Category: Car Accident

  • Compensation In Car Accident Claims

    When involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Apart from dealing with injuries and vehicle damage, you may be faced with mounting medical bills and lost income. Understanding the types of damages available in a car accident claim is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

    Economic Damages: Tangible Financial Losses

    Economic damages, also known as special damages, are the quantifiable financial losses that result from a car accident. These damages aim to compensate victims for expenses directly tied to the accident. Common examples of economic damages include:

    • Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other healthcare costs related to accident injuries.
    • Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
    • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work days or diminished earning capacity caused by accident-related injuries.
    • Future Medical Costs: Anticipated expenses for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care are required due to the accident.

    Non-Economic Damages: Intangible Losses

    Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, address the intangible losses resulting from a car accident. These losses may not have a precise dollar value but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. Non-economic damages may include:

    • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall suffering experienced due to the accident and injuries.
    • Emotional Distress: Damages awarded for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional effects resulting from the accident.
    • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact the accident has on the victim’s personal relationships, including the loss of companionship or spousal support.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Reimbursement for the inability to engage in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed before the accident.

    Punitive Damages: Punishing Wrongdoers

    Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are awarded in exceptional cases to punish the at-fault party for egregious misconduct or gross negligence. These damages are intended to deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are relatively rare in car accident claims and typically reserved for reckless or intentional misconduct cases.

    Wrongful Death Damages: Loss Of A Loved One

    In cases where a car accident results in the tragic loss of life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages. These damages aim to provide financial compensation for the financial and emotional losses incurred due to the death of a loved one. Wrongful death damages may include:

    • Funeral and Burial Expenses: Coverage for the costs associated with laying the deceased to rest, including funeral services, burial plots, and related expenses.
    • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial support that the deceased would have provided to their family.
    • Loss of Companionship: Damages awarded for the emotional suffering and loss of the deceased’s companionship and guidance.
    • Medical and End-of-Life Expenses: Reimbursement for medical bills and end-of-life care related to fatal injuries.

    Call Our Law Office For Legal Assistance

    If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are seeking compensation for your damages, don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced Charlotte, NC car accident lawyer. Their expertise can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Call Schehr Law, PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation.

  • Common Car Accident Injuries

    Car Accident Lawyer

    Car accidents can occur unexpectedly and lead to serious injuries, making it imperative to prioritize road safety and awareness. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, the impact forces involved can cause significant harm to the human body. That said, it’s also critical to hire an experienced car accident lawyer, such as a lawyer at Therman Law Offices, LTD, that you can trust. It’s important to be prepared and a great lawyer will help you understand your case from all angles. You shouldn’t have to go through the overwhelming aftermath alone, and you deserved maximized compensation for damagers. Understanding the potential injuries that can result from a car accident is essential for both drivers and passengers alike. By familiarizing ourselves with the common ways individuals may get injured in car accidents, we can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and promote safe driving practices. In this article, we will discuss five common ways you may get injured in a car accident and emphasize the importance of responsible driving.

    Whiplash Injuries

    One of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents is whiplash. It occurs when the head is forcefully jerked forward and then snaps back, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and even cognitive difficulties. The severity of whiplash injuries can vary, with some individuals experiencing long-lasting chronic pain.

    Head and Brain Injuries

    The impact of a car accident can cause severe head and brain injuries. These injuries range from concussions, which are temporary and mild, to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood changes, and even coma. It is crucial to wear a seatbelt and ensure proper installation of airbags to minimize the risk of head and brain injuries.

    Broken Bones and Fractures

    The forceful impact in a car accident can lead to broken bones and fractures. The arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable to fractures during a collision. These injuries can range from simple fractures that heal with a cast to complex fractures that require surgical intervention. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and may involve rehabilitation and physical therapy.

    Chest and Abdominal Injuries

    The chest and abdominal areas are susceptible to injury due to the impact of a car accident. The forceful collision can cause broken ribs, collapsed lungs, internal bleeding, and damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and spleen. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The use of seatbelts and airbags can help reduce the risk of chest and abdominal injuries.

    Psychological Trauma

    Car accidents not only cause physical injuries but also result in psychological trauma. Survivors may develop conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or phobias related to driving or being in a vehicle. These psychological injuries can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s quality of life and may require professional therapy and support to overcome.

