Learn how to protect yourself after an accident in Charlotte, NC.
City driving is a nightmare. Traffic jams, road rage, construction zones…it’s dangerous just driving from point A to point B every day.
But did you know…
When accidents happen (and they will) most people have no idea how to handle themselves. They end up sabotaging their own claims by making costly mistakes.
You can avoid that frustrating scenario by learning about accident law BEFORE you need it!
What You’ll Learn:
- Why You Should Care About Charlotte Accident Statistics
- How North Carolina’s At-Fault System Works
- 5 Things To Do After Any Car Accident
- How To Know If You Need A Car Accident Lawyer
- 5 Claim-Killing Mistakes to Avoid
Why You Should Care About Charlotte Accident Statistics
Charlotte consistently ranks as one of the deadliest cities for driving in North Carolina.
According to recent reports, the city saw 85 traffic fatalities in 2024. Yikes. That is almost DOUBLE last year’s total.
…but it doesn’t stop there.
NC Vision Zero estimates there are almost 82 car accidents occurring every day in Charlotte. Remember that number. Because if you live in the city, chances are you will be involved in an accident at some point. When you are, you’ll need to know how accidents law in Charlotte works. Working with an experienced Car Accident Attorney In Charlotte can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Especially early on while you’re filing a claim. Things like police reports and properly documenting injuries can make or break your ability to collect fair compensation.
The actions you take in the first few days after an accident can determine the outcome of your entire claim.
How North Carolina’s At-Fault System Works
North Carolina law operates under what is called an “at-fault” system.
What does that mean?
Well, when someone causes an accident, they are financially responsible for any damages incurred as a result of their negligence. Essentially, their car insurance pays for any losses.
Seems pretty cut-and-dried, right? Well, not so fast.
North Carolina also adheres to something called contributory negligence.
If the victim of an accident is found to be even 1% responsible for causing the crash, they can be barred from recovering any compensation from the other driver.
That’s how strict this state is. If you file an insurance claim, be prepared to have your claim scrutinized.
Let’s go over how this at-fault system impacts insurance claims:
- Insurance companies are adept at shifting blame
- Any traffic violation at the time of the accident can damage your claim
- Witness testimony can be used to establish fault
- Fault determines whose insurance company pays for damages
5 Things To Do After Any Car Accident
The most important steps to take after an accident occur before the accident.
That isn’t to say you should worry about filing insurance claims before you get into a crash. What we mean is learning about accident law and how insurance claims work before you need the information.
Once you find yourself involved in an accident, these are the things you should do:
Step 1: First and foremost, assess your safety. Are you injured? Can you move your car to a safer location? Call 911 if there are any injuries. Do NOT leave the scene of the accident.
Step 2: Start collecting evidence. Use your phone to take LOTS of pictures of the vehicles, damages, road conditions, traffic signs or signals, and visible injuries. Remember, photos speak louder than words.
Step 3: Exchange information with the other driver. And we mean EVERYTHING. Name, phone number, insurance information, license plate number, etc. Also, get the contact info for any witnesses that stopped to offer assistance.
Step 4: Always file a police report. No accident is too minor to omit calling the police. Think of them as another witness whose job is to document the scene of the accident.
Step 5: Seek medical attention ASAP. Visit your doctor or the emergency room within 24-48 hours of the accident. Some injuries do not present symptoms immediately.
Step 6: Finally, notify your insurance company of the accident. Tell them what happened and share any evidence you’ve gathered. Be polite, but do not speculate or admit fault.
Action tip: Avoid discussing fault or details of the accident with anyone but police officers and your insurance company. What you say can come back to haunt your claim later on.
When To Contact A Car Accident Lawyer
If you wrecked your bumper, filed an insurance claim, and walked away…you probably don’t need an attorney.
Car accidents can escalate quickly, though. That’s when it’s important to know when to contact a car accident lawyer.
Here are a few scenarios where hiring an attorney may be your best course of action:
- You were injured and require medical treatment
- The insurance company for the other driver is refusing to accept fault
- You’ve racked up more than a couple thousand dollars in medical bills
- Lost wages from being unable to work are accumulating
- You received a low ball settlement offer from the insurance company
- You have any doubt about who was at fault for causing the accident
Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies, not accident victims.
They know how to negotiate and will fight hard to pay you as little as possible.
The bottom line…
Most accident victims have NO IDEA what their claim is truly worth. So when insurance companies swoop in and offer a “quick settlement,” most people take the deal without negotiating. Even though it almost always results in unfairly low compensation.
An experienced attorney will know how to calculate your damages. This includes future medical costs, pain and suffering, and even impact on future earning potential.
Common Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Claim
Believe it or not, the number one reason people fail to recover maximum compensation is doing NOTHING.
By not hiring a lawyer or otherwise defending your rights, you are essentially leaving money on the table.
But here’s the kicker…
Many accident victims unintentionally hurt their own cases without realizing it. Here are a few examples of rookie mistakes that can tank your claim:
Mistake #1: Taking Too Long To File A Claim
North Carolina allows you 3 years to file a personal injury claim. However…
The longer you wait, the more likely evidence will be lost and witnesses become difficult to track down.
Mistake #2: Posting About The Accident On Social Media
Believe it or not, insurance companies scour potential claimants’ Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram accounts for valuable information.
That sunset picture you posted while on vacation “stiffing the insurance company” could be used to prove your injuries aren’t THAT bad.
Mistake #3: Agreeing To A Recorded Statement
Insurance companies love recorded statements. They send accident victims emails or call immediately after a crash asking to “talk story.”
The problem? Most people aren’t trained in accident law. They innocently provide the insurance company with statements that later hurt their claims.
Mistake #4: Accepting The First Settlement Offer
Like we mentioned above, insurance companies love to lowball victims and hope they take the money and run.
You should never accept a settlement offer without speaking to a lawyer first.
Mistake #5: Failure To Follow Doctor’s Orders
If your doctor recommends physical therapy for your injuries and you skip appointments…
You’re basically giving the insurance company ammunition to claim your injuries aren’t real.
Final Thoughts
While there is a lot more to know about accident law than what is covered here, you should have a good grasp on the basics.
The key is to educate yourself BEFORE you’re involved in an accident. Understand how insurance claims work and the laws specific to North Carolina and Mecklenburg County.
Let’s review:
- Charlotte experiences almost 82 car accidents every day. Be prepared.
- North Carolina has one of the strictest negligence laws in the country.
- Documentation is everything during the first 48 hours after an accident occurs.
- Insurance companies look out for themselves first and victims second.
- Knowing when to hire a lawyer can mean protecting YOUR maximum settlement value.
Traffic fatalities have increased 29% over the past 10 years throughout North Carolina. We’re not getting any safer out there.
Arm yourself with the knowledge of accident law and avoid becoming another statistic.
