No one anticipates a car accident, but when it happens, there’s so much to deal with—medical treatment for injuries, repairs, lost work. You don’t have to handle it alone. A car accident lawyer in Wilmington, NC, can help hold the other driver accountable, and that’s the mission at Ted A. Greve & Associates. We’re more than personal injury lawyers. We’re people who truly care.
Understanding the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Wilmington, NC
The main goal of the car accident attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates is to help you. We take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can spend time healing. The legal team at our law office in Wilmington, NC, will gather police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts to build a strong case for you.
With 3,489 reported crashes in Wilmington in a recent year—causing 1,378 injuries and 17 fatalities—our lawyers have seen the risks on busy roads like Market Street, College Road, and Oleander Drive. We push back against unfair insurance tactics and take cases to court when needed, fighting for the support you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Wilmington, NC
Many people don’t realize that what you do after a crash can impact your claim. In the chaos, it’s easy to overlook details, but taking the right steps can make a difference and help protect your rights.
Immediate Actions: Calling Emergency Services and Gathering Evidence
If you’re able, call 911 so medical teams and law enforcement can help. Having an official report can serve as a record for building your claim.
Try to gather evidence at the scene. This can include:
• Photos of vehicle damage and any marks on the road
• Contact details for witnesses
• Noting weather and road conditions
These details can help paint a clearer picture of what happened.
Handling Insurance Companies: Dos and Don’ts
Insurance adjusters come into the picture quickly. It’s normal to feel unsure when you’re asked to make a statement about the crash. Here are a few reminders:
- Do speak with caution. Stick to the facts of what happened.
- Do get the name and contact info of the insurance representative you speak with.
- Don’t offer guesses or assume anything. If you’re not sure, it’s okay to say so.
- Don’t feel pressured to sign paperwork without understanding what it means.
The adjuster may seem friendly, but the insurance company will try to keep payouts low. Our accident attorneys in Wilmington, NC, can help you feel more comfortable and handle communication with the insurer. We know their tactics.
Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries
Even if you feel like you escaped the crash unharmed, some injuries, like whiplash and back pain, can show up hours, days, or weeks later. It’s a good idea to get checked by a medical professional no matter how you’re feeling—it’s wise for both your health and your claim.
Be sure to hold on to:
- Medical exam summaries
- Bills and receipts for doctor visits or medication
- Notes about any therapy or further treatments
These records can show how the crash has impacted your life.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In North Carolina, the legal window for filing a personal injury claim after a car crash is generally three years from the date of the accident. This timeline is dictated by the statute of limitations. Missing that cutoff can mean losing your opportunity to get compensation.
As accident lawyers in Wilmington, NC, we encourage people to act as quickly as possible. Evidence can be lost, and witness’s memories can fade over time—the sooner your legal team can get to work, the better.
How a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
Car accidents happen nearly every minute all around the country. Fortunately, most of them are the fender bender kinds of accidents, which are usually settled out of court and between the insurance companies. However, every now and then, major accidents occur, where someone is seriously injured, loses their life, or causes major damage to the vehicles. For these cases, hiring a car accident attorney is critical.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in North Carolina, you want to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to file your claim, the harder it becomes for you to recover full compensation for your damages.
Proving Liability and Gathering Evidence
Proving who caused the crash often involves reviewing all available evidence with a fine-toothed comb. North Carolina saw over 285,074 traffic crashes in a recent year, with 125,232 people hurt and 1,470 lives lost. Each one of these accidents had unique details and circumstances.
We will work to gather evidence in a systematic way. This can include taking statements from those who saw the crash and reviewing footage from nearby traffic cameras. With a clear picture of how your accident happened, your accident attorney in Wilmington, NC, can determine all factors that played a role.
Navigation of North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws
North Carolina has a pure contributory negligence doctrine, which can complicate who receives financial recovery. If you’re found to share any blame for the crash, it can bar you from getting a settlement. That’s why it’s helpful to show what actually took place so blame isn’t incorrectly placed on you.
An accident lawyer in Wilmington, NC, knows how these laws work and will fight to protect you from unfair blame. Even a small misstatement can hurt your claim, so we make sure the facts are clear.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation
Insurance companies push quick settlements, but those payouts may not cover future medical costs or repairs. Accepting a settlement too soon can leave you with unexpected expenses down the road.
We will deal with insurance adjusters for you, presenting medical bills, lost income, and other costs to show that your claim needs to be taken seriously. Our car accident lawyers in Wilmington, NC, will not let them get away with low-ball offers that don’t account for what you’ve been through.
Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary
Sometimes, an agreement just can’t be reached. If the other side refuses to acknowledge key information or denies responsibility, we may suggest taking your claim to court.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates is committed to helping people in the Wilmington community get back on their feet after a car accident. When you’re hurt, you need support, and we have the experience you need. You pay no lawyer fees unless we win. Call (800) 693-7833 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