  • 5 Common Car Accident InjuriesCar Accident Lawyer

    Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity and impact on the victims’ lives. Understanding the common types of car accident injuries can help you recognize the signs, seek appropriate medical attention, and pursue necessary legal actions. Victims of car accidents often experience terrible injuries such as the ones described below.

    Whiplash

    One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash, which typically occurs in rear-end accidents. It occurs when the head and neck are rapidly jolted back and forth, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty in movement. While whiplash injuries can vary in severity, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications and ensure proper healing.

    Broken Bones and Fractures

    It is common for car accident victims to suffer fractures or broken bones, especially if the impact was particularly strong. These injuries commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and wrists due to the forceful impact or when body parts are crushed between objects. Fractures can range from minor hairline cracks to severe breaks requiring surgical intervention. Symptoms include pain, swelling, visible deformities, and difficulty in moving the affected area. Prompt medical attention, immobilization, and proper rehabilitation are essential for optimal recovery.

    Head Injuries and Concussions

    Head injuries, including concussions, are a significant concern in car accidents. When the head forcefully collides with the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, it can lead to various traumatic brain injuries. Concussions are the most common type, characterized by a temporary loss of brain function. Symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and sensitivity to light or noise. As a car accident lawyer like one from Blitz Law Group, LLP can explain to you, it is critical to seek medical assistance for injuries like concussions because the symptoms may be delayed.

    Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

    Many victims sustain devastating spinal injuries and back injuries due to the sheer impact from a car accident. These injuries can result in long-lasting disabilities and require extensive medical interventions. Common injuries include herniated discs, spinal fractures, and damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms may include back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or paralysis. Prompt medical evaluation, imaging tests, and specialized care are essential for diagnosing and treating these injuries effectively.

    Soft Tissue Injuries

    Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents and involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Common examples include sprains, strains, and contusions. These injuries can result from sudden jerking movements, impact, or being forcefully pushed against the seatbelt. Common symptoms for soft tissue injuries include pain, swelling, limited mobility and inability to bear weight on the affected limb. Proper rest, physical therapy, and rehabilitation are often necessary for recovery from soft tissue injuries.

    Learn About Legal Services

    Car accidents can lead to various types of injuries, ranging from whiplash and broken bones to head injuries, back injuries, and soft tissue damage. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these injuries is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and beginning the necessary treatment and rehabilitation processes. Be sure to receive medical treatment if you have been in a car accident and contact a lawyer right away who has the skills and experience to help you.

  • Will The Car Insurance Company Compensate Me?Car Accident Lawyer

    In the aftermath of any significant personal injury-causing event, many concerns immediately come to the forefront for an involved participant. Who covers lost wages? Who covers my medical expenses? What compensation will I receive? There is a necessary tension or necessary choice confronting anyone involved in an automobile accident.

    On the one hand, there is the notion that the insurance companies can handle it. In this “they will handle it” scenario the claims for property damage, medical treatment and attendance, lost wages, and other personal injuries are submitted to an insurance company who then arbitrarily arrives at the appropriate amount for each [or lets settlement software spit out an arbitrary number]. On the other hand, the other option is for the individual involved in that car accident to retain an experienced car accident lawyer as our friend Attorney Eric T. Kirk recommends.

    Post-Accident Compensation

    The motivations for each decision are clear, forthright and understandable. The person in the first scenario is motivated by a desire to save money, to not incur legal fees, and in particular litigation costs. Where that person has a sense that the claim is perhaps not a significant one to needlessly incur legal fees and costs.

    Advantages of Hiring Legal Representation

    These concerns are no doubt important to second the individual- the one who has made a choice to “lawyer-up” and retain personal injury counsel. However, this person has also expressed a desire to ensure that they receive full compensation for their injury or loss. This person has decided that an experienced advocate, with potentially decades of background in handling claims such as theirs, might be best suited to give them advice. They believe they improve their chances of getting every benefit to which they might be entitled under the law. For example, if during the course of a car accident claim an individual decides that they made a mistake. That they made a choice or elected an option, and have now changed their mind and no longer wish to pursue that option.

