North Carolina Car Accident Settlement Timeline and Process 2024

A car accident can be a life-changing experience, and if another driver is responsible for causing your recent accident, you are likely to have many questions concerning your recovery options and how long it could take for you to secure compensation for your damages. The North Carolina car accident settlement timeline and process vary from case to case, and working with an experienced attorney will be the optimal way to streamline your recovery.

Recovering From a Car Accident

You could face a difficult series of legal proceedings in the aftermath of a car accident. The first issue you will need to resolve is a fault. In the state, the fault rule applies to all vehicle accidents, meaning the driver at fault is responsible for the resulting damages, and an injured driver will need to prove fault before they can recover any compensation for injuries, vehicle repairs, and other losses.

It is important to remember that the state is a contributory negligence state, meaning if a plaintiff in any civil suit is found partially at fault for their damages, they will be unable to claim compensation from any other liable party. If this issue arises in a vehicle accident case, it may take quite a while to resolve. It is common for at-fault drivers to attempt to deflect blame for the accidents they have caused in whatever way they can.

An experienced attorney can help you prove fault for your recent car accident, and once you have established liability, you can proceed with claiming compensation for damages the other driver caused. In most cases, this recovery process requires filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, but a personal injury suit will be necessary if they do not have insurance or if insurance will not fully cover your damages.

How an Attorney Can Help With Your Car Accident Case

The North Carolina car accident settlement timeline and process will vary from case to case, but ultimately, any driver can encounter unexpected complications that they will not know how to overcome on their own. The right attorney can help them make clearer sense of their situation, resolve any issues they have with the insurance claim process, and assist them with building a personal injury suit if necessary to ensure their recovery.

Insurance companies often push back against claims for coverage in whatever way they can. Some will attempt to take advantage of unwary injured claimants, hoping they can convince them to accept lowball settlement offers out of desperation. Some insurers will even unjustly deny claims for coverage. All of these issues could potentially extend your case’s timeline, increasing how long you will need to wait to obtain your settlement.

Ultimately, it is difficult to estimate the possible timeline for any given car accident case, but having the right attorney on your side is an effective way to streamline your recovery and maximize your compensation. Your attorney can determine the optimal path to recovering your damages and help you overcome unexpected disputes that might arise with the other driver or their insurance carrier.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do First After a Car Accident?

A: After a car accident in the state, the first thing you should do if you are physically able is contact 911 to report the accident. State law requires drivers to report all accidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death, and failure to do this results in severe penalties. After you receive medical care, it’s important to get a copy of the police report and to contact an experienced attorney who can help you with your recovery efforts.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

A: You can prove fault for a car accident in North Carolina with evidence such as traffic camera footage, vehicle computer data, cell phone records, and testimony from witnesses who saw your accident happen. Before you can recover compensation through auto insurance or a personal injury suit, you will need to identify the party who caused the accident and prove exactly how they caused it.

Q: How Much Is a Car Accident Settlement Worth?

A: The total potential value of a car accident settlement in the state will depend on the severity of your damages. As long as you are able to establish liability for the accident, you have the right to claim compensation for the full range of financial losses you suffered because of the other driver’s actions. An experienced attorney can help you uncover all the various forms of compensation you are able to claim from the at-fault driver and maximize your recovery.

Q: How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Car Accident Settlement?

A: In a car accident settlement, pain and suffering are calculated based on the overall severity of the injuries you suffered and whether you face any long-term or permanent harm. There is no specific formula you need to use to calculate this aspect of your damages. Generally, the more serious the victim’s injuries, the more they are likely to obtain pain and suffering compensation if they are successful with their personal injury case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a car accident lawyer because your case may be more difficult to resolve than you initially expected, and you will need an attorney’s help to navigate your proceedings successfully. The right attorney can help you make more informed decisions, approach your recovery efforts with greater confidence, and negotiate for a maximum settlement for you. They may also be able to resolve your case more quickly than you could expect otherwise.

The team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates knows you are likely to have many questions about the North Carolina car accident settlement timeline and process after a damaging accident, and our goal is to provide guidance and support when you need it most for this type of case. You have a short time to pursue your recovery, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help.