane Smith Law, we understand that car accident injuries can have a significant impact on your life. Our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation you need.

When you choose our firm, we will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident and gather all available evidence
• Work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and others to build your case
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf
• Prepare your case for trial and aggressively represent you in court, if necessary

Our Gastonia car accident lawyer is available to answer your questions and address your concerns. We provide personalized legal services and can help you understand your rights and options every step of the way.

Call our firm at (980) 246-2656 to learn how we can help you with your car accident claim.