    Further Examples

    Do they have recourse? In this hypothetical example assume is a substantive right for that individual to change their mind within a fairly short period of time. Now, if the insurance company perceives that the choice the person has made is favorable to the insurance company, do they have an obligation to tell or to inform the person of their rights? Does the insurance company have to advise that they have a right under the law to change their mind? Courts and many jurisdictions have ruled, in fact, they do not. Even when the person who has made the error or changed their mind is a customer [an insured] of that insurance company.

    Insurance Companies Aren’t Qualified to Provide Legal Advice

    The reasoning sometimes offered in advance is that an insurance company -even with respect to its own insured- does not stand in the same shoes as legal counsel and is not expected or required to render legal advice about the options and avenues available to the injured person. These courts have ruled that although an insurance company, even in respect to its own insured, does not occupy that position, the attorney does, and indeed is expected to. It is part of their role as a personal injury attorney to make sure the injured person understands each of the rights and each of the options available, and gives guidance as to which is best.

    If you are in need of an attorney, contact one near you to schedule a consultation where you can ask any questions you may have.

  • The Importance Of Hiring An Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer

    Many people depend on rideshare apps like Uber to get them to their destinations. You can get to your destination on time and don’t have to worry about parking. However, the increased number of Uber vehicles on the road also means more accidents. If you have been involved in an Uber accident, it is essential to consult an Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. An Uber accident lawyer is someone who has experience with dealing with cases related to accidents involving Uber or other ride-sharing services.

    Uber accident lawyers have a lot of knowledge about legal issues that arise from accidents involving Uber. They understand the complexities of these cases and can help you navigate through the legal process, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve. Uber accidents can cause severe injuries, like whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have long-term consequences and may make it difficult to work. An Uber accident lawyer from Council & Associates, LLC can fight for your right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    After you retain an Uber accident lawyer, they will begin by investigating the accident. They will collect evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and medical records, to determine who was at fault for the accident. They will also communicate with Uber and its insurance company on your behalf, negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial if needed. Uber accident lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and are familiar with the tactics they use to deny claims. Your lawyer will ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

    If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as you can. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies by state, and if you wait too long, you will not be eligible for compensation anymore. Additionally, evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, making it more difficult to prove your case. By hiring an Uber accident lawyer right away, you can ensure that your case is handled properly and that you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

    When searching for an Uber accident lawyer, you should look for someone who has experience handling these types of cases. It is also wise to search for a lawyer who has a good reputation and a track record of success. Your lawyer should be someone you feel comfortable working with, who takes the time to address your questions and concerns, and who keeps you informed throughout the legal process.

    If you have been involved in an Uber accident, get in touch with an experienced Uber accident lawyer promptly. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the sooner you can settle your case and move on with your life.

  • Common Car Accident Scenarios

    Car Accident Attorney

    Seeking legal help for a car accident claim can be hard especially if you do not know what first step to take. Whenever you are going through any kind of legal issue you will want to first understand what your legal options are. you will never know if your case requires professional help unless you meet with an experienced and qualified attorney who has experience handling cases. Find a personal injury lawyer who has the car accident experience that you are looking for so that they can handle your situation. Here are just a few of the scenarios that lawyers routinely assist clients with.

    Hit and Run

    A hit and run accident is one of the most frustrating types of car accidents that anyone can deal with. When there is no one who can be identified as the at-fault party, it makes your situation even more stressful and much more of a hassle to deal with. You will need to find the person in order to move your case forward. You can look to a lawyer for legal assistance if you have been in a hit and run accident.

    Drunk Driving

    When a drunk driver causes an accident, the consequences are usually severe or even fatal. People who operate vehicles while inebriated put many lives at risk, and they should be held accountable. There are legal services that you can receive from a reputable lawyer if you are trying to proceed with a car accident claim following a drunk driving collision.

    Falling Asleep At the Wheel

    Long commutes or hectic schedules can make drivers prone to getting insufficient rest, and it can increase their odds of falling asleep while operating a vehicle. Even if the car accident was not intentional or a result of reckless driving, drivers who fall asleep while driving can still be held liable for the accident that they caused. Meet with a trusted lawyer to explore your legal options if you have been in an accident involving a driver who fell asleep.

