Car Accident FAQs

Experienced North Carolina attorneys ready to help

When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, things can get really confusing really fast. There are decisions to be made about your medical treatment and who will pay for it. You need to figure out what to do with your car and when you can return to work. Then you have to deal with insurance companies. You may not be sure what to do next.

At Brent Adams & Associates, we know that people have a lot of questions after they’ve been involved in a crash. Our attorney can help you find answers. We understand the impact that injuries from a car accident can have on your life. We guide you through the legal process to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the common questions we get about car accidents:

• How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
• Should I see a doctor after a car accident?
• Do I have to tell my insurance company about the accident?
• The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept?
• What is my case worth?
• Can I ask for more money for my accident?
• What is the average car accident settlement in North Carolina?
• How long do I have to report my accident to my insurance company?
• How long will it take to get compensation?
• Can I recover compensation if I was a passenger?
• Should I file a lawsuit after my car accident?
• Who can I sue for my car accident?
• What can I sue for after my car accident?

If you were hurt in a car accident in North Carolina, we encourage you to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can answer any other questions you have. Our North Carolina car accident attorneys can also review the details of your case and go over your legal options. There’s no cost and no obligation.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

At our firm, it costs you nothing. You read that right. We work on a contingency fee basis. If we represent you, there are no upfront fees or expenses. We pay all the costs to move your case forward. Our fee comes out of the settlement or jury award that is reached. That means the insurance company ends up paying our fees, not you. You can expect us to fight hard to recover compensation for you. But if we get nothing, you owe us nothing.

Should I see a doctor after a car accident?

Yes. If you’ve been injured, it’s important to see a doctor to get treatment. If you don’t think you are injured and seem to feel OK, see a doctor anyway. There are some injuries such as concussions that may not have any obvious symptoms at first. Another reason to see a doctor is that there will be documentation of the injuries you suffered. This can help your case when you file a claim for compensation.

Do I have to tell my insurance company about the accident?

Yes. You are required to notify your insurance company about any accident you were involved in, even if it wasn’t your fault. Failing to do so could put your rights and benefits at risk. Keep it simple. Tell them you were in an accident and give them basic information, such as when and where, and who was involved. Don’t answer any questions about what happened or give a statement. Explain that you want to talk to an attorney first.

The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I accept?

We understand that accepting the insurance company’s offer can be tempting. You have bills to pay and you just want this whole thing to be over. But you shouldn’t have to settle for less. It’s important to remember the goal of insurance companies is to save money. Their offer will fall far short of covering all of the damages you suffered. That’s why we strongly encourage you to get legal advice before accepting any offer from the insurance company.

What is my case worth?

There are a lot of factors that go into determining what your case is worth. These include the types of injuries you suffered, your medical expenses, pain and suffering, the damage to your car, whether you’ve been in a crash before and whether you’ve been injured before. If a settlement can’t be reached and your case goes to trial, it is ultimately up to the jury to decide. A lawyer can give you a better idea of how much to expect and fight for a resolution that meets your needs.

Can I ask for more money for my accident?

Yes – and you should. The goal of insurance companies is to pay as little as possible. They know they could pay more. If you do ask for more money, they may refuse. That’s why it’s important to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can investigate your accident and build a strong case that proves the other driver was negligent. The insurance company is much more likely to increase their offer to avoid litigation.

What is the average car accident settlement in North Carolina?

There’s no meaningful average because no two car accidents are the same. Each one is unique. Similar rear-end accidents, for example, might be worth very different amounts depending on a wide range of factors. That’s why it’s always important to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who can investigate your accident and offer you an accurate estimate.

How long do I have to report my accident to my insurance company?

There’s no single set time limit for when you need to notify your insurance company about your car accident in North Carolina. Every insurance company has its own policies. But in general, it’s best to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. That way, you can get your injury claim process started. If you’re not sure what to say or how to file a car accident claim, simply contact our law firm. We can help you deal directly with your insurance company after your accident.

How long will it take to get compensation?

Every case is different. In general, the more complicated the case, the longer it may take to resolve. More straightforward cases can sometimes be resolved within a matter of months. But if the other driver is denying responsibility and the insurance company is fighting your claim aggressively, it may need to go through the litigation process, which can take a few years. However, many times it is possible to reach a settlement. A lawyer can give you a better idea of what to expect in your situation.

Can I recover compensation if I was a passenger?

Yes. You can file a claim for compensation with the negligent driver’s insurance company. This is true even if the driver of the car you were in caused the accident. You may feel strange about that if the driver is a friend or family member. But you are not getting that person into any kind of trouble. You are simply asking the insurance company to pay the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Should I file a lawsuit after my car accident?

Sometimes, the best way to get the money you deserve for your injury expenses is to file a car accident lawsuit. This is a big decision and something you should carefully consider before taking legal action. That’s why we strongly advise you to meet with a car accident attorney at our law firm. We can review your case and help you decide if filing a lawsuit is the best strategy for getting the compensation you deserve.

Who can I sue for my car accident?

North Carolina has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying injury victims for all their car accident related expenses. Usually, you can sue the at-fault driver. You may also be able to take legal action against other at-fault parties depending on the circumstances of your accident. The best way to know who you can sue is to talk to a car accident lawyer at our North Carolina law firm.

What can I sue for after my car accident?

When you file a car accident lawsuit, you will be seeking what’s known as damages, the legal term for financial compensation for your car accident. Damages can cover a wide range, including the cost of all your medical care, vehicle repairs and replacement income if you cannot work due to your car accident injury. You may also be able to obtain additional compensation for your injury-related expenses, which can include economic damages (direct costs like the cost of your medical treatment) and non-economic damages (indirect costs such as pain and suffering). Find out more by talking to an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer at our law firm today.