Navigating the Aftermath of a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to worry about physical injuries and property damage, but you also have to deal with getting all your questions answered. Will the insurance companies handle the accident fairly? Will there be medical bills to pay? How will car repairs be handled? If you were injured in the accident, how will the accident affect your work or life going forward? With so many concerns, it's easy to make mistakes that could cost you money or impact your legal rights. This is where a car accident attorney comes in. They provide legal advice and representation to help you make the best possible recovery from the accident.

How an Accident Attorney Can Help

An attorney can help you navigate through the red tape of dealing with multiple groups to get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence that is needed and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf with insurance companies and the other party’s lawyers. If the other people involved claim the accident was your fault, your attorney will work to prove your innocence and protect your rights.  

Why Do I Need a Lawyer in North Carolina?

North Carolina is one of only 4 states in the country that operates under a strict system called contributory negligence. This rule states that if you are in an accident and your actions could have in any way contributed to that accident, you are not able to sue for damages. For example, Car A is speeding on a Charlotte city street and has the green light. The driver of Car B is legally drunk and fails to stop at a red light on a side street, T-boning Car A. Car B’s attorneys can claim that no damages are owed to the driver of Car A because they were speeding, which contributed to the accident. 

These are complex situations and not things that people can handle successfully by themselves. If an attorney for the defendant claims you have no case, you may think that you have no other way to recoup damages, but an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal system and get the money you deserve for the injuries and losses you have suffered in a car accident. A lawyer will help you put together a claim and file paperwork related to the accident. They can also explain the laws governing the case and help you understand the claims that the other party is making against you. If you have been injured in a car accident in Charlotte, NC, it's vital to seek legal counsel right away. Your attorney can help guide you through the legal system and ensure that the compensation you deserve is obtained as quickly as possible.

The Insurance Research Council conducted and published a large study called, “Paying for Auto Injuries.” This study showed that people who hired personal injury attorneys, like a car accident attorney, on average, got a payout 3 times larger than those who did not hire an attorney.

When Should I Get a Lawyer for my Auto Accident?

The first thing that you should always do after an accident is seek medical attention. Someone should call the police to come to the scene, gather evidence, collect contact information for anyone who saw the accident happen, and make sure that all parties have the information they need in order to contact each other moving forward.   

The next step, even before you talk to the insurance companies, is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney. Even if your car was only involved in a minor accident, it's still a good idea to speak to a lawyer shortly after the accident. A lawyer can help organize evidence and submit a strong claim to the insurance company on your behalf. They can also help ensure the claim is processed as efficiently as possible and that you don’t hit any unexpected snags along the way.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a car accident lawyer varies depending on the case and lawyer. Paying a contingency fee is common in personal injury cases, including car accidents, when you are the plaintiff and suing others for damages. In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or award as their fee. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront and only pay the lawyer if they win the case. This percentage is agreed upon in the contract when you retain the lawyer to represent you.

Sometimes, lawyers will charge an hourly rate for their time and services. The client is responsible for paying the lawyer for the time they spend on the case, including research, communication, and court appearances. The client is responsible for paying these fees regardless of the outcome of the case. The least common type of payment arrangement in car accident cases is a flat fee, which is a set amount agreed upon upfront. This is less common for car accident cases, because it is hard to judge at the beginning of a case how complex it will be and then predict how many hours it will take to help you settle the case. Before you hire an attorney to represent you, do some research and find the attorney who fits your budget and personal needs best. Before signing any retainer agreement, it's essential to thoroughly evaluate the lawyer's qualifications, experience, and style. It is difficult to switch attorneys during a case, so be sure you feel good about your choice at the beginning.

At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation for this purpose. It's important to choose an attorney who is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at 1-704-714-1450 for a free consultation about your situation.