    Reckless Driving

    Speeding excessively over the speed limit, weaving through multiple lanes, and committing other dangerous and criminally negligent behavior while operating a vehicle should never be tolerated. A car accident attorney like one from Glotzer & Leib, LLP can assist you with legal counsel if you have been a victim of a driver whose reckless behavior caused the accident that resulted in your injuries.

    Road Rage

    Aggressive driving can cause some drivers to drive in a manner that can endanger themselves or others around them. Road rage incidents can increase the chances of an accident because the aggressive driver is not exercising proper judgment. Victims of road rage accidents can receive legal support and hold the at-fault driver accountable.

    If you act right away, you may be able to file a car accident claim and successfully recover the full compensation that you are entitled to receive. There are many things that you can do if you are seeking legal assistance. A lawyer can offer a number of legal services for you. To find out more information, set up a consultation with a lawyer that numerous clients trust right away.

  • Sustaining Whiplash In A Car AccidentCar Accident Lawyer

    Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people suffer in car accidents. The neck injury may not be life-threatening, but it can cause chronic pain and other complications without prompt treatment. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical care promptly.

    Common Whiplash Symptoms

    Whiplash occurs when the head is jerked back and forth suddenly. The extreme force can cause trauma to the neck area. Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and shoulder pain. It is not uncommon for whiplash symptoms to now show up until days after a car accident.

    Common Whiplash Treatments

    If you get medical attention promptly, there is a better chance that you can successfully treat whiplash. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your condition. Here are common whiplash treatments:

      • Rest. Since your neck went through trauma, your doctor will advise you to take it easy for a couple of days. Avoid strenuous activities and try to rest.
      • Medication. Whiplash often causes pain, so you may be directed to take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your pain is more severe, your doctor may prescribe prescription pain medication. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants, which can loosen tight muscles and relieve pain.
      • Physical therapy. In some cases, doctors may recommend physical therapy for whiplash. In physical therapy, a trained therapist can show you various stretching and movement exercises for your neck. If you perform these exercises regularly, you may restore range of motion in your neck and feel better.

    Evidence to Support a Whiplash Injury Claim
    If you suffered whiplash in a car accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. However, in order to obtain that compensation, you must have sufficient evidence. Whiplash can’t be detected through x-rays and other diagnostic exams, so they are more difficult to prove than other injuries, but not impossible. Here are some important pieces of evidence to have in your whiplash injury claim:

      • Medical bills
      • Photos of the accident scene
      • Police reports
      • Witness statements

    Statute of Limitations to File a Whiplash Injury Claim

    If you plan to file a whiplash injury claim, it is important to find out what the statute of limitations are in your state. In Virginia, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the injury. Although that might seem like a long time, you should not procrastinate. It’s important to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer area residents trust, like one from MartinWren P.C., to discuss your case.

    Your lawyer will help you bring a timely claim against the negligent party and look out for your best interests. He or she knows the true value of your case and will handle negotiations with the insurance company. You will have a higher chance of obtaining a fair settlement with a lawyer on your side.

  • What to Do After Getting Into a Car Accident

    Getting in an accident can be extremely frightening and stressful. You may wonder what to do after getting into a car accident. Upon being involved in an accident, it is important to follow the following actions.

    Immediately Call The Police

    For every accident that occurs, it is important to always call the police. Even if the accident is small and there appears to be no damage, it is always necessary to obtain a police report from the incident. When the police arrive at the scene they will ask some questions and will be able to provide a police report about the incident to give to all parties involved. The police report will have all individuals’ contact information as well as a legal record from the police of what appeared to happen in the incident. While it may seem obvious to contact the authorities first, this is not always what happens.

    Call an Ambulance if Necessary

    In smaller accidents, you might be hesitant to call an ambulance. While many accidents such as smaller fender benders might not always require medical attention, it is always in your best interest to get checked anyway to be safe.

    In larger accidents, always call an ambulance. You or other parties may have been injured but are unaware of injuries at the time due to shock. As the shock wears off and days go by, this is when some injuries become present. The sooner your injuries are diagnosed, the faster you will be able to get treatment.

