Waynesville Car Accident Lawyer

Waynesville Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a car accident can be a truly terrifying experience. Car accidents are common across the country, and they can range anywhere from a minor inconvenience during your day to a catastrophic moment that changes your life. In the event of a car accident, it is absolutely vital that you take the necessary steps to protect not only yourself but any future accident claim that you may want to file. Reach out to an Waynesville, NC, car accident lawyer to learn what your options are.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Pursuing legal action after a car accident is not always easy. An experienced car accident lawyer can assess the strength of your case and figure out the most effective course of action for pursuing a personal injury claim. In addition, it is important to remember that the statute of limitations for a car accident claim in North Carolina is three years. This means that you will have three years from the date of your initial injury to start building a case and file a claim for compensation.

It is also important to note that North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws could prevent you from seeking compensatory damages if you are found to be even slightly responsible for the accident. If you are at all worried that you could lose out on compensation due to contributory negligence, you should speak to your lawyer about it. They can provide you with a plan of action and inform you of your chances.

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. It can be hard to recall certain steps that you should follow. Car accidents can take their toll on your mental health as well as your physical well-being. Be sure to take the following steps if you want to keep your accident claim secure for when it comes time to file:

• Do Not Panic: Upon being in a car accident, your first instinct may be to panic. Try your hardest not to do this, as panicking can only make your situation worse and more confusing. It may seem impossible at the time, but take a few deep breaths, calm yourself, and assess your situation. When you have calmed down, you can start checking yourself for any obvious injuries.
• Check for Injuries: It is important that you start checking yourself for injuries quickly. If you are severely injured, time may be of the essence. Check yourself for any bloody wet spots, bruises, sprains, and protrusions. If you have any passengers in the car, check them for injuries as well.
• Call 911: As soon as you are physically able to do so, you should contact the authorities and get them to the accident site. Having police officers and EMTs on the scene may make you feel a little better about everything that’s happened. Be sure to get yourself checked out by the EMTs once they arrive, and be totally honest with the police about what happened.
• Move Your Car: If you are physically able to do so, you may want to consider moving your car out of the road and onto the side. The last thing you want to do is accidentally cause another accident because your wrecked car was sitting in the way of oncoming traffic. If you are too injured to move or the car is too damaged, don’t worry about it.
• Document the Scene: When the police have given you the all-clear, you can start documenting the scene of the accident for your own records. Be sure to take clear photos of all the damage done to your vehicle and/or property, the conditions of the road, and your injuries. Be sure to speak with any witnesses and get their contact information.
• Exchange Information: You will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. While doing this, do not admit fault for the accident in any way. Admitting fault can hurt your case when the time comes to file a claim.
• See a Lawyer: When you decide to file a personal injury claim, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you decide what to do for your case.

FAQs

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in North Carolina?

In Waynesville, NC, there is no cap on how much you can sue someone for a car accident. You can pursue any amount in economic or non-economic damages that you and your lawyer feel is appropriate and reflects the hardships that you have dealt with since the accident. The only cap is on punitive damages, which are not often awarded in car accident claims.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you have three years to file a claim for a car accident case. If you are unable to file a claim before three years is up, your case may be thrown out automatically, and your opportunity to pursue compensatory damages may be gone. Building a case may take time, so it is important that you get started as soon as you can.

Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

No, North Carolina is not a no-fault state for car accidents. North Carolina is very much an “at-fault” state for car accidents. This means that the driver who is found liable for the accident is solely responsible for reimbursing the other driver for damages. If the other driver is found to be partially at fault, they may lose their right to claim compensation.

Should I Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

It is recommended that you do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Instead, have your lawyer handle all correspondence with them. The other insurance company may try to guilt you or get you to admit fault. Your lawyer can ensure that they do not try to manipulate or trick you into revealing anything important to your case.

Contact Us Today

At Ganly & Ramer, P.L.L.C., we understand the kind of legal assistance you need in this trying time. We can help you build your case, gather evidence, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our firm.