Car Accident Attorneys New Bern NC

Even the most careful drivers fall victim to the reckless negligence of others on the road. If a negligent driver causes an accident and subsequently your injuries, our Car Accident Attorneys New Bern NC team at Ricci Law Firm, P.A. can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our New Bern, North Carolina, car accident lawyers provide personalized support, listening attentively to your experience and guiding your claim through the legal process. We are dedicated to securing your financial stability and helping you rebuild your life, ensuring you can focus on a healthier and more hopeful future.

Accidents in New Bern, North Carolina

Driving in New Bern, North Carolina, with its blend of historical charm and modern development, presents unique challenges for drivers. As major thoroughfares like U.S. Route 17 and U.S. Route 70 converge and intersect within the city, a high-traffic environment where accidents are more likely to occur is created. These routes, vital for regional commerce and travel, experience increased congestion, particularly during peak hours and tourist seasons. The Coastal Carolina Regional Airport’s daily connections to Charlotte further contribute to the flow of vehicles in and out of the area. This increased traffic, coupled with the varied skill levels of drivers, unfortunately increases the potential for car accidents.

Drivers in New Bern must remain vigilant and aware of the potential for accidents arising from the area’s transportation infrastructure and the actions of other motorists. If you are involved in a car accident in New Bern, navigating the aftermath can be incredibly stressful. Trust in experienced guidance so you do not have to worry about the complexities of insurance claims, medical bills, and potential lost pay.

A New Bern car accident lawyer near you can provide the necessary support to ensure your rights are protected. They understand the nuances of local traffic patterns, the impact of the area’s transportation infrastructure, and the specific legal considerations that apply in North Carolina.

New Bern Car Crash Statistics

Like many areas in the state, New Bern, North Carolina, faces the persistent challenge of traffic accidents. According to data from North Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles, 284,157 crashes resulted in 1,686 fatalities and 115,009 injuries statewide in the last reporting year. Within Craven County, where New Bern is located, there were 2,397 accidents, leading to 13 deaths and 864 non-fatal injuries.

Common accident locations include parking lots, stop-sign intersections, rural highways, and two-lane roads. However, Highways 24, 258, 17, and 53 are particularly hazardous. These roads present several challenges: heavy traffic volumes, complex interchanges, a mix of local and through traffic with varying speeds, and road features like hills and curves that limit visibility, especially in adverse weather. Furthermore, some roads may suffer from inadequate maintenance or lack essential safety features, such as proper lighting or lane barriers, further contributing to accident risks.

Common Causes of New Bern Car Accidents

Pinpointing the cause of a collision can play a vital role in pursuing compensation after an accident. Our car accident lawyers meticulously investigate the evidence and reconstruct the events to unveil the real cause and liability. Common causes of car accidents:

Impaired Operation: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence remains a significant threat, with national statistics revealing a staggering percentage of fatal crashes linked to alcohol.

Diversion of Attention: Beyond texting, many distractions can divert a driver’s focus, transforming a routine commute into a hazardous situation. From the mundane act of eating to the emotional intensity of an argument, any lapse in concentration can have dire consequences. For this reason, North Carolina has laws banning texting while driving.

Infractions of the Road: Whether intentional or inadvertent, breaches of traffic regulations, such as excessive speed or disregard for traffic signals, carry significant repercussions. Drivers are held to a standard of unwavering vigilance, as even momentary lapses can lead to devastating collisions.

Mechanical Failings: The integrity of a vehicle’s mechanical systems is vital to driving safely. Faulty components, from brakes to tires, can precipitate accidents, holding manufacturers, installers, and mechanics accountable for their respective roles in ensuring vehicle safety.
Environmental Issues: The road itself can present unforeseen hazards. Environmental factors play a crucial role in accident causation, from the jarring impact of potholes to the obscured guidance of faded markings. Malfunctioning traffic signals and inadequate lighting further compound these risks.

Unraveling the cause of the accident directly informs the identification of liable parties, which may include negligent motorists, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, or even public entities.

How a Car Accident Attorney Near You Can Help You Determine the At-Fault Party

An important step in pursuing compensation for your car accident is determining who to hold responsible for your injuries and losses. Identifying the at-fault party can get complicated in some situations if multiple people contributed to the accident. Our car accident attorneys will listen to your side of the story, help you investigate what happened, and use accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events if necessary. Some potential liable parties can include:

Negligent Drivers: The most common liable party is another driver who acted negligently, whether through distracted driving, speeding, operating a vehicle under the influence, or violating traffic laws. This includes drivers of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks.
Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases involving defective vehicle components, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be held liable. This could involve product liability claims, requiring expert testimony and detailed evidence of the defect.
Mechanics or Maintenance Providers: The mechanic or maintenance provider may be liable if improper vehicle maintenance or repairs contributed to the accident. Proving that the mechanic’s negligence directly caused the vehicle malfunction that led to the accident is required.
Government Agencies: Government entities, such as city, county, or state agencies, may be liable for accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals, or inadequate signage. Claims against government agencies are subject to specific procedural rules and deadlines, often involving shorter statutes of limitations and notice requirements. These cases also often require proving that the agency had prior knowledge of the dangerous condition.
Employers: If someone was driving a car within the scope of their employment, their employer may also be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence, including commercial truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other employees who operate vehicles as part of their job duties.
Bars and Restaurants: In cases involving drunk-driving accidents, bars and restaurants that overserved the intoxicated driver may be held liable under North Carolina “dram shop” laws. This requires proving the establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused the accident.

Navigating Complex Liability in New Bern, NC Car Accident Claims

Claims against government agencies, in particular, present unique challenges. These claims often require adherence to strict procedural requirements, including filing notices of claim within specific timeframes. Our team is well-versed in navigating this process to make sure all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights. Regardless of who is at fault, we are dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and pursuing all available areas of compensation you deserve.

What If I Am Partially At Fault For My Accident?

North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law makes legal representation essential for car accident victims. This rule dictates that if you bear even a sliver of responsibility—just 1%—for the accident, you forfeit your right to any compensation. Insurance companies exploit this harsh reality, often attempting to assign minimal fault to deny or diminish claims. An example would be if you had a taillight out during an accident but got into a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Even though the taillight being out likely did not affect the accident, an insurance company or defendant could try to argue that it showed you were liable, no matter how minimally.

Given the high stakes, our car accident attorney will meticulously gather and present compelling evidence to demonstrate your lack of culpability. We understand that failing to disprove any degree of fault results in denied claims and compounded suffering. We aim to aggressively mitigate this risk, protecting your right to fair compensation.

Calculating a Comprehensive Car Accident Claim

Determining the value of a car accident claim in North Carolina is a complex process. Medical bills and other losses sustained in your accident can make it a critical question to answer. However, a precise figure cannot be predicted without knowing the specifics of your situation. Our car accident attorneys prioritize ensuring that you fully comprehend your losses.

This begins with documenting your medical expenses, which often extend beyond initial hospital bills. We meticulously calculate all potential follow-up appointments, secondary procedures, ongoing medication requirements, rehabilitation, and specialized care. On top of that, we estimate the accident’s long-term impact on your quality of life. If injuries restrict your mobility, we consider the limitations imposed on your ability to participate in recreational activities, travel, or pursue hobbies. Our objective is to comprehensively assess the full extent of your losses, enabling us to seek compensation for all affected aspects of your life.

Your Advocates, In And Out of the Courtroom

After meticulously quantifying your damages, our auto accident attorneys in New Bern, NC, become your strategic negotiators. Insurance companies are driven by profit, often prioritizing their financial interests over your well-being. We level the playing field by leveraging our in-depth knowledge of insurance claims and our ability to present compelling evidence.

We meticulously gather evidence from medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and economic experts, building a strong case demonstrating your injuries’ long-term impact. We articulate the emotional and financial strain on your family, the limitations imposed on your ability to work, and the damage to your relationships. Our goal is to present a comprehensive and undeniable picture of your losses, ensuring that the insurance company fully understands the true cost of the accident.

Most car accident cases are settled instead of litigated. Our attorneys excel at securing favorable settlements through negotiation. However, we also recognize that some insurance companies engage in unfair practices like denying claims or refusing to negotiate a fair settlement. When necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial, where we will vigorously advocate for the full compensation you deserve. We empower you with clear communication and unwavering support throughout the legal process.

Statute of Limitations in North Carolina Personal Injury Cases

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases dictates the timeframe within which an injured party must file a lawsuit. Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is three years. Per G.S. § 1-52, an individual typically has three years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit.

Some considerations and exceptions to this rule include the following:

Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations generally doesn’t begin to run until they reach the age of 18. This provides additional time for them to pursue legal action.

Specific Case Types: It is important to understand that different cases may have different statutes of limitations. For example, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases have different time limits.

Lawsuits Against Government Entities: If you plan to sue a government entity, you may be subject to shorter time limitations and specific requirements.

Failing to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure that you understand the applicable deadlines and protect your legal rights. Consulting with a legal professional is highly recommended to determine the specific statute of limitations that applies to your situation.

Find Compassionate Support During Challenging Times at Ricci Law Firm

With a collective 150+ years of experience, the personal injury team at Ricci Law Firm P.A. is committed to channeling our knowledge, dedication, and resources into securing your rightful compensation. You should not shoulder the financial burden when negligence results in your injuries. We are here to hold those responsible accountable and ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation, and let us champion your fight.