Traffic Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This is general information based upon North Carolina law. Every case is different and the application or exceptions to the general laws may be different in your case. You should always consult an experienced and knowledgeable North Carolina traffic accident attorney if you have specific questions or if you need any legal advice on these issues. Our law firm has been in the business of helping injured people and fighting insurance companies since 1981. Our attorney, Danny Glover, Jr., was recently elected as the Chair of the AutoTorts Section of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers and has for years served on the Board of Governors and other various boards and committees of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.
CLICK ON YOUR QUESTION.
- What are some of the reasons for traffic accidents?
- What should I do after a traffic accident?
- Whom should I contact after a traffic accident?
- I was in an accident. Should I go to the doctor?
- Do I have to pay my own medical bills if someone else caused the accident?
- Do I need to contact an attorney after a traffic accident?
- How do I know if I have a claim for my injuries?
- What do I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
- How do I pay the attorney?
What are some of the reasons for traffic accidents?
Most traffic accidents are caused by drivers behaving in a negligent, careless or reckless manner. Inattention leads to many accidents. There are many distractions surrounding the average driver -- including eating, drinking and talking and texting on cell phones. Drivers also have their attention diverted by the numerous technological devices available in the modern vehicle, such as CD and DVD players, radios, navigation systems and even satellite televisions. Negligence or carelessness causes many drivers make improper turns, fail to obey traffic signals, speed, or operate their vehicles while tired, sick, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Accidents can also occur due to defective vehicles, defective parts, weather-related conditions, or dangerous road conditions.
What should I do after a traffic accident?
If you’ve been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you should call the police immediately so that law enforcement officers can investigate the wreck, inspect the vehicles, and get information from all people involved. You should also see a doctor to have your injuries examined and treated. If the wreck was totally caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation from that person and his or her insurance company. The claims process can be complicated, and your rights can be lost if the claims process is not handled properly for you. Contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible so that we can assist you with the process.
You should also immediately gather as much information about your accident and injury as you can, including:
- Pictures of the vehicles involved.
- Pictures of the scene of the accident.
- A copy of your vehicle's repair estimate.
- A copy of the accident report.
- Information about the person who caused the accident and about his/her insurance company.
- Your medical records and bills.
Whom should I contact after a traffic accident?
If you are involved in a traffic accident, including a car accident, bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident or pedestrian accident, you should, and in most cases you are required to, report it to the police. An experienced personal injury attorney can also make decisions about which insurance companies you should be notified and when and how they should be contacted.
I was in an accident. Should I go to the doctor?
Being involved in a traffic accident can be very traumatic and injurious. Even if you do not immediately feel the effects of a wreck, it is always wise to be checked by a medical professional. Too many people dismiss initial pain as insignificant or assume that it will go away on its own, and then visit a doctor weeks later -- only to learn they actually have a serious injury. Delaying medical treatment is not good for your health, and it usually will hurt your case.
Do I have to pay my own medical bills if someone else caused the accident?
You are always responsible for your own medical bills. However, if another person’s negligence or carelessness caused your injury, you may be entitled to recover the amount of your medical bills from that person or his/her insurance company. In most situations, the responsible person’s insurance company will wait until you have finished all of your medical treatment before making you a settlement offer. Therefore, you should always file your bills with your health insurance provider as you incur them to make certain that your bills are paid on time and your credit is not affected. If you do not have health insurance or Medicaid and Medicare, try to arrange a payment plan with your doctors until your settlement is final in order to protect your credit.
Do I need to contact an attorney after a traffic accident?
Traffic accident attorneys have invaluable experience dealing with insurance companies, accident investigations and settlements. You should definitely contact our Elizabeth City and Outer Banks accident attorneys if you have suffered serious injuries. Never forget that the insurance companies have trained adjusters and attorneys working for them against you in order to save money on your claim.
How do I know if I have a claim for my injuries?
You may have a valid personal injury claim if your injury is a direct result of the traffic accident, and the accident was not your fault. If you can establish that the accident was caused due to another person’s negligence, and you had no fault in the accident, you can recover compensation for many types of damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
What do I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
You should never give a statement to the responsible party's insurance company without first discussing your case with our experienced Elizabeth City personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often obtain statements from accident victims shortly after an accident before they know the true extent of their injuries. If you are contacted, politely decline to talk. Insurance claims adjusters and attorneys are professional negotiators with extensive experience and are trained to ask questions in a manner designed to hurt your claim. Contact our accident lawyers before you speak to any insurance company representatives.
Our personal injury and accident law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay our attorney’s fees only after we receive a favorable settlement or verdict for you. In most cases, if we do not recover compensation for your injuries, then you do not owe us any attorney’s fees. The out-of-pocket expenses necessary to process or litigate your claim are your responsibility whether or not you recover money for your injuries.
