Accident victims can hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions when it leads to a rear-end crash that causes harm. Whiplash and other injuries from an accident can cause serious problems for victims. To ease these difficulties and file a claim, consult with a rear-end collision lawyer in Charlotte. With their help, you can request compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related losses.
Shane Smith Law can advocate for you when you’re in pain following a rear-end collision. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we have a strong track record of success in securing compensation for our clients. We are ready to represent you in your rear-end collision case to help you pursue a favorable outcome. Discuss your case with a Charlotte car accident lawyer from our team today.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision in Charlotte
A rear-end accident can be startling and leave you feeling dazed and in shock. Because these cases can be complex, it’s important to do what you can right after an accident to protect yourself. First and foremost, this looks like receiving medical attention. It’s not always easy to tell the full extent of your injuries, so be sure to have a full exam to check for hidden injuries.
Report the accident to law enforcement. Police officers will objectively document the scene to ensure an official record is made. You will also need to get a copy of the police report and submit it with your claim. Insurance adjusters will review the report as they are evaluating your case and determining the losses you’ve suffered.
Additionally, gather as much evidence as possible and keep thorough records. Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene. Get contact information from witnesses who can provide statements that support your claim. As you receive treatment and recover, keep all medical records to demonstrate the scope of your injuries. Journals can also help show suffering.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer serving Charlotte, call (980) 246-2656
How Much a Charlotte Rear-End Collision Case is Worth
A Charlotte rear-end collision attorney makes sure all of your quantifiable and subjective losses are accounted for in your case. We encourage you to seek economic and non-economic damages so you receive the comprehensive support and resources you need to rebuild your life. Losses that you can recover as part of your case could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Funeral and burial expenses for fatalities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Shane Smith Law gives your rear-end accident case our undivided attention. We review the facts of your crash carefully, determine who is liable, and help you seek maximum compensation from the at-fault party.
Meet with a Charlotte personal injury lawyer from our team to make sure that you have a strong case, sufficient evidence, and a clear understanding of how much your case is worth.
Charlotte Rear-End Collision Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
How a Charlotte Rear-End Collision Attorney Calculates Compensation in Your Case
When determining the value of your case, Shane Smith Law looks at several factors. This includes the extent of the injuries and losses you suffered, as well as how severe your injuries are. The more losses you have sustained, the more compensation you will need to recover and regain stability in your life. Economic and non-economic damages are calculated differently, so it’s important to consult a Charlotte rear-end collision lawyer.
Economic damages are the easiest to calculate since they are based on your expenses. Lawyers add up the value of your medical expenses, vehicle damage costs, and so forth to determine the value of these losses. If you require ongoing care in the future, that can also be factored into the value of your case and the amount of compensation you are pursuing.
Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate since pain and suffering are subjective. A formula is often used to calculate these damages. A multiplier method may be used where a number between 1.5 and 5 — which reflects the severity of your suffering — is multiplied by the value of your economic damages. Alternatively, a daily amount may be assigned for a defined period of time.
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How to Get Compensation from the Driver in the Car Behind Yours
In many instances, the driver of the rear vehicle is liable for a rear-end collision. You may be able to get compensation from an at-fault motorist by filing an auto insurance claim. A Charlotte rear-end collision lawyer can assist you at each stage of the claims process.
North Carolina requires all motorists to meet minimum insurance requirements that cover bodily injury and property damage in a collision. After a rear-end crash, notify your auto insurer so they can connect with the other driver’s insurer. Ideally, the insurers conclude that the driver behind you is at fault. The liable driver’s insurer should cover your losses since North Carolina is an at-fault state.
Unfortunately, an at-fault motorist’s insurance carrier can dispute your claim or offer a lowball settlement. Your lawyer can review the offer and provide insights and clarity if you’re wondering whether you should accept a settlement from the insurance company. We can negotiate a settlement for you. If you cannot come to terms, your lawyer can pursue compensation through an injury lawsuit.
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How to Obtain Compensation from the Driver in the Car in Front of Yours
In some instances, the driver of the car in front of you could be held accountable if you crash the front of your vehicle into the rear of theirs. For example, a motorist is driving a car with faulty brake lights and is aware of the issue, but does not address it. You have no idea when the motorist presses down on the brakes, and your car collides with theirs. The driver of the car in front could be liable as a result.