    Complete All Treatment

    If you are diagnosed with injuries, it is important to complete all appointments and treatment that is given to you by medical professionals. Missing treatment can lead to an increased length of time to recover from the incident. Depending on the incident, more intense injuries can increase your time out of work, school, etc. and put you behind in life. By attending all appointments scheduled, insurance companies are not able to deny the claim for “lapse in treatment.” Lapse in treatment is a common defense used by insurance companies that could show your injuries from the accident are not sustained over time.

    Keep Medical Records and Receipts

    When receiving medical attention or care, keep all records and receipts organized. If an attorney is hired for your personal injury case for a car accident, this will give you a great advantage. Keeping a record of the medical receipts will help provide you with the proper compensation for your case.

    Hire an Attorney

    Upon being in an accident, hiring an attorney to take your case is the best decision you can make. A successful attorney can help negotiate a higher settlement and provide the faster compensation you deserve for your case. For more information on the cost of hiring an attorney for a car accident, click here.

    Contact Us

    At Schehr Law PLLC, we have years of experience in dealing with insurance companies. We understand what it takes to make you whole after an accident. The sooner you are able to contact us, the easier it will be for us to build a strong case. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. We offer free consultations for all personal injury cases. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident Case?

    The cost to hire an attorney for a car accident case is certainly a valid question to ask yourself. If you sustained injuries in a car accident, you may be hesitant to contact a lawyer. This hesitation may stem from the need to sue the other driver so as to receive compensation for your injuries and their associated expenses and losses. You may fear that an attorney will charge you an up-front fee to represent you. You may fear that you don’t have the money to pay. Fortunately, your fears are likely unjustified.

    Contingency Fees as a cost to hire an attorney for a car accident

    Most personal injury lawyers, including those experienced in car accident cases, charge what is called a contingency fee. Under this kind of fee arrangement, you pay no up-front attorney’s fee. Instead, the lawyer takes his or her fee out of whatever settlement or jury award he or she obtains for you. In other words, if they are unsuccessful in obtaining compensation for you, you owe him or her nothing. Be advised, however, that such a result almost never occurs.

    Employment Contract

    Different lawyers charge different contingency fees, as the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen can explain. For instance, some lawyers charge a flat percentage, usually around 33%, regardless of whether or not your case goes to trial. Other lawyers take a bifurcated approach, charging a lower percentage, such as 20-25%, if they settle your case and a higher percentage, such as 33-50%, if they must conduct a jury trial on your behalf. With this being said, the cost to hire an attorney for a car accident case potentially costs you zero up front fees.

    Your lawyer should give you a written employment contract that both you and he or she will sign that sets forth exactly what you will owe in attorney’s fees and when and how you will pay them. The employment contract should also specify what, if any, investigation and court costs and fees you will be responsible for paying in addition to the attorney’s fee.

    Free Initial Consultation

    If all of this sounds somewhat complicated, you will be glad to know that most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. This is where you talk to the lawyer for free before hiring him or her. Be sure to not only fully advise him or her of the circumstances of your accident and the injuries you sustained, but also to ask questions about his or her fee and how and when you will be required to pay it. It goes without saying that you should never sign an employment or any other type of contract unless you fully understand its terms and obligations.

    Finding the Right Lawyer

    If you’ve never before required the services of a lawyer, you may wish to ask your family and friends for recommendations. The internet is another good source. Search for personal injury attorneys in your area and then look over the web sites of several. Be sure to check the lawyer’s or law firm’s practice areas to see if they handle cases similar to yours. Some web sites also show you some results the lawyer or firm has had in the past, as well as recommendations by former clients.

    Contact us as there is no cost to hire an attorney for a car accident

    The cost to hire an attorney for a car accident at Schehr Law PLLC is zero. We are proud to say that we almost exclusively take car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. To learn more about our success and personal injury practice areas, click here.

  • Car Accident? Who to Call if You Are in a Car AccidentWho to contact after being involved in a car accident

    Knowing who to contact after a car accident seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many clients contact our office and are confused on who to contact after a car accident. We receive many cases where an appropriate authority has not yet been contacted. Many folks believe that the only person you should call after a car accident is the police department. For the sake of this blog post, we are talking about who to call directly after the car accident occurs.

    We hope that the following helps with understanding who are important parties to contact after a car accident occurs.

