Best Car Accident Lawyers in Mooresville

FAQs

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

  To reach the Mooresville Police Department for non-emergency concerns, call (704) 664-3311.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your accident report by going to https://townofmooresvillenc.nextrequest.com. You will need to enter details, like the crash date and names of people involved, to pull up the accident report. You can then download the report as a PDF file.

• What car accident damages can you claim compensation for in Mooresville, NC?

  Mooresville car accident victims can seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, and property damages like car repair or replacement. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the victim for nonfinancial effects, such as emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases of gross negligence on the at-fault driver's part, like driving under the influence.

• What is the contributory negligence rule, and how does it affect car accident claims in Mooresville, NC?

  North Carolina uses the pure contributory negligence rule when it comes to accidents. Under this rule, the other party must be 100% at fault to be liable for your damages. If you are found to be even 1% at fault, you will not be able to get compensation. It is advised that you work with a car accident lawyer in Mooresville to protect yourself from the defendant or the insurance company trying to put blame on you to avoid paying your damages.

• What is the deadline to file a car accident claim in Mooresville, NC?

  In Mooresville, you have three years from the date of the car crash to file a personal injury claim. If the car crash involves a fatality, the surviving kin or personal representative of the victim must file the wrongful death claim within two years from the date of the death. It is recommended that you start the claims process shortly after the accident, as it may take some time to calculate your damages.

• Can you recover the costs of personal items inside your vehicle that got damaged in a car accident in Mooresville, NC?

  Yes, you can get compensation for damaged personal items inside the vehicle, such as cell phones or newly bought groceries. You can include these in your property damage claim. You must provide proof that the items were damaged due to the car crash as well as proof of their value, like purchase receipts.

• How much does a car accident lawyer in Mooresville, NC, cost?

  Most accident lawyers offer a contingency fee agreement. In this agreement, the lawyer only gets paid if they successfully secure a settlement or verdict award for the client. This means the client doesn’t have to pay anything upfront or out of their own pocket. The lawyer will collect a percentage of the client’s compensation as their professional fee instead of taking payment directly from the client.

• 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.