You have legal options if you sustain catastrophic injuries and financial losses in a collision caused by a negligent driver. In this situation, you can turn to a Charlotte car accident lawyer from our team at Shane Smith Law.
We have over 100 years of combined experience we can use to help with insurance negotiations or a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If you’re suffering physically and financially after being injured in a car accident caused by another person or entity’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation. You can rely on a Charlotte personal injury lawyer from our team to review your situation and build your claim.
In Pain? Call Shane! We’re here to help today.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC?
Hiring a personal injury attorney after a crash means you’ll have someone on your side to handle the complexities of insurance claims, prove liability, and secure fair compensation. At Shane Smith Law, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to help.
Our Charlotte car accident attorneys can advocate for your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. We stand up to the insurance company because we understand the tactics these companies use to block claims and deny fair compensation to car accident victims.
We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your car accident claim. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward with confidence. We also provide a victim’s survival guide to car accidents that you can review.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Charlotte, call 980-246-2656
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Our firm handles personal injury cases involving many different types of auto accidents. You can reach out to us when you need professional help from a:
- Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Motorists who engage in driving under the influence (DUI) put themselves and others at risk. We can help you file a personal injury claim after a crash caused by a drunk driver.
- Charlotte Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer: Distracted drivers often cause motor vehicle accidents when they take their eyes or attention off the road. Our legal team can establish the cause of your crash and build your claim in this situation.
- Charlotte Drowsy Driving Car Accident Lawyer: You can rely on a personal injury attorney from our team to help if a fatigued driver strikes your vehicle, causing you injuries and financial losses.
- Charlotte Rear–End Collision Lawyer: We can help you seek maximum compensation if another motorist rear-ends you at an intersection or in heavy traffic. You can rely on us to provide comprehensive legal representation.
- Charlotte Side-Impact Accident Lawyer: Our law firm can diligently represent you after a side-impact or T-bone collision. We have the legal experience to confidently build your claim after this type of crash.
- Charlotte Rollover Accident Lawyer: You can turn to us for dedicated support after a rollover crash. We understand the tremendous losses you can experience after this type of collision.
- Charlotte Head–On Collision Lawyer: Our team can find the liable party after a head-on crash. We can hold the at-fault party responsible for covering all of your economic and non-economic losses.
The above list contains examples of the types of car accident claims we handle. You can reach out to us today to discuss the specifics of your case and how we can help you secure maximum compensation from at-fault drivers.
We understand the common causes of car accidents and who’s at fault.
Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 980-246-2656
Why Pick Our Team After a Car Accident?
Our team has the training, legal experience, and resources to represent your best interests after a crash. If you’re unsure of your rights, or if your injuries were serious, kept you out of work for an extended period, or left you permanently disabled, you can benefit from a free initial consultation with an auto accident attorney with Shane Smith Law.
When you suffer serious injuries, you must navigate many legal intricacies to claim the full damages you deserve. A lawyer may need to perform complex calculations of future medical expenses and loss of earning potential. Our experienced team can decipher these complexities, giving clear guidance on your rights and enabling informed decisions.
Our free consultation offers a no-risk opportunity to gain insights into your situation, assess your legal options, and plan the path forward. This initial discussion empowers you with knowledge and a sense of direction, even in challenging times. You can also review our personal injury guide.
We Have a Reputation for Success
Our team is committed to obtaining the best possible result on your behalf. Whether your injury is small or big, we will not rest until we get the compensation you deserve.
We routinely help clients get the maximum compensation available under policy limits for insurance, securing over a hundred million dollars in payment for our clients. Find out more by contacting us to work with a Charlotte car accident lawyer.
We Provide the Answers You Need
We understand that this is a scary and confusing time. We have created a library of free resources that will allow you to start finding the answers and solutions to your most pressing questions.
We can help you determine how to move forward after a car accident.
We Focus on Your Recovery
We handle all aspects of personal injury claims throughout Charlotte, North Carolina. If you sustained injuries, our team can help.
You can review a few of our client testimonials to learn more about how we can help. For example, Andra said:
“In the event that one of my loved ones or close friends were hurt, I would highly recommend the services of Shane Smith’s Law firm. Your staff was so caring and informative throughout my personal injury case. I think highly of your firm and the great courteous people who work there. I am so pleased with the quality of service.”
