Best Car Accident Lawyers in Durham

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Durham, North Carolina?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Durham Emergency Communications Center is (919) 560-4600.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Durham, North Carolina?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report for your car accident from the Durham Police Headquarters Record Division by calling (919) 560-4423.

• What are the most dangerous Durham intersections for car accidents?

  According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Roxboro Street interchange at Interstate 85 was the most crash-prone site in Durham in 2021 after it recorded 40 crashes in just eight months. Other hazardous intersections for car accidents include the following: • I-40 and Fayetteville Road • I-40 and NC 54 • Apex Highway and I-40 • Guess Road and I-85 • North Duke Street at I-85 • Avondale Drive and I-85 • Holloway Street and US 70 • South Roxboro Street at Morehead Avenue • South Alston Avenue and Durham Freeway

• What percentage of car accidents in Durham are caused by drunk driving?

  Figures from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) show alcohol was involved in 2.12% of Durham car accidents from 2018 to 2020. The same data suggests 226 alcohol-related accidents occurred in the city in 2020 alone, with 149 resulting in injuries and 12 causing deaths. According to NCDOT, alcohol was a factor in 22% of the traffic fatalities in the state in 2021.

• Does road rage play a role in a Durham car accident?

  Yes, North Carolina is among the states with the highest number of road rage mishaps. This includes incidents in which one driver intentionally collides with another vehicle and causes an accident. According to Howard Henry, a traffic and crash team investigator in Durham, the city has noticed an increase in road rage accidents since the COVID-19 pandemic. He claims that more people are getting involved in road rage incidents because they are speeding, sometimes at 100 mph.

• What if the person who hit you in Durham doesn't have auto insurance?

  If you are in a car accident in Durham with an uninsured driver, you can seek compensation for your losses by filing an uninsured motorist claim or a lawsuit against the other driver. If you believe you purchased uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but your insurance provider informs you that you did not, you should consult a lawyer because the company may be liable for your injuries.

• Should you seek medical attention following a Durham car accident?

  If you were injured in a Durham car accident, seek medical attention as quickly as possible from a hospital, EMT, or urgent care facility. Durham is well-known for its medical resources, so you shouldn't have to travel far to get care for your injuries. Failure to get medical treatment can have serious consequences for your health and your legal case. Insurance providers may attempt to use any delay against you by claiming that if you were truly injured, you would have sought treatment immediately.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.