Resourceful Garner Car Accident Attorneys Committed to Your Case

Garner, NC, might seem small with a population of 32,000. Still, it sees its fair share of traffic thanks to being located in the Research Triangle and local tourists attractions. People of all ages can escape the hustle and bustle at Garner’s 96-acre park, White Deer Park, and White Deer Park Nature Center. Rush Hour Karting offers a chance for residents and tourists alike to satisfy their need for speed and test their ability to take hairpin curves. However, if they bring these driving habits to the roads of Garner, it puts everyone at risk. Garner car accident attorneys are far too familiar with the injuries and damages that result.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Garner had 1,010 reported accidents in 2019 alone, accounting for three fatalities and 459 injuries. Injured parties and their families deserve justice when they are injured by a negligent party. Garner car accident lawyers can help them obtain the compensation they are entitled to receive.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Planning for an event can help you be better prepared, but no one plans to be in a car accident. Even still, the things you do or don’t do in the first moments, hours, and weeks after being injured in a crash can have a significant impact on the outcome of your injury claim. Doing the wrong things simply because you didn’t know what the correct steps were to take, can negatively affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself with injuries from a motor vehicle collision.

Call the Police

If there are injuries or property damage from the accident, call the local law enforcement agency to respond. You will want them to come to the scene and make an official report. This report will be used by the insurance companies and your Garner car accident lawyers to investigate the accident further. You likely won’t be given a copy of the report at the scene, but you, your insurance company, or your attorney can request one from the responding agency once it is complete.

Get Medical Attention

Getting medical attention is paramount to anything else immediately after the accident. For severe injuries, extreme pain, or anything that could be life or limb-threatening, ride the ambulance to the emergency room. If you don’t, be sure to take yourself to the emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible. 

Unfortunately, too many people who are party to a car accident make the mistake of thinking they aren’t injured or don’t need to see a doctor. This can come back to hurt them physically and legally. Keep in mind that adrenaline may be taking away any pain you would otherwise experience, and you could be injured but just not know it yet. 

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

To help ensure you get the compensation you deserve, follow your doctor’s advice. Whether it’s activity restrictions, work restrictions, follow-up appointments, or further treatments, do what is asked of you. Your doctor has your best interests at heart, and by heading their advice, you will help your legal claim.

Contact Garner Car Accident Attorneys

After you seek medical treatment, the next priority is to seek the advice of experienced Garner car accident lawyers. At the Ricci Law Firm, we can meet with you to evaluate your case and create a plan for you to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Gather Evidence

If you are able, begin collecting evidence at the accident scene. If not, you might ask another person who was with you to do it for you. Any or all of the following types of evidence can be helpful:

• Witness contact information and written statements
• Pictures of the vehicles involved from various angles
• Pictures of the road or intersection where the accident occurred, including any obstacles or unexpected road conditions, or related skid marks
• Pictures of your injuries

Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters for the at-fault driver’s insurance company are known for calling victims within days of the accident. They want to speak to you before you have a chance to talk to Garner car accident attorneys. This is because they know you will be more likely to accept their first settlement offer, which will always be much lower than you deserve.

They might also be able to get you to say something that could damage your claim or something they can twist for their own purposes. It’s best if you don’t speak to them so as not to risk your claim’s integrity. Instead, politely refer them to your attorney. Once you have hired Garner car accident attorneys, you generally don’t need to speak to the insurance adjuster as they will talk to them on your behalf. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?

The statute of limitations for personal injury victims, including those injured in auto accidents, is three years from the date of the accident under North Carolina law. In laymen’s terms, this means that if you intend to file a personal injury claim seeking financial recovery for your injuries, you have three years after the accident to do so. Whether you hire Garner car accident lawyers to help you or not, this deadline remains the same. If you miss this deadline, you likely won’t receive compensation for your injuries.