North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers

Helping Injured Car Accident Victims Since 1999

Our attorneys can help you get the money for your injuries quickly.  Determining liability is essential for seeking compensation after a car accident, and with experienced North Carolina car accident lawyers from Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, you can get tenacious legal assistance for your case.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident, also known as a traffic collision or crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other obstacles. Car accidents can result in various degrees of damage to vehicles, injuries to people involved, and sometimes even fatalities.

Common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: This happens when one vehicle collides with the back of the vehicle in front of it. Common causes include tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving.
• Head-on collisions: Occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone or broadside collisions): This occurs when the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another vehicle. Intersections are common locations for T-bone collisions.
• Single-vehicle accidents: These accidents involve only one vehicle and can result from various factors such as loss of control, skidding, or hitting a stationary object like a tree or pole.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: These accidents involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways or freeways. A chain reaction of collisions can lead to significant damage and injuries.
• Side-swipe collisions: Occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles come into contact. This can happen when changing lanes without proper signaling or checking blind spots.
• Vehicle rollovers: Typically involve a vehicle overturning onto its side or roof. Rollovers can be caused by factors such as high-speed turns, collisions, or a vehicle's design.
• Intersection accidents: Occur at intersections when vehicles traveling from different directions cross paths. Failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging the timing can lead to collisions.
• Collisions with pedestrians or cyclists: Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists can result from failing to yield at crosswalks, distracted driving, or not observing the right of way.
• Hit and run accidents: Occur when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing identification or assistance to the other party.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can result from a variety of factors, often involving a combination of elements. Understanding these common causes can help drivers be more aware and take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents is drivers diverting their attention from the road. Distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers.
• Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's ability to make sound judgments, concentrate, and react quickly.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive and reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic rules contribute to a high number of accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals and signs can result in dangerous intersection collisions. Failing to yield the right of way is also a common factor.
• Fatigue: Tired or drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making abilities, making it a significant factor in accidents, especially during long trips.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents. Lack of proper signage and road markings can also lead to confusion among drivers.
• Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can lead to accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for preventing these issues.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience, particularly in younger or newly licensed drivers, can contribute to accidents. Inexperienced drivers may struggle with decision-making and handling unexpected situations on the road.
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely reduces the reaction time in the event of sudden stops, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Failure to Signal or Yield: Failing to use turn signals, yield the right of way, or follow proper traffic rules can lead to confusion and accidents, especially at intersections.

North Carolina Car Accident Laws

North Carolina follows a "fault" or "at-fault" system regarding car accidents. This means that the person responsible for the accident is typically responsible for covering the damages, either through their insurance or personally.

North Carolina’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements Include:

• $30,000 FOR THE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH CLAIMS OF A SINGLE PERSON.
• $60,000 TOTAL FOR ALL BODILY INJURY OR DEATH CLAIMS DAMAGES RESULTING FROM A SINGLE ACCIDENT.
• $25,000 FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE

North Carolina also follows the contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damages. This strict rule makes it crucial to establish the other party's complete fault for a successful claim.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident.

Compensation For Car Accidents in North Carolina

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SEEK COMPENSATION FOR:

• Personal Injury
• Payment of Medical Bills
• Loss of Income
• Pain and Suffering
• Punitive damages as a result of a drunk driver

OUR FIRM WILL SEEK COMPENSATION FOR YOU BY:

• Pursuing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver
• Pursuing any and all insurance benefits
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver

Want To Discuss Your Situation With Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers? Get A Free Case Evaluation Now.

An Experienced North Carolina Car Accident Law Firm

North Carolina is a fault, or tort-based, car insurance state. This means that the person who is deemed legally at-fault for the accident is held liable for injuries and damages caused by the accident. 

Proving that a driver was at fault for the accident depends on evidence such as witness statements and police reports, and the North Carolina car accident attorneys at Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC can investigate an incident and analyze the evidence to build your case.

Call (919) 891-8361 today for a Free Consultation!

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, physical pain, and mental suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages. At Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, our car accident lawyers are well-equipped to represent you against large insurance companies. The attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants on our team care about you and work hard to meet your goals.

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