Distracted driving is a growing concern, not just nationally but here in Charlotte as well. With more distractions vying for our attention than ever before—text messages, social media notifications, and even in-car entertainment systems—staying focused on the road has become a challenge for many drivers. Unfortunately, even a split-second distraction can lead to devastating consequences, […]
Type of Car Accidents That You Can Seek Compensation For
Any car accident that causes damage to property or personal injury can be a reason for a lawsuit. According to the North Carolina Depart of Transportation (NCDOT), in 2020, Charlotte, North Carolina, had 27,084 car accidents. One hundred and sixteen of them resulted in fatalities, with another whopping 13,728 people injured. In the cases where individuals were injured they are able to seek compensation for their injuries. If you were at fault in the accident you would not be eligible for compensation.
Being Hit by Someone From Behind
One of the most common types of car accidents happens when you are being followed by a vehicle behind you too closely and they cannot stop in time. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration), 29% of all auto accidents in North Carolina result from rear-end collisions.
Rear-end collisions can result in whiplash, broken bones, crushed limbs or paralysis. All of these injuries can lead to costly medical bills and a lot of time spent in doctors’ offices.
Car Accidents Involving Someone That is Distracted
We are all guilty of distracted driving at one time or another. Still, distracted driving can be hazardous and lead to auto accidents, hitting a pedestrian or bike rider, and damaging property.
Here are some examples of distracted driving:
- Putting on makeup
- Texting
- Dealing with children
- Talking
- Eating
- Rubbernecking
- Changing the radio
- Reading emails on your phone
According to NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation), 18% of all car accidents in 2019 were from people engaging in activities that took their attention away from the road. Distracted driving accidents often result in severe injuries. Teenagers are the number one culprit when it comes to distracted driving. If it is proven that you were not focused on the road and engaging in texting while driving, you could be at fault for the car accident. Being at fault leaves you financially responsible for the other person's injuries.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence does not just mean alcohol; it means any substances that can impair your driving. However, the most common form of a DWI is alcohol. In today's day and age, you would think that drinking and driving would be a non-issue since there are many options to utilize instead of driving while intoxicated. The website, responsibility.org, reported that in 2019 there were 323 deaths in North Carolina due to people driving under the influences of alcohol. In the city of Charlotte alone, there were 49 drunk driving fatalities and 699 people injured in 2020. (NC.gov) North Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning whoever caused the accident is financially responsible for any damage. If the person that caused the accident was under the influence, you have a right to sue for personal injury and/or wrongful death. Under these lawsuits, you would look for compensation for future medical bills, disability, emotional distress, missed work, punitive damages, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of the person.
Traffic Violations
Being Hit by Someone That is Speeding
There is a vast difference between being hit by someone driving 35 miles per hour and someone driving 65 miles per hour. The faster the individual is driving when your car is impacted, the more severe the damage to your car and body. Being hit at high speeds can cause significant damage to your torso. The accident can leave you with broken ribs, collar bone, internal organ damage, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, and death.
Low Impact Car Accidents
You can still sustain injuries in a car accident if you drive at 25 miles per hour or lower. If you have a pre-existing injury, a low-impact car accident may intensify the issue. Depending on how your seat is adjusted, the placement of your seat belt, or the size of your vehicle can all determine how badly you are injured. Even though you may consider it a fender bender, side effects from the car accident may appear days or weeks down the road. It is always crucial that you seek medical assistance to use your visit in a lawsuit if necessary.
Single Car Accidents
A car accident can happen at any time, and there is no need for another car to be involved. In more remote areas of North Carolina, a wild animal such as a deer may step out in the road, or you may swerve to miss a dog. Poor road conditions can cause you to pop a tire and veer off of the road into a tree. In situations that do not involve another vehicle, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company. This is especially true if you were a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the car accident.
Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign
In 2020 22,634 accidents in North Carolina were caused by a person failing to stop at a stop sign. Of those 22,634 accidents, 113 people died, and 7,812 people were injured. (ncdps.gov) Many of those killed were cyclists or pedestrians crossing the street. Failure to obey traffic signals can lead to severe injuries.
Running a Red Light
We have all done it from time to time, the light turns yellow, and we step on the gas to get through the intersection. The problem is someone else is just as eager to go. As soon as the light turns green, someone else accelerates, resulting in a car accident. Statewide in North Carolina, there were 38,359 car accidents resulting from someone running a red light.
What to do if You are Involved in an Auto Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident in Charlotte, NC you want an experienced, local law firm. Rosensteel Fleishman can assist you in the process of seeking financial compensation. They have been serving Charlotte and the surrounding area since 2005, winning millions of dollars in compensation for victims of traffic accidents. They will walk you through the process from start to finish. They will keep you updated along the way. Don't leave your settlement to chance; hire a local, experienced professional who will care for all your needs. Call Rosensteel Fleishman for a free consultation concerning your auto accident today
Additional Car Accident Articles
Calculating the Value of Whiplash Claims in North Carolina
Calculating the value of a whiplash claim in North Carolina can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a car accident. Whiplash injuries are often underestimated, with many individuals dismissing their symptoms until they become more serious. However, understanding the factors that go into evaluating these claims can […]
Average Settlement Amounts for Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Car accidents can be overwhelming and life-altering events. From dealing with medical bills to navigating insurance claims, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. If you’ve been in an accident in Charlotte, NC, you might wonder about the average settlement amounts and how to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. These concerns are […]
Determining Responsibility for T-Bone Accidents in North Carolina
Car accidents are stressful, but few are as jarring as a T-bone collision. One moment you’re driving down the road, and the next, another car barrels into your vehicle’s side, leaving you shaken and uncertain about what to do next. In North Carolina, T-bone accidents occur frequently at intersections and can result in severe injuries, […]