Additional testimony from Quenesha says:
“An investigator helped me complete my paperwork. They were very professional and helpful. I felt very informed throughout the entire process from signing up, treatment, and my settlement. The quality of service I received would be described as a perfect 10. Keep up the great work! Job well done!”
Click to contact our Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyers today
We Know How to Handle the Insurance Company
Insurance companies typically approach auto accident claims to minimize their financial liability. Adjusters will scrutinize all submitted evidence meticulously, sometimes interpreting information to the company’s advantage.
They might seek to reduce settlement offers by questioning the causality or severity of reported injuries or by highlighting inconsistencies in the account of the accident. These companies do not have your best interests at heart and can use anything you say to deny your claim.
Fortunately, you do not have to handle insurance representatives alone. Our team knows how to level the playing field and counter the strategies used by the insurance company in this difficult time. We can:
- Review any settlement offers made by the insurance company
- Enter negotiations to push for maximum compensation
- Handle all communication so you have more time to recover
You can learn more about how we can assist you by contacting us for a risk-free consultation. We can help you as you consider accepting or rejecting a car accident settlement.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Compensation Available After a Car Crash
Victims injured in auto accidents caused by someone else’s negligence shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden for those injuries. Fortunately, North Carolina’s personal injury laws allow accident victims in this position to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Accident-Related Medical Expenses
Car crashes can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and broken bones. Your car accident attorney in Charlotte, NC, can take steps to secure fair payment for all of your medical bills.
For example, the liable party may need to pay for your emergency treatment, time in the hospital, medical procedures, and medications. You can boost your chances of getting fair financial compensation by securing professional legal representation immediately after a crash.
Property Repair or Replacement Costs
The party responsible for causing your car accident may need to pay to replace or repair any property damaged in the collision. Our law office can review your case and determine if you qualify for this form of compensation.
Lost Wages
We can take steps to bring you financial compensation for any wages you lose while off work to recover after a motor vehicle accident. In some cases, the liable party may also need to cover your lost earning potential.
Mental and Emotional Anguish
You may qualify for compensation to cover the non-economic effects of your motor vehicle accident. For example, the at-fault party may need to pay for your:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Physical pain
- Reduced quality or enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Our professional Charlotte auto accident lawyers can calculate a fair value for these losses.
We Help You Seek Full Payment for Your Losses
Understanding your rights in seeking compensation is crucial because it offers a pathway to reclaim stability after an accident. The process involves not only the quantification of tangible losses, such as medical expenses and property damage, but also the intangible impacts like pain and suffering.
Our legal team is committed to comprehensively evaluating these factors to pursue a claim that reflects the broad scope of each client’s losses. This careful assessment helps ensure that victims are not left bearing the long-term economic and emotional impacts of an accident that was not their fault.
Can You Get Punitive Damages?
In situations where the at-fault party’s conduct is deemed particularly heinous, the victim may also receive punitive damages. Though the court does not often award these damages, you may receive them in instances where the person who caused the accident was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How Can Contributory Negligence Affect Your Compensation Claim?
In North Carolina, the contributory negligence rule can significantly impact your ability to recover damages after an auto accident. This rule indicates that if you are even minimally at fault for the accident, the court can bar you from receiving any compensation.
This strict framework underscores the importance of thoroughly proving and advocating your claim that the other party holds full responsibility for the incident.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Immediately after a car accident in Charlotte, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and follow certain steps to protect your rights. Firstly, ensure that everyone involved is safe and call emergency services if anyone needs medical attention. If you can move your vehicle safely, relocate it to a safe spot to avoid further incidents.
Call the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to report the accident, and ensure you get a copy of the police report, as it is essential for insurance claims. Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, the surroundings, and any visible injuries.
Once you address the immediate concerns, you can:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved
- Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident
- Speak with witnesses and take notes about their recollections
Do not admit fault or discuss details about the accident with anyone other than the police. You can reach out to a Charlotte car accident attorney like those at Shane Smith Law to get guidance on your legal rights and next steps, ensuring that all details of the incident get a proper review.
Resolving Auto Accident Claims: Settling Versus Going to Trial
The legal system can be confusing for car accident victims. Some may hesitate to take legal action because they’re nervous about going to court and participating in an intimidating and unfamiliar process.
