Huntersville Car Accident Attorney

Turn to Our Experienced Legal Team for Help

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in the United States. The personal injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law understand the challenges that you face after a car accident and are here to help. We are dedicated to helping people who have been hurt in car accidents and are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients.

Contact us today at (980) 246-2656 to request a free case review.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you protect your right to compensation. After a car accident, make sure to take the following steps:

• Call the Police: You will need a police report to file an insurance claim. Calling the police also ensures that you will receive the medical attention that you need.
• Seek Medical Attention: You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you do not believe that you are seriously hurt. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, and a doctor will be able to identify them.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should avoid discussing the details of the accident with the insurance adjuster until after you have spoken to an attorney.
• Start a File: You should keep all documents related to the car accident in one file, including copies of the police report, your medical bills, and any correspondence with the insurance company.

After a car accident, you may be wondering how a car accident lawyer can help you. The personal injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law can help you in many ways, including:

• Helping you understand your legal options
• Investigating your accident to determine who is at fault
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
• Filing a lawsuit against the responsible party
• Representing you in court

Our attorneys understand how the insurance companies operate and know the tactics that they use to try to pay you as little as possible for your claim. We will fight to make sure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, inclement weather, and poor road conditions. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. A driver is considered distracted if they take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off of driving. One of the most common causes of distracted driving is texting while driving.
• Drunk driving: Drunk driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. When a driver is impaired by alcohol, they are more likely to make poor decisions and they may not be able to react in time to avoid an accident.
• Speeding: Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents in the United States. A driver who is traveling at a high rate of speed is more likely to lose control of their vehicle and they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Poor weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make it difficult for a driver to see the road and make it harder to stop in time to avoid a collision. A driver who fails to adjust their driving to the weather conditions may be held liable if they cause an accident.
• Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes or missing sign, can make it difficult for a driver to travel safely. The government agency responsible for maintaining the roads may be held liable if a car accident is caused by poor road conditions.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe, and some can even be life-threatening. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury that is often caused by a car accident. The symptoms of whiplash may not appear until a few days after the accident, and they can last for months. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries can be painful and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Broken bones: Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. A broken bone can be painful and may require surgery to repair.
• Head injuries: A head injury can range from a minor concussion to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A head injury can be life-threatening and may require extensive medical treatment.
• Back injuries: Back injuries are often caused by a car accident, and they can be serious. A back injury can lead to chronic pain and may require extensive medical treatment.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you believe that you are not seriously injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, and a doctor will be able to identify them.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will be barred from filing a claim and from recovering compensation for your injuries.

Because the statute of limitations is so strict, it is important to speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney will be able to help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and make sure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

One of the most common questions that car accident victims have is how much their claim is worth. The value of a car accident claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries and the impact that the injuries have on the victim’s life.

In general, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Because each car accident claim is unique, it can be difficult to estimate how much your claim is worth without speaking to a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will be able to analyze the facts of your case and give you an estimate of how much your claim is worth.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

You should not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first speaking to a car accident lawyer. The insurance company will likely offer you a lowball settlement offer, in the hopes that you will accept it and sign away your right to further compensation.

An attorney will be able to review the settlement offer and help you determine if it is fair. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.

What If the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. Many insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your injuries if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required in the state of North Carolina, but many people have this coverage. If you are unsure if you have this coverage, you should contact your insurance company to find out.

Call for a Consultation with a Huntersville Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Shane Smith Law, we are committed to helping people who have been hurt in car accidents and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. We have the resources and experience that it takes to win even the most complex car accident cases, so you can trust that your case will be in good hands.

To schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer, call our office today at (980) 246-2656 or fill out our online contact form.