Motor Vehicle Accidents

In one short moment, a car accident can change everything. The consequences are immediate: damage to your vehicle, potentially devastating injuries, emotional toil and stress, insurance claim worries, and paperwork. And, if it was a hit-and-run case, justified anger.

You have a lot on your mind, and may have some questions only a car accident lawyer can answer.

The car accident lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran understand the intricacies of these kinds of cases and can help you resolve your claim or lawsuit as quickly as possible with intelligence, determination, and precision. Your health and financial well-being may have already been compromised. Let our car accident lawyers help you while you get back on your feet and move on from the accident.

If I’ve been injured in a car accident, what should I do next?

First, seek medical attention if you haven’t done so already. If you don’t get the proper medical care right away for your injuries, it may be more difficult later to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident.

Then, be sure sure to request any and all copies of law enforcement reports that pertain to your accident. Some may be part of the public record, while others are available for a small fee. While a police report is generally not required in order to file an insurance claim, insurance companies will want that report if they have to pursue or defend a lawsuit.

Making a police report

A typical police report should contain information about the accident, including:

A description of the accident
Accident details, including a diagram of the accident scene
Names of all parties and witnesses involved, including the drivers and owners of vehicles, and owners of any property involved in the accident
A summary of all injuries, including the place where injured parties received medical attention
Weather, visibility, and road conditions
Any property damage sustained

If you are unable to obtain the copies of the reports you seek, consult with a car accident lawyer.

Keep a record of expenses

Also, keep a record of any expenses you have as a result of your accident. Expenses can include:

Tow truck fees
Rental car expenses
Replacement/repair of damaged vehicle or items damaged inside or attached to your vehicle (such as tow hitches, bike racks, stereo equipment, or anything carried inside your vehicle)
New car purchase
Lost work days
Emergency room and doctor office visits
Physical therapy
Prescription drugs
Increased insurance fees

It’s not at all uncommon to get pushback on these expenses by insurance companies. Be sure to keep all of your documentation and receipts.

When should I file a personal injury claim?

If you are looking to claim personal injury or property damages, you should file your claim quickly. Any delay in filing on your part could lead to potential delays in receiving benefits. Reporting injuries immediately and filing a claim as soon as you decide to seek benefits will significantly increase your car accident lawyer’s chances of recovering compensation quickly.

Statute of limitations

North Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a lawsuit after a car accident, whether it’s for vehicle damages or injuries to your person. Don’t lose sight of this deadline, even if you think you want to settle your case out of court. Having the option to file a lawsuit gives you leverage in settlement negotiations, and provides you with the option of turning to the court system if the settlement process proves unsatisfactory.

Free consultation

It will not cost you anything to come in for a consultation. At Wilson, Reives & Doran, all personal injury consultations are given free of charge.

Our car accident lawyers are here to provide you with trusted, effective legal counsel. We’ll focus on your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery and moving your life forward.