Each day in the United States, citizens take an average of four trips per person. According to Bureau of Transportation statistics, that means 1.1 billion trips per day, with 11 billion miles traveled. When it comes to car accidents in Charlotte, NC recent statistics have vied with those from 2009 in fatality rates and crashes with a serious injury.
Injuries happen whether you are the driver, passenger or a pedestrian crossing the street. In some cases, those injuries are fatal. Legal counsel can help you determine if there is legal recourse in these cases. In addition to the pain and suffering caused by a loss of a loved one, deaths due to a car accident can cause loss of companionship and the financial contribution from that individual.
How Many Car Accidents Occur in North Carolina?
Each year, studies are done to compile statistics related to car accidents and the people involved. North Carolina Department of Transportation released crash statistics for 2015:
- 251,638 traffic crashes occurred
- 1,380 people were killed
- 123,589 people were injured
- 163 motorcyclists were killed
- 18 bicyclists were killed
- 195 pedestrians were killed
- 993 people killed in a motor vehicle were wearing seat belts
- 416 people who were killed in a motor vehicle were not wearing seat belts.
The NC DoT stats also showed that driving while intoxicated was a significant factor in whether fatalities were involved in vehicle accidents. It is also important to recognize the dangers of driving during holiday traffic, as the number of accidents drastically increases on national holidays. For example, in 2015 at Thanksgiving, 2,671 accidents occurred. Meanwhile, on Christmas, the number was a surprising 2,497 accidents. The crashes for each holiday are the ones reported between 6 pm and midnight on that day.
What are the statistics for fatalities of drivers in Charlotte, NC?
Accidents in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte, NC, is the county seat, numbered 81 in 2015. The 10-year average for the county is 75 deaths, meaning 2015 saw a high in fatalities due to car accidents.
This means driving the roads can be dangerous, particularly with concerns about other drivers who are busy with cell phones or distractions within the car. These distractions can lead to serious accidents and even fatalities.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help with My NC Car Accident?
The process for a car accident is that each driver receives the other driver’s insurance information. The police determine who was at fault, and the at-fault individual’s insurance covers both vehicles and medical expenses related to the accident. There are situations where legal representation will be needed.
Red flag situations where you should consult a lawyer immediately include: when the at-fault determination is contested by the individual or their insurance company when the other individual is not insured; or if the individual threatens you in relation to the accident.
However, there are possible signs later on that can lead to a need for representation as well. If an individual denied treatment at the scene but is complaining of injury months after the fact, consulting a lawyer is a wise move. Likewise, if issues arise in payment for repairs, medical bills or other related expenses connected to the accident, that is a good time to consult legal representation.
What Information Should I Give to My Lawyer?
It is important to write down details of the accident. The important details are what day it occurred, the time of day and in particular what police department responded. This is the best method to acquire a police report. It is also going to be important to gather medical records that indicate injuries occurred during the car accident in question.
Keep track of any unpaid repair bills that the other person’s insurance should have covered. This information can help the lawyer to proceed with hiring a private investigator to look into evidence or witness statements related to the case. It can also provide helpful information to move the case forward in a timely manner.
Who Will be Brought in to Help with My Trial?
Acquiring legal counsel is a smart way to help you deal with a legal battle over a car accident. When you hire a lawyer, you also are investing in a private investigator that can conduct an independent investigation into the accident. You are investing in experts that can testify at the trial and help you move forward. It can also be beneficial in the monetary sum the court awards you.
How Much Would it Cost to Hire a North Carolina Accident Lawyer?
Most lawyers will work on a case involving a car accident based on a percentage of the amount the court awards you. You will never receive a bill. Those payments are taken out of the amount you receive, and you are given the remainder of the money.
It is important to think of all the possible damages you may be awarded in court. Those include lost wages, payment of medical bills that have not been addressed, repair costs for the vehicle involved in this accident, pain, and suffering related to the accident and related consequences that were faced afterward and any punitive damages.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Charlotte Car Accident?
The first step is to seek medical attention. Your physical and mental well-being should be your first priority. The next step is contacting the police to make sure they investigate the crash and create an accident report. At the accident scene when it is possible, it is important to get the other driver’s information and any contact information for witnesses.
Accidents are moments of heightened emotion and stress. These may not be instinctual actions, but it is important to try to gather this information. It will help you deal with all the legal issues following the accident; help figure out where you can take the vehicle for repairs and what insurance company should cover those costs. It is also important in cases that go to trial, as being prepared and informed makes a big difference in the way the case moves forward.
Consult with a Charlotte, NC, Attorney Today
The moments following a car accident can be stressful — especially if the accident results in the loss of a loved one. If you have recently suffered through an auto collision that was caused by the negligence of another driver, reach out to a Charlotte car accident lawyer at Ted A. Greve & Associates for a consultation today.