    1) Contact local authorities immediately after a car accident

    This one may seem like a no brainer, however, this does not always happen. Depending on the severity of the car accident may determine whether or not the parties contact authorities.

    Minor car accidents and property damage

    We have all heard of the minor fender bender where one party simply states they will pay out of pocket for damage. This same scenario play out time and time again. The problem with this is that some people are not always trustworthy when it comes to paying out of pocket for damages. One party may provide false information, or give wrong information and you may never hear from them again.

    Make sure that if the car accident is minor you still contact local authorities and have an officer show up to the scene. This helps establish a record of the car accident. A police report will be generated and each party’s insurance information will be documented. You should end up with a breadth of information that you can use to ensure that your property damage is fixed. You will no longer need to worry that the other driver might provide fake information. Even if you have a separate agreement with the other driver to cover damages, you still have their insurance information if need be.

    Major car accidents

    If you are involved in a major car accident which results in personal injuries and/or property damage, it is a must that local authorities are called. Even if you feel as though you can simply walk away from the auto accident, it is always smart to be checked out by medical professionals. One reason it is important to contact medical professionals is you may be in shock after the car accident. You may not realize you are injured until a couple of days after the car accident. The quicker medical professionals can diagnose your injuries, the quicker you can get treatment for your injuries.

    2) Contact the other driver’s insurance after a car accident

    Once authorities are called, the officer will complete a police report which will contain the other driver’s insurance information. It is important to contact the other driver’s insurance company as soon as possible to report the car accident. Before providing details of the car accident to the insurance company you should contact an attorney. An attorney will be able to write a letter of representation and provide details on your behalf to ensure there are no issues down the road. Give our office a call if you are about to contact an insurance company to report an accident.

    3) Contact your own insurance company after an auto accident

    You always want to contact your own insurance so that they may perform their own investigation. Given that North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, you insurance company will be able to perform their own investigation and assess liability.

    It is also important to contact your own insurance company to put them on notice of the car accident. If it turns out that the other driver does not have insurance, your insurance company may be able to provide you with some relief. Your insurance company can review your policy to determine if you hold uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

    4) Contact your family after a car accident

    Contacting your close family members is always a good idea after an auto accident. What most folks don’t understand is that family members make great witnesses in court. If you contact a family member directly after an auto accident, they will be able to testify to your state of mind after the car accident. Should you forget details after the auto accident, your family members may be able to testify to your recollection of the events. However, ensure that what you tell your family members is accurate regarding the accident. You want to ensure that if they testify in court, their statements are going to be accurate.

    5) Make “contact” with your journal after a car accident

    Be sure to jot down notes after the car accident. One thing about the court system is that things move very slowly. Although the accident may seem fresh in your mind, the details may not seem so fresh when you are testifying years later. Unfortunately, because cases move slow through the court system, you may not remember everything from the accident. A journal is a great place to write down details so that you can later refer back to them.

    It is important to ensure that you write accurate notes about the accident. During the process of discovery, the defense attorney will gain access to the journal. If your statements are accurate, you will give the defense no ammo to attack your case.

    6) Contact an experienced attorney after a car accident

    One of the most important things you can do is contact an experienced personal injury attorney after the car accident. A good personal injury attorney will have a magnitude of experience in dealing with insurance companies and litigating cases. An attorney will be able to contact the insurance company on your behalf, and understands the tricks they will play. An experienced attorney understands how to dispute liability, and collect all necessary evidence to build a case.

    Without an experienced attorney by your side, you run the risk of lowball offers from the insurance company. These lowball offers never take into consideration all of your physical and mental suffering. Not only will insurance companies not take your injuries serious, but they will find other ways to not include your lost wages and future damages.

    To read about our practice areas, click here. If you are having trouble finding the other parties insurance information after a car accident, you can contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance here.

    Contact us today so we can represent you in your car accident

    At Schehr Law PLLC, we have years of experience in dealing with insurance companies. We understand what it takes to make you whole after an accident. The sooner you are able to contact us, the easier it will be for us to build a strong case. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. You can contact an attorney at our office directly at (704) 900-0336. We offer free consultations for all personal injury cases. We don’t get paid until we get you paid.

    To reach our Spanish speaking assistant or paralegal, please contact our office at (980) 267-2761.