Call Us 919-240-4054Despite technological advances and safety features, collisions occur far too often in Durham, a city within the U.S. 15-501 and I-40 to I-85 corridors, not to mention the new East End Connector.
If you were hurt in a car crash caused by another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Through a personal injury claim with a Durham auto accident attorney, you may be able to recover money for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we’re dedicated to helping people who have been hurt in all collisions. Our personal injury lawyers will advocate for your right to compensation. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and never charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
What Should You Do After Being in a Car Crash?
If you keep the following steps in mind, you’ll have a better chance of recovering from the crash. Your chances of obtaining maximum compensation will also improve.
1. Move your vehicle to a safer location
If it’s safe, move your car off the highway or street, preferably to a nearby parking lot. If that’s not an option, get to the safest place you can find if your physical condition allows it.
2. Check yourself and your passenger(s) for injuries
Perform a quick self-check to get the best idea of how seriously you’re hurt. If someone else is in your vehicle, check if they’re hurt. The more information you give emergency responders, the more effectively they can treat you.
3. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance
The 911 dispatcher should send an ambulance once you tell them the extent of your injuries. Ask them to send a police officer, too, so they can investigate the collision. The officer will file a report that could be very important to your case.
4. Tell your side of the story to the responding police officer
You should make sure that the police are called to document what happened. If there are witnesses who can help you, make sure the police officer talks with those witnesses.
5. Notify your insurance company
As soon as possible after the accident, you should report the collision to your own insurance company.
6. Gather evidence at the scene
If you can do so, collect information and evidence at the scene. This may involve taking pictures of the accident, getting contact information from witnesses, or asking for a copy of any police report. Do not apologize to the other driver; provide them with your contact and insurance information.
7. Visit Urgent Care or your primary care physician
If you have been hurt in a car crash, the first and most important thing to do is to get medical attention for any injuries that you may have suffered.
Even if you think you weren’t hurt — or your injuries are minor — you should still get checked out by a doctor. An early diagnosis is often crucial to getting the proper medical treatment. It may also prevent the insurer from arguing that your injuries are worse than they would have been had you received medical care immediately.
8. Meet with a Durham auto accident attorney to understand your legal options
The other driver’s insurance company may try to contact you by phone, letter, or in person. Do not talk to the insurance company or an adjuster without talking to a Durham car accident lawyer first. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to deny or minimize your claim to maximize profits for their employer, not to give you the maximum recovery.
Similarly, do not sign anything without consulting a Durham car crash attorney first. Even if a settlement agreement seems fair, you could give up substantial rights by signing it. An experienced Durham personal injury attorney with Johnson & Groninger PLLC will represent your best interests and ensure you do not inadvertently say something that could jeopardize your recovery.
Is There a Deadline to File a Claim?
Usually, the statute of limitations in an automobile crash case in North Carolina is three years. However, if you intend to seek the services of a lawyer, you should contact the lawyer well before the expiration of the statute of limitations.
What Are Possible Damages You Can Claim for Your Injuries?
You should immediately address the damage to your automobile with the adjuster for the person who hit you. If that adjuster will not pay the amount owed for damage to your automobile, your own insurance company will pay for the damage.
Suppose there is a disagreement between you and the insurance company over the amount that the repairs will cost. In that case, you may get opinions from several automobile repair shops to negotiate with the insurance adjuster. If you think the adjuster has mistreated you, you may make a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance. If we handle your personal injury claim, we will help you if there is a dispute over property damage.
The following is a quick look at the types of damages you may be able to recover.
Economic damages
Economic damages are tangible and are easily proven with appropriate documentation. These include your medical expenses and the money you’re losing (and may continue to lose) because you can’t work.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are entirely different — they’re subjective, so they’re much more challenging to prove. You’ll need a seasoned Durham auto accident attorney to show non-economic damages such as lost quality of life, mental trauma, pain and suffering, and more.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Auto Accident Injury?
There could be more parties responsible for your injury besides the at-fault driver. If, for instance, the wreck happened because a defective tire blew out, you may be able to sue the manufacturer.
How Can Our Durham Auto Accident Attorney Prove Negligence?
Every Durham auto accident attorney on our staff is skilled in investigating car collisions. We’ll find the evidence to determine all the people or entities contributing to your injury.
Car Crashes Are Becoming More Frequent and More Dangerous.
You would think that the number of car crash injuries would decrease since vehicles are safer than ever before, but in North Carolina, nearly 115,000 motorists suffered severe injuries in 2021. Tragically, there were about 1,800 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents that same year.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
The injuries resulting from car wrecks can be devastating and can sometimes lead to death. These are just a few examples:
- Severe head injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
Why Should You Visit a Doctor as Soon as Possible?
Not only do you need medical help for your health, but you also need to see a medical professional to protect your case. The insurance company will argue that you’re not seriously hurt if you don’t. That will make it almost impossible for you to obtain the compensation you have coming.
What Are the “Dos” and “Don’Ts” of Dealing With Insurance After a Crash?
While you must report the crash to your insurance company, you don’t have to deal with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Let your Durham car accident lawyer handle communication with insurance adjusters.
What Is the Cost of Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney?
You won’t have to pay any upfront costs when you work with Johnson & Groninger PLLC. We won’t receive any money unless you win your case.
We Fight the Insurance Company to Get You the Maximum Compensation
You’re going to encounter a deep-pocketed insurance company. That company will do all it can to deny the compensation you deserve. But a Durham car crash lawyer with Johnson & Groninger PLLC knows how to defeat this formidable opposition. We do it regularly.
Why Work With Johnson & Groninger PLLC
Our car accident attorneys provide aggressive representation on behalf of our clients. We won’t stop until we hold accountable those responsible for your suffering.
Our Seasoned Durham Auto Accident Attorney Is Here to Help.
Speak with our Durham auto accident attorney with Johnson & Groninger PLLC as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (919) 240-4054 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Personal Injury Attorney.