A car accident in Jacksonville, North Carolina, can leave you stressed and unsure of what steps to take. Medical bills pile up quickly, insurance adjusters pressure you to settle, and missing work makes things even harder. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have 190 years of combined experience and have recovered over $850 million for accident victims across the state (see disclaimer below).
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people ask after a crash in Jacksonville. If you’re ready to get started with your case, contact us today at (910) 455-5599 to schedule a free consultation with a Jacksonville car accident attorney.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help You Take Legal Action After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, NC
Insurance companies are focused on saving money and protecting their profits, not helping you. With nearly two full centuries of combined experience, our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will level the playing field and work hard to maximize the value of your claim.
To that end, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the crash
- Collect the evidence needed to prove your claim
- Calculate the full scope of your damages
- Bring in expert witnesses when needed
- Handle all negotiations with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We’re ready to get to work for you as soon as you are. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free case review.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
Your first priority is your health and safety. Call 911 so that police and emergency responders come to the scene. From there, get medical care right away, even if you aren’t obviously hurt. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and medical records can help prove your claim.
If it’s safe, gather information that may be helpful later, such as:
- The other driver’s insurance and contact details
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Witness names and phone numbers
- A copy of the police accident report
Finally, contact an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney before speaking with the insurance company. Your lawyer can advise you on how best to proceed from there.
Do I Need to Call the Police for Every Accident in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage in the amount of $1,000 or more. Failure to report could result in penalties.
Beyond the legal requirement, however, a police report is also a valuable piece of evidence for your insurance claim or potential lawsuit. That means it is virtually always in your best interest to report an accident, no matter how severe it seems initially.
How Does Shared Fault Work in North Carolina Car Accident Cases?
North Carolina follows the contributory negligence law. This harsh standard means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to deny claims or shift blame. A skilled lawyer can fight back against unfair accusations and protect your right to damages.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Jacksonville, NC?
If you are not at fault, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver’s actions were especially reckless, such as drunk driving.
How Much Is My Jacksonville, NC Car Accident Claim Worth?
There is no set formula for valuing a car accident case.
Factors that often affect the value include:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- Whether you make a full recovery or suffer permanent effects
- Available insurance coverage
- Your ability to return to work
- Strength of the evidence supporting your claim
An experienced attorney with our team can evaluate your case and give you a clearer idea of its potential value.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
Most car accident lawsuits in North Carolina must be filed within three years of the accident. If the crash caused a wrongful death, the deadline is usually two years from the date of death.
Missing these deadlines almost always means losing your right to compensation. Contacting an attorney soon after your accident helps protect your rights.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
North Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) as part of their policy. This coverage can help pay for your damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little coverage.
However, even though it’s your own insurer, don’t expect them to automatically treat you fairly. A lawyer can help make sure your UM/UIM claim is handled properly.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Many car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount or disputes liability, a lawsuit may be necessary.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often encourages insurers to negotiate seriously. If a trial becomes the best option, we will be ready to fight for you in court.
Contact Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville, NC, you may be entitled to substantial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to fighting for clients just like you.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Jacksonville car accident attorneys.