Auto Accident FAQ

Here, we provide general responses to some of the most common questions we receive from clients about auto accidents. To get more specific information about your auto accident in North Carolina, you can also contact Vincent-Pope Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. You can do so by filling out our online form or calling (919) 645-8255.

What Types of Auto Accidents Are There in North Carolina?

The types of auto accidents are the same pretty much anywhere, and they include single car accidents or collisions between other vehicles, people, property, or animals.

• Single auto accident
• Multi-car accident
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Hit and run accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Public transit accidents
• Wildlife-vehicle collisions
• Car accidents involving pets
• Car accidents involving children

How Do I Get Compensation for an Auto Accident in North Carolina?

One of the main things that accident victims have to worry about is being fairly compensated for their injuries. There are two main ways that this will generally happen, and each has its own pros and cons. 

Settlement

In an auto accident, resolving a case in a settlement means accepting the amount of money that an insurance company offers. One of the main benefits of handling a case this way is that it will typically end a case much quicker than going through the court system. In addition, a client and their attorney have a good deal of power during this process–they can negotiate until they get the amount they want and reject any settlement that isn't acceptable.

Going to Court

If a victim doesn't receive a fair settlement offer, they may need to file a lawsuit to get their compensation. Lawsuits may result in a higher payout, but they typically take much longer, and there is no guarantee that a court will side with you.

After a Car Collision in North Carolina, Who Do I Sue?

There are many parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from. 

If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.

Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver's Insurance Adjuster?

Generally, it is important to remember that the other insurance adjuster involved in the case wants to pay you as little as possible. While they may ultimately need to see your records, they only need to see specific records pertaining to your accident. If records are not necessary, but the insurance company receives them, they could use any health information against you. An attorney can help edit this request to ensure that only records needed are released. 

Further, it is always important to have an attorney with you when you speak to your own insurance company. You want to give only the facts. Your own insurer has its own company as its priority, too, and so it also wants to prevent a payout. This is especially true when