The truth is that, while the vast majority of personal injury auto accident claims settle without ever reaching a courtroom, there are certain instances where taking a claim to trial is the right thing to do for the client.
Therefore, victims need to find a car accident attorney in Charlotte, NC, who’s just as adept in the courtroom as they are at negotiating settlements.
We Handle All Aspects of Your Personal Injury Claim
Seeking legal recourse can feel daunting, especially considering the potential for trials to be lengthy and complex. However, we assure our clients that we make each decision to settle or proceed to trial with their best interests in mind.
Our approach is to build a strong preparatory foundation for trial from the outset, increasing leverage during negotiations and ensuring readiness if a trial becomes necessary.
This preparation gives our clients confidence in whatever direction their claim may take, knowing they have comprehensive support and representation throughout the process.
North Carolina Car Accident Laws
North Carolina follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the person at fault for causing the accident is responsible for the resulting damages.
All state drivers are required to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage limits:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you have even partial fault for the accident, the court can bar you from recovering damages. However, if you can prove the other party was entirely at fault, you can seek compensation for your losses.
State law mandates that you report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles within 24 hours.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Learn More About Traffic in Charlotte
Traffic in Charlotte can vary significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and ongoing construction projects. Generally, Charlotte experiences heavy traffic during peak commuting hours, particularly on weekdays in the mornings and evenings.
However, due to the city’s growing population and expanding urban development, congestion can also occur throughout the day.
Here are some common highways and roads in Charlotte where car accidents frequently occur:
- Interstate 77 (I–77): I-77 runs north-south through Charlotte, connecting the city with neighboring states like South Carolina. Common accident areas include stretches near downtown Charlotte, especially during rush hours.
- Interstate 85 (I–85): I-85 also runs north-south, intersecting I-77 and providing essential connections to cities like Atlanta and Greensboro. Accident hotspots often occur near major interchanges and construction zones.
- Interstate 485 (I–485): I-485 forms a loop around Charlotte, serving as a vital beltway for local traffic and commuters. Accidents can occur along various sections of I-485, especially during high-traffic times.
- Independence Boulevard (US–74): Independence Boulevard is a major east-west arterial road connecting uptown Charlotte with suburban areas. Accidents frequently occur at intersections and along stretches with heavy commercial and residential development.
- Providence Road: Providence Road is a busy north-south thoroughfare, especially in affluent neighborhoods like Myers Park. Accidents may occur at intersections and during peak traffic times.
- South Tryon Street: South Tryon Street is another north-south corridor, passing through uptown Charlotte and extending southward. Accidents are common along this route due to high traffic volumes and numerous intersections.
Resources Available After Car Accidents
There are several local resources you can contact in the event of a car accident:
- Charlotte–Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD): Call 911 immediately after an accident to report the incident. The police will arrive at the scene to document the accident and provide assistance.
- Charlotte Fire Department (CFD): In case of injuries or if there’s a fire hazard, you can contact the fire department by dialing 911. They can provide medical assistance and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): If there are any injuries, call 911 to request an ambulance. EMS will provide medical care and transport injured individuals to the nearest hospital.
- Mecklenburg County Health Department: They may provide support or information regarding medical services, especially if there are concerns about infectious diseases or public health issues resulting from the accident.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): You’ll likely need to report the accident to the DMV, especially if there’s significant damage to the vehicles involved. They can provide guidance on what steps you need to take regarding insurance and vehicle documentation.
- Local Towing Services: Keep contact information for local towing companies handy if your vehicle needs towed from the accident scene. Some insurance policies also offer towing services, so it’s a good idea to check if you’re covered.
- Legal Aid Organizations or Lawyers: If legal issues arise from the accident, such as determining fault or seeking compensation, you may want to contact a local legal aid organization or a personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents.
- Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and initiate the claims process. They can guide you through the necessary steps and assist in handling the aftermath of the accident.
Talk to Us After a Crash in Charlotte, NC
You can rely on a Charlotte car accident lawyer from our team at Shane Smith Law to assist with all legal matters after a collision. We can help you seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, pain, suffering, and other losses.
We put our clients first and always strive to successfully resolve auto accident claims.
Call or text 980-246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
