Are you struggling to pay your bills after an accident in Shelby, NC? If so, Ted A. Greve & Associates can fight on your behalf for fair compensation so you can rebuild your life. Our personal injury lawyers in Shelby, NC, can investigate the accident, document your injuries and losses, negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. With our in-depth local knowledge and experience, we know how to build a persuasive case and defend your rights.
Let our Shelby, NC, personal injury attorneys handle the complex legal work so you can concentrate on healing. You don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case review.
North Carolina Personal Injury Laws
Personal injury law falls under the civil legal system in North Carolina. Instead of a prosecutor bringing charges against a criminal defendant, a personal injury case involves the injured party (known as the plaintiff) filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against someone who injured them (also called the defendant, though they can’t go to jail if they lose the case).
To win a Shelby personal injury case, the plaintiff must provide evidence that the defendant caused the plaintiff’s injuries through the defendant’s negligent actions or failure to act. In this context, “negligence” means the defendant didn’t uphold their legal obligation to avoid injuring someone. For example, a careless driver who runs a stop sign and collides with another car would likely be considered negligent, as drivers have a legal duty to follow traffic laws and avoid injuring others on the road.
Personal injury cases have a lower standard of proof than criminal ones. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s negligence based on the preponderance of the evidence, meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendant caused the plaintiff’s injuries. A plaintiff who wins their case can demand compensation for their losses from the plaintiff or, in most cases, the plaintiff’s insurance company.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Shelby, NC
There’s no shortage of personal injury attorneys in Shelby, but not all lawyers have the same skills and experience. Who you choose to represent you can have a massive effect on your case and how much compensation you could recover.
As a lawyer and doctor, Ted A. Greve brings a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to personal injury cases in Shelby. Attorney Greve’s medical background helps him understand the nature and severity of your injuries, while his legal experience means he understands the tactics insurance companies use to deny injured people fair compensation. Our firm also works with investigators and scientific experts in a broad range of fields to help us better understand your situation. We have recovered significant compensation for our clients, and we’ll do everything we can to make the legal process as simple as possible for you.
Personal Injury Cases Our Lawyers Handle in Shelby, NC
Our Shelby injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber/Lyft Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Social Security Disability Claims
- Workers’ Compensation
Steps To Take After Suffering a Personal Injury in Shelby
Insurance companies will closely scrutinize your personal injury claim, so it’s crucial to do everything you can to guard your rights. Here’s what to do after suffering a personal injury in Shelby:
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Rights
The first steps to take after any accident are to seek immediate medical attention and report the accident to the appropriate authorities. If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, call 911 to report what happened and summon emergency responders. If you sustained an injury on someone else’s property or at work, file a written report with the property owner or manager or, for a workplace injury, with your employer. However, be careful about what you say when you report the incident, as you don’t want to incriminate yourself. Stick to the key facts of what happened, and avoid speculating about who or what caused your injuries.
Gathering Evidence and Documenting Injuries
The next step is to gather whatever evidence you can and document your losses. Request copies of your medical records so you have proof of your injuries and their long-term effects (if any). Similarly, hold on to any receipts related to the accident so you have proof of your financial losses. If possible, it’s also a smart move to take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries for later reference. Finally, start a journal noting your daily pain levels and how your injuries affect your daily life.
When and How to File a Claim
Most personal injury cases don’t go to trial. Instead, the most likely outcome in your case is to file an insurance claim against whoever injured you and negotiate a settlement. You want to wait to file a claim until you understand the full extent of your injuries and any long-term effects you may have to deal with. Let your attorney handle this process and negotiate with the insurance companies, as personal injury lawyers know how to properly evaluate your losses and maximize your compensation.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
It can take weeks or months of negotiations before you and the insurance companies work out a fair deal. During this time, let your lawyer handle the legal details while you focus on your medical treatment. You may need to provide your medical records and give a statement at some point, and your attorney can guide you through these steps.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may need to take your case to trial. North Carolina law says you usually have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If this deadline is approaching, your lawyer can explain your options and the potential risks and benefits of going to court.
Maximizing Compensation with a Shelby Personal Injury Attorney
Your compensation in a personal injury claim falls into two main categories: Economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for the direct financial losses from your injuries, such as your lost income, medical bills, and damaged personal property. Non-economic damages cover your intangible losses, such as your pain and suffering and emotional distress. You’ll need thorough proof of these losses to maximize your compensation, and your Shelby personal injury attorney can collect and preserve this evidence for you.
Hospitals and Medical Centers in Shelby, North Carolina
If you or someone you know is involved in a Shelby personal injury accident, it is crucial that you immediately seek medical attention.
Some of the hospitals and medical centers in Shelby, North Carolina include:
- Cleco Primary Care – 101 East Grover Street, Shelby, NC / (704) 484-3647
- Cleveland Regional Medical Center – 201 East Grover Street, Shelby, NC / (704) 487-3144
- Crawley Memorial Hospital – 104 Pleasant Ridge Church Road, Shelby, NC 28152 / (704) 434-9466
Contact Our Shelby, North Carolina Personal Injury Law Firm Today
Sustaining injuries due to the negligence or fault of another individual is a matter that must be taken seriously. If you have been injured, it’s vital that you contact a competent attorney as soon as possible.
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., our legal team offers quality legal services on a contingency basis. This means that you pay for nothing unless our team wins your case. If you wish to speak with an experienced and dedicated Shelby personal injury attorney, call us at (844) 387-8677.
