Were you the victim of a rear-end car crash? Did you suffer injuries due to the careless actions of another driver? Our Charlotte car accident lawyer team will help you hold them liable for the damage they caused and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
We understand the impact of car accidents and how they can upend anyone’s life. They create a financial burden, lead to expensive medical bills, and cause severe injuries. You won’t have to go through this trauma alone. We’ll be there to guide and support you until the end of your case.
Our Charlotte car accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to pursue the justice you deserve. We’ll fight to protect your rights and work hard to ensure the insurance company pays you what they owe you. In response to our dedication to our clients, we were peer-rated by Martindale-Hubble for the highest level of professional excellence and were also named by the same group as a gold-level client champion. We’re proud of our successes on behalf of our clients, and we’ll always provide you with exceptional representation.
We know you want to recover and move forward with your life as soon as possible. You can depend on our legal team at DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, to work efficiently to get the job done. Call us at (704) 333-1000 today to schedule a free consultation.
What You Should Do After a Rear-End Collision
The legal claims process is complicated and confusing, especially for anyone focused on healing from their injuries. When you’re recovering after a car accident, the last thing you want is to deal with an insurance claim or lawsuit. DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, can do all of the legal legwork for you. To ensure you’re able to seek the maximum compensation available, however, there are a few things you can do after your crash to protect your claim to compensation:
Call 911. An officer will show up at the scene to investigate the cause of the accident and write a traffic crash report. You can request a copy when it becomes available.
Take pictures. While you’re still at the crash site, take photos of the area. Even if something seems insignificant, it could be crucial evidence in your case.
Obtain auto insurance details. Ask the other driver for their contact details and auto insurance information so that you can file a claim.
Witnesses. Speak to people who saw the accident. Write down their names and phone numbers.
Seek medical care. It’s important to get a medical evaluation of your injuries following the accident. If the doctor refers you to others for additional treatment, follow their instructions. Follow up until they release you from their care.
Auto repair. Bring your car in for a damage estimate.
Hire a lawyer. Seek legal representation from an experienced Charlotte rear-end collision attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a rear end lawyer serving Charlotte, call (877) 333-1000
How Tailgating Could Lead to Rear-End Auto Accidents
It’s hard to avoid a rear-end collision when a driver doesn’t leave enough space between their car and the car ahead of them. If they’re tailgating and the person in front hits their brakes or suddenly slows down, it’s next to impossible to avoid a crash. Tailgating is one of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. Other causes include:
- Traffic congestion
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Slow-moving vehicles
- Distracted driving
The best way to avoid a rear-end collision is by following the three-second rule. All you have to do is pick out a stationary object like a telephone pole or parked car and count how many seconds it takes for you to pass it after the vehicle in front of you passed it. If it takes three seconds or longer, you’re at the right distance. If it takes less than three seconds, you’re too close.
If you notice someone is tailgating you, remain calm and don’t do anything that could increase the risk of an accident. Try doing things to get away from them so you don’t get hurt:
- Merge to the slow lane so they can pass
- While still following the speed limit, speed up a little to put more distance between both vehicles
- Avoid acts of road rage, such as brake-checking
- If you’re in the far left lane and can’t merge, pull off the road so they can pass
Charlotte Rear End Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
What Kinds of Injuries Do Rear-End Collisions Cause?
The force of a rear-end car accident, combined with the high rate of speed at which drivers are usually traveling, can result in severe and debilitating injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Ejection injuries
- Concussion or whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limb or amputation injury
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
Severe injuries can result in permanent disabilities and impairments. You could require lifelong medical care or assistance from a home health nurse. Some people can’t maintain adequate employment and don’t know how to pay for their medical bills. Our Charlotte rear-end collision lawyers will make sure you recover a full and fair insurance settlement. You deserve compensation to pay for your expenses and make up for the suffering you endured.
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Who Should I Hold Liable for My Injuries?
You could file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company. Under North Carolina’s fault system, the person who causes a crash is automatically responsible for the victim’s losses. Liability coverage provides compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other associated costs.
There’s a state-required minimum limit for liability insurance. You must purchase at least $30,000 for bodily injury, which covers losses related to the injury, and $25,000 for property damage, which covers repair costs for vehicle damage.
All the losses suffered after a rear-end collision are known as damages. There are two main types: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are actual expenses, while non-economic damages are losses that are difficult to monetize. When you file a liability claim, you could seek the following damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
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What to Do If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
State laws require all motorists to hold liability coverage; however, you might encounter someone who let their policy lapse or didn’t purchase one at all. If that happens, you can file a claim with your insurance company. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides compensation for accident victims when the liable party doesn’t carry auto insurance.
When you file a UM claim, you can seek the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Car repair or replacement
MedPay (medical payments) is another form of coverage you could use on your auto insurance policy. It’s not a legal requirement, but if you choose to purchase it, you could file a claim to pay for your medical costs. It will provide upfront payment for doctor appointments, ER visits, and other associated expenses up to the coverage amount listed on your insurance plan.
Another legal option is to file a lawsuit against the other driver. If you want to sue them for damages, you must follow the statute of limitations. It’s a strict deadline for pursuing compensation in the civil court system. The statute of limitations in North Carolina is three years. That means you have three years from the accident date to file the lawsuit, or you’ll lose your right to do so.
While you pursue economic and non-economic damages, you could also attempt to recover punitive damages. These are rare financial awards that juries grant to injured parties under exceptional circumstances. You must provide clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s behavior exhibited the following:
- Malice: Ill will against another person that resulted in harm.
- Fraud: Intentional deceit, misrepresentation, or concealment of facts to deprive someone of their legal rights or property or causing injury.
- Willful or wanton conduct: Indifference towards the life, safety, and rights of other people and knowingly committing acts that could lead to injuries or damage.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Charlotte Rear-End Collision Lawyer
At DeMayo Law Offices, we understand the financial struggles you’re already facing. We don’t want to add to your burden. That’s why we take cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means there are no upfront fees or costs to receive quality legal representation. We don’t collect any fees unless we recover financial compensation. If we lose your case, you won’t have to pay us.
We also offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. You can meet with us at no risk to discuss your car accident. We’ll review the information you provide and advise you on the best available legal options for seeking compensation.
Getting hurt in a rear-end crash can be a devastating experience. It affects you and your family. You can’t earn a living, afford your medical bills, or take care of your children. We’ll help you fight for the justice you deserve so you can heal and move forward.
Our legal team will dedicate their time, energy, and attention to every aspect of your case. We’ll remain by your side from the beginning to the end. You can depend on us to always be there when you need us to provide guidance and support. We care about our clients and will always make you a priority.
If you or someone you know sustained injuries in a rear-end car accident, call DeMayo Law Offices, Your North Carolina Law Firm™, at (704) 333-1000 to speak with our Charlotte rear-end collision law firm.
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