If you spend time behind the wheel, you know the risk is always there. No matter how carefully you drive or how much effort you put into sharing the road responsibly, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. In just seconds, someone else’s negligence can turn your life upside down.
Car accidents aren’t rare; they happen every single day. Some are minor fender benders, but others leave people facing catastrophic injuries, high medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the legal team at Edwards Injury Law can review your case, assign a value to it, and demand maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Don’t wait any longer: let us help you take that first step.
Why Hire Edwards Injury Law For Your Car Accident Claim?
At Edwards Injury Law, we don’t just handle cases: we fight for people, their futures, and their dignity. If you’re looking for a legal advocate who will fight relentlessly for maximum compensation, here are reasons you can trust us with your car accident claim.
- Unwavering Dedication to Clients: At Edwards Injury Law, we’re guided by one core belief: you should never settle for less than you deserve. From day one, we make your goals our priority. Our founding attorney, Kevin Edwards, is committed to providing compassionate, transparent, and effective legal representation. We’re not just here to resolve your case; we’re here to help you rebuild and thrive.
- Proven Results and Real Experience: Results matter. At Edwards Injury Law, our track record speaks for itself. For example, we secured a $125,000 settlement for a client seriously injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver. Beyond recovering the policy limits, we convinced the insurance company to pay underinsured motorist coverage, even though it wasn’t listed on our client’s policy.
- Veteran-Owned and Community-Driven Firm: As a veteran-owned law firm, our foundation is built on service, discipline, and commitment. Our experienced car accident lawyers understand what it means to stand up for those in need, and we’re proud to serve the Charlotte, North Carolina, community and beyond.
- Leadership Through Service and Justice: Our personal injury law firm is built on values like social justice, teamwork, and a champion’s mindset. Our car accident attorneys don’t simply represent our clients – we fight to empower them. By focusing on your long-term health, financial recovery, and well-being, we aim to leave you in a stronger position than when you came to us.
- Modern Approach with Cutting-Edge Technology: The legal industry is evolving, and Edwards Injury Law is built to meet today’s challenges head-on. Our experienced lawyers embrace technology to level the playing field and provide strategic advantages for our clients. From leveraging digital tools to simplify communication to using technology to make your case stronger, we stay ahead of the curve to deliver results.
At Edwards Injury Law, we measure success by the difference we make in your life. We take pride in being a client-first firm, offering compassionate guidance, active listening, and clear communication at every stage of your claim.
How Common Are Car Accidents in North Carolina?
Automobile accidents happen daily in North Carolina, and the statistics paint a vivid picture of how widespread these incidents are. According to the 2023 North Carolina Crash Facts, there were 284,157 reported traffic crashes in the state last year, marking a 3.8% increase from 2022. These motor vehicle accidents led to 115,009 crash injuries and tragically claimed the lives of 1,686 people.
Breaking down the data reveals important trends:
- Frequency of Accidents: Nearly 780 crashes occur daily in North Carolina. That’s more than 32 accidents every hour. This includes head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, and more.
- Fatal Accidents: There were approximately 15.56 fatalities per 100,000 people in 2023, highlighting the serious impact auto collisions have on communities throughout the state.
- Injuries on the Rise: Injuries from crashes increased by 4% compared to 2022, reflecting the growing toll these incidents take on car accident victims and their families. In many cases, distracted driving and drunk driving were factors.
These accidents often include the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Back Injuries
- Contusions and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Limb Loss and amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
With more than 284,000 accidents happening each year, the odds of being involved in a motor vehicle crash are higher than you might think. This is why it’s critical to know your rights and options for seeking fair compensation when a negligent party disregards traffic laws.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Car Accidents?
Data from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reports that nearly 30,000 crashes occurred in 2020 alone in Charlotte. With such a high volume of crashes, Charlotte experiences substantially more car accidents than any other city in North Carolina. Even more harrowing, there were over 13,000 reported injuries and more than 100 fatalities resulting from these accidents. By and large, the most common causes of car accidents in Charlotte include the following:
- Speeding, improper lane changes, failure of yield, following too closely, and disregard of traffic signals: A vast majority of accidents in Charlotte are caused by drivers who engage in reckless behavior while on the road.
- Inattention and distracted driving: drivers who are distracted by their mobile device or other external circumstances are more likely to cause a car accident than drivers who are paying full attention to the road. In 2020, over 1,000 accidents occurred because a driver was preoccupied with electronic devices. Over 40,000 accidents were due to inattention, generally.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: road rage is a common cause of accidents in Charlotte, resulting in nearly 13,000 accidents in 2020. Oftentimes, individuals who drive aggressively make reckless decisions on the road, changing lanes quickly or tailgating other drivers.
- Drunk driving: In North Carolina, drunk drivers are responsible for one out of every three automobile accidents. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a serious danger to everyone on the road and it is important to hold these drivers accountable for their recklessness.
- Operating defective equipment: In some cases, drivers are not necessarily to blame for an accident. Rather, defective equipment or system failures are responsible for crashes. This is a legally complex area of personal injury law but in some cases, the manufacturer can be held accountable for the accident.
Depending on the cause of the car accident, the amount and type of compensation available to the victim(s) varies. Moreover, North Carolina utilizes a contributory negligence system, meaning that if you are determined to be even partly at fault for the accident, you may be unable to obtain compensation at all. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these situations.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds, leaving you shaken and unsure of your next steps. However, it’s important to remember that what you do immediately after the crash can make a huge difference in the outcome of your insurance claim. Here’s a step-by-step overview of recommended steps after an accident:
- Ensure Everyone’s Safety: Move to a safe location if possible, such as the side of the road, but only if it’s safe to do so. Then turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and avoid further accidents. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately, and don’t attempt to move injured individuals unless they’re in immediate danger. If it’s a minor accident and no one is hurt, call the non-emergency line to report the crash.