Our team understands how difficult it is to prove that the driver of the front car is at fault when your car slams into the back bumper of their vehicle. We can review traffic camera footage or other evidence to support your claim that you are not at fault. Police reports, photos, and witness statements can also be valuable for determining the other driver’s fault and strengthening your case.
You cannot share liability for a rear-end accident and recover damages from the other driver due to North Carolina’s 1% rule. If you are found even 1% responsible for the incident, you may have to cover 100% of your crash-related losses. This means it’s important to work with an experienced lawyer to avoid fault in an accident and to strengthen your case.
What to Expect When You File an Insurance Claim for a Rear-End Collision in Charlotte
When you file an insurance claim for a rear-end accident, it’s important to be prepared for what to expect. Insurance companies put more of an emphasis on protecting their bottom line and trying to avoid paying you as much as possible. This means they may try to place more of the blame on you than on the driver they insure. They may try other tactics as well.
In their attempts to pay you as little as possible for your injuries, insurance companies may also try to cause intentional delays in your case in the hopes you will give up and accept the lowest offer possible. They may even try to use technicalities to deny your claim altogether. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind when resolving your case. That’s why it’s important to hire a lawyer.
A lawyer will protect you and advocate for you. They will also use evidence to build a strong claim that the other driver was obligated to act with due care and caution but disregarded their responsibilities as a motorist by acting negligently. If a lawyer can conclusively tie the other driver’s actions to your injuries, then the other driver can be held accountable and pay for damages.
Factors That Can Contribute to Liability in a Rear-End Accident
While it can be confusing to determine who is actually at fault, do not assume that you are liable for a rear-end accident. You should first consult a rear-end accident attorney in Charlotte with experience in rear-end collision cases. They can help you navigate the legal process, clarify your options, and counsel you on how to move forward.
Seek legal help when in doubt about what to do after a rear-end crash. An auto accident lawyer from Shane Smith Law takes the time to learn about the incident and who was involved. We craft an argument to demonstrate that you should recover compensation for the harm you have suffered. We can provide information about factors that can make a motorist liable for a rear-end collision.
Many factors can contribute to how these accidents occur and who may be at fault in various scenarios. Below is a closer look at some of the most common causes of rear-end crashes.
Distracted Driving
In terms of how bad distracted driving is in North Carolina, it is a common cause of auto accidents statewide. A motorist who takes their eyes off the road is negligent. They could stop short, causing the car behind them to slam into theirs or crash into the car in front of them. In either scenario, the driver is distracted and may be held accountable for the accident.
Tailgating
A motorist is tailgating if they follow too closely behind another vehicle. If the driver of the rear car has to stop quickly, the rear car is likely to collide with the vehicle in front. In this situation, the rear driver could be at fault for the accident because they did not leave sufficient distance between their car and the one in front.
Speeding
The speed limit protects motorists and pedestrians. If a driver travels faster than the posted speed limit, they are acting carelessly and recklessly. The motorist may not be able to bring their car to a complete stop, which can lead to a rear-end collision. Meanwhile, this driver can be liable for the accident.
Brake Checking
Brake checking involves hitting a car’s brakes repeatedly in the hopes of getting the motorist in the vehicle behind to slow down. This is illegal in North Carolina. If a driver constantly checks their brakes and you crash into their car, they could be at fault for the collision.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Operating a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs is inexcusable. An intoxicated driver puts themselves and others in danger. They can cause a rear-end crash and face civil and criminal penalties for their actions.
A Charlotte rear-end collision attorney can help you deal with the aftermath of such a crash in which the other driver was impaired.
Injuries in Rear-End Collisions and How They Impact Drivers
Regardless of the cause, rear-end collisions can cause serious harm to victims. The force of impact can exert a significant force on the neck and spine. Additionally, sudden motion and deceleration can significantly affect the body, leading to serious conditions. Victims’ injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Some common injuries caused by these accidents may include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations and contusions
- Internal injuries
According to the National Safety Council’s report on types of crashes, rear-end collisions contribute to 36.6% of vehicle injuries and 17% of vehicle deaths. These numbers show that this particular direction of impact is the second leading cause of injuries and the third leading cause of death in vehicle accidents. As such, it’s important to seek medical care right away after sustaining injuries in a rear-end collision.
Navigate the Legal System With the Help of a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Charlotte
Shane Smith Law knows that the legal system is complicated and that you could encounter many challenges in your rear-end accident case.
Our team protects your rights and best interests throughout your legal proceedings. Schedule a free consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer in Charlotte today to see if you have a case.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
