No one is entirely ready to deal with the consequences of a car accident. If you were injured in such a mishap in Monroe, you should know that North Carolina is a no-fault state. When there is clear evidence that the other party was negligent and responsible for the accident, they are liable for your losses. Even when your injuries are minor, you need to consult a Monroe personal injury attorney to understand your claim better. Below we have answered some common questions related to car crashes and accidents in NC.
What to do after a car accident in North Carolina?
There are some standard steps you must follow immediately after the crash –
- Pull over and stop at the scene
- Make sure that you call 911 to have emergency responders at the scene
- Call the police and cooperate with the officer
- Review everything at the scene and gather information
- Take pictures and videos, if possible
- Note the contact details of all parties involved, including witnesses
Can I sue the other party if I am at fault?
While North Carolina is a no-fault state, you should know that the rules are not very claimant friendly. You can only sue the other party when they are entirely at fault. In other words, even if you are partly responsible for the accident, you cannot recover anything at all. This may seem unfair compared to the laws in other states, but this also ensures that the outcomes are very generic.
How long do I have to file an injury lawsuit?
If you want to file a third-party car accident claim, you must do so at the earliest. You should also inform your insurance company within a reasonable period. That said, if you wish to sue the other party and file a civil lawsuit, you have three years for that, starting from the date of the mishap. For wrongful death lawsuits, the deadline is two years.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
It is important to remember that the insurance company or other parties involved in the crash are in no way looking out for your interests. You need to find a personal injury lawyer so that you don’t give up too early or end up accepting the first offer. Most lawyers work on a contingency fee, and there are many advantages to hiring one.
You can always consult an attorney and decide whether you want to take the following steps.