- Call the Police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have an official police report. This document will be a key piece of evidence when filing a claim or pursuing compensation. When the officers arrive, provide a clear and factual account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about who caused the accident. Stick to the facts.
- Document the Scene: Gather as much evidence as possible while you’re at the accident scene. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the damage to all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information, as witness statements can be invaluable during the claims process.
- Exchange Information: Exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes names, phone numbers, and addresses; insurance company names and policy numbers, and driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers. Do not discuss fault or make statements like “I’m sorry,” as these could be used against you later.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Prompt medical documentation is also critical for proving the extent of your injuries in a legal or insurance claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your auto insurance provider as soon as possible to report the motor vehicle accident. Provide accurate details but avoid admitting fault. Insurance companies often record calls, and anything you say could impact your auto accident claim.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Filing insurance claims and determining fault can be challenging, especially if the other driver disputes liability. An experienced car accident attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather and organize evidence to support your case and advise you on whether to accept a car accident settlement or pursue further legal action.
- Keep Records of Everything: Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills and prescriptions, car repair estimates and receipts, and lost wages if severe injuries prevent you from working. You’ll need to share this information with your auto accident attorney.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the traffic accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This deadline applies if you’re seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Other accident-related damages such as loss of consortium, reduced quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life
If your claim involves only property damage (such as vehicle repairs), the time limit is also three years from the date of the accident.
In cases where a car accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. This type of wrongful death claim allows the deceased’s family to seek financial compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and other compensatory damages.
How Long Does a Car Accident Injury Claim Take?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the first questions on your mind might be: How long will this take? While it’s a valid concern, the answer depends on many factors. Some claims are resolved in a matter of months, while others, particularly those involving car accident lawsuits, can take longer.
The first phase of any car accident injury claim involves filing your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance provider will investigate the accident by reviewing evidence like police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements. Then, once liability and damages are established, settlement negotiations begin. If both sides agree, you could receive a payout within a few months. However, if the insurance company disputes liability or offers a low settlement, negotiations can drag on for much longer.
While waiting for a claim to settle can be frustrating, rushing to accept a low offer could leave you with unpaid medical bills and financial strain. Taking the time to build a strong case against the liable party and explore every legal option is often necessary to secure the full compensation you deserve.
What If I Was Partly At Fault for the Accident?
North Carolina follows one of the strictest fault systems in the country, known as contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This means that even a small amount of blame assigned to you could prevent you from recovering damages for medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.
That said, there are a few limited exceptions to North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence rule, including:
- Gross Negligence by the Other Driver: If the other driver acted recklessly or with extreme disregard for safety (such as driving under the influence or engaging in road rage) you may still be able to recover compensation despite being partially at fault.
- Last Clear Chance Doctrine: This legal principle allows you to recover damages if you can prove the other driver had the last clear opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so. For example, if you made an error but the other driver had time to avoid the crash and didn’t act, you may still have a case.
If you believe you may have been partially at fault for an accident, consult with an experienced attorney. Insurance adjusters often use North Carolina’s contributory negligence law to deny claims, even when their policyholder was primarily at fault, and your car accident attorney can deter these efforts.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations Filing Deadline for Car Accident Injuries
While it is always best to file a civil action right away, there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations. There may be potential to extend the timeline for filing a civil claim in certain situations.
The Injured Party is a Minor at the Time of the Car Accident
If the injured party is under 18 years old at the time of the vehicle collision, there is an exception to the statute. In the case of a minor, the clock will not begin running until the claimant’s 18 birthday and expires on their 21st.
The Plaintiff has a Legal Disability at the Time of The Accident
There is an exception if the plaintiff has a legal disability, such as the accident leaving the party with mental incapacitation. The clock will not begin running immediately at the time of the car crash. With mental disabilities, the statute of limitations will start running when the disability ends.
The Discovery Rule
There are cases where the plaintiff does not immediately know they suffered injuries in a vehicle collision. In that case, the statute will begin running on the day they knew or should have reasonably discovered the injuries.
The Defendant Leaves North Carolina Before the Plaintiff Files the Lawsuit
Finally, if the defendant suddenly leaves the state after the accident but before the plaintiff files the claim for damages, there is an exception. The statute of limitations clock will begin running when the defendant returns to the state.
Is North Carolina a no-fault state for car accidents?
Unfortunately, no. North Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver of the vehicle that ultimately caused the accident is legally responsible for paying for the damages of the other party or parties. The at-fault driver can provide this compensation either through their insurance or out of pocket. This is important, as compensation can only be paid out after fault has been determined.
Under this system, if you were injured in a car accident you can receive compensation in the following ways:
- From your insurance company, which will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
- By filing a lawsuit in order to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver for personal injuries sustained in the accident
- Using a third-party claim to seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company
Injured? Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer at Edwards Injury Law
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, the clock is ticking. Evidence fades, and delays can hurt your chances of securing a fair settlement. This is why it’s so important to prepare and file your personal injury claim quickly.
At Edwards Injury Law, our auto accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. With a proven track record, a passion for justice, and a commitment to putting clients first, we’ll do everything in our power to secure the fair compensation you deserve. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, contact us online or call 866.607.6211.
Related:
Navigating Insurance Bad Faith in Car Accident Settlements
How Pre-Existing Health Conditions Affect Car Accident Injury Claims
