Car Accident Claim Process in Greensboro, NC: What You Need To Know?

Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most frustrating and potentially traumatic events of your life. If the accident was particularly bad, you may be dealing with severe injuries while also struggling to move forward with legal action in civil court or through the car accident claims process in Greensboro, NC. It can be a struggle if you don’t know where to start. An experienced lawyer can help.

Navigating the claims process in North Carolina can be overwhelming alone. The help of a Greensboro car accident attorney can be significant. You want someone with knowledge of car accident laws to handle your matter. Keep in mind that the statute of limitations on car accident claims in North Carolina is only three years, so you have a limited amount of time to build your case and file your claim.

Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Steven T. Meier, PLLC?

There are many important reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, our combined legal experience in both state and federal matters can be of significant help to you in your time of need. We can provide you with a personal and empathetic approach to your case.

According to recent data collected by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, car accidents in Greensboro are not rare. In 2023 alone, there were nearly 9,000 car accidents in Greensboro. Those accidents resulted in 35 fatalities and well over 5,400 injuries. It’s important to take the proper steps following an accident to ensure your claim is protected and that you have the right evidence to move forward with a civil claim, if applicable.

Surviving a car accident can be a transformative experience. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, confused, and even a bit changed by the experience, particularly if the accident was severe. You may want to consider reaching out to a local car accident survivors’ support group, such as the Crash Support Network or Road to Recovery. You may have a lot you need to talk about, and talking about it among like-minded individuals can be good for your mental health.

The Car Accident Claims Process

The car accident claims process in Greensboro can be a very involved and complicated process, especially if you are trying to move forward without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. They can make sure your interests are protected and that nobody tries to take advantage of you. Here is a brief rundown of some of the most important steps in the car accident claims process:

• Documenting the scene: The process really begins at the scene of the accident. Once the police have cleared you, you can begin documenting the accident scene for your records. Take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage done to all vehicles, the state of the road at the time, and anything else relevant to your case. Be sure to get statements from any witnesses who may be able to help you.
• Reporting the accident: As soon as you can, you must call your insurance provider and report the accident. Be very careful what you say to the claims adjuster assigned to your case. Don’t admit any degree of fault for the accident. You may want to speak with a lawyer before speaking with the adjuster. Admitting fault of any kind can seriously hurt your claim and make it difficult to receive a payout.
• Investigation: The adjuster can then launch an investigation into your accident to determine fault, assess damages, and make a decision regarding your case. Since North Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents, the driver who is determined to be at fault is responsible for reimbursing the other driver.
• Settlement and negotiation: Once the adjuster has finished their investigation, if they have determined you were not at fault, they may offer a settlement amount to cover your losses. If you feel the amount is not satisfactory, you can negotiate with the company yourself or hire a lawyer to negotiate for you. The latter is highly recommended.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?

A: There is no telling how long it can take to settle a car accident claim in North Carolina. Every claim is different, with each situation having its own contributing factors. Ultimately, every car accident claim takes as long as it needs to take to fully finalize. At your initial consultation, a knowledgeable attorney can give you an estimate of a possible timeline.

Q: What Do You Do After a Car Accident?

A: There are many things that need to be done after a car accident. In the immediate aftermath, you have to stay calm, check yourself for any injuries, move your car to the side of the road, call 911, and document the accident scene. Afterwards, you should call a lawyer to help you deal with the insurance company, who can then be notified about the accident.

Q: What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in North Carolina?

A: There is no reliable way to determine what the average car accident settlement in North Carolina is. Every car accident case is different, with each case having its own details and circumstances that may ultimately determine the settlement amount. These factors include the severity of your injuries, whether or not you were at fault, and your lawyer’s own negotiation skills.

Q: How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in North Carolina?

A: Fault is determined in a car accident in North Carolina by using the contributory negligence model. This model means that even if a driver is only slightly responsible for causing the accident, they may be unable to recover damages from the other driver. An insurance claims adjuster investigates the accident to figure out which driver is largely responsible for causing the accident.

Contact Us Today

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we can help you recover damages from your car accident. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about your case.