There are many different causes of car accidents in North Carolina, ranging from distracted or reckless driving to failing to follow proper traffic laws. Whether you're in a collision due to another driver's negligence or your own, consulting with a lawyer is a vital next move to navigate the ensuing legal process. However, it's important to remember that accidents occur unexpectedly at a moment's notice, causing panic and stress. Amidst these challenges, seeking legal counsel can alleviate additional stress and provide guidance through the complexities of the situation.
So today, we’ll explore the top causes of car accidents in North Carolina and discuss exactly what to do afterward.
Top Causes of Car Accidents in North Carolina
According to the Department of Transportation, over 270,000 car crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2022 alone. Here are some of the leading causes of car accidents:
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Top Causes of Car Accidents in North Carolina |
Factors |
|
Reckless Driving |
Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other vehicles. |
|
Distracted Driving |
Texting, eating while driving, or performing other tasks. |
|
Inexperienced Drivers on the road |
Nervous, panicked drivers. |
|
Failing to follow traffic laws |
Running red lights, no turn signal, and tailgating. |
|
Driving under the influence |
Alcohol or drugs. |
|
Fatigue |
Can dull reaction time. |
While most of these causes are human error, other variables like road damage, potholes, poor weather conditions like black ice, and improper functioning vehicles like brake and engine failures are other considerable causes for accidents.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve experienced an injury as a result of a car accident through no fault of your own, contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Injuries sustained from a car accident can be detrimental, resulting in costly medical bills, lost wages, and auto repairs. Below, we’ve outlined what to do after a car accident in North Carolina.
Document injuries
There can be many different injuries that a person can suffer from as a result of a car accident. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately and document details of the crash and sustained injuries. This information is often needed later as proof for your claim.
Common injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns, cuts, or lacerations
- Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain and paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Seeking medical attention can help exonerate you from the crash if another driver is at fault. However, any injury from the collision, whether through your own fault or another driver's negligence, should be documented.
File a Claim
Taking your time to file a claim is understandable due to the emotional and physical distress from your car accident. As a result, thinking about the next steps may be difficult. It is important to file a claim as soon as you are able while the information is still fresh in your mind. As time passes, this information becomes vague. As discussed above, documenting details of the crash and the injuries sustained can help you remember exactly what happened. If you, the victim, or a family member does not file a claim within the range of time that claim falls under, then the judge for your case has the right to throw out the case immediately and bar the victim and family from collecting damages.
Contact an Attorney
Contacting an attorney is also crucial because of the statute of limitations in North Carolina. The timeframe to file a claim in this state is three years from the date of the accident. If someone passes away from a car accident, the victim’s family has two years from the date of death to file a claim for wrongful death damages. An attorney can help you start the legal process while you focus on healing, eliminating the need for lengthy phone calls or meetings with insurance agencies that do not have your best interest at heart.
Tips for Safe Driving: Avoiding an Unwanted Crash
While most accidents are not easily prevented, there are effective ways to avoid incidents that may result in damage or personal injuries. Tips for safe driving include:
🗹 Perform ongoing maintenance on your car
- Get oil changes
- Check brake performance
- Rotate tires as necessary
🗹 Remain aware
- Pay attention to the road
- Be mindful of reckless drivers
- Keep a safe distance from other cars
- Calm emotions in the face of heavy traffic
🗹 Stay cautious driving in various weather conditions
- Snow and black ice
- Rain increases bad visibility
- Fog distorts view
🗹 Wear your seatbelt at all times
🗹 Don’t drive tired
- Pull over if you feel yourself falling asleep
Partner With Irons and Irons for Your Next Case
Irons and Irons P.A. have a history of success with their clients, and they will make sure to have your best interests at heart always.
Here are some success cases:
- $850,000 was awarded to a former airline pilot who suffered a head injury during a low-speed automobile accident. Read more about the case.
- $300,000 was awarded to a college student with orthopedic injuries sustained when his motorcycle was forced off the road by a negligent driver changing lanes.
- $100,000 was awarded to a client who suffered orthopedic injuries as a result of being struck by a driver who ran a stop sign.
While understanding and mitigating the causes of car accidents is crucial, having reliable legal support is equally important. Harry Albritton and the team at Irons and Irons P.A. are committed to you and advocating for your fair car accident claim injury compensation.
Accidents are just accidents, and they can happen to anybody. If you feel that you are owed compensation for a car accident and are within your statute of limitations, contact us. We’ll fight on your behalf to help you receive the compensation you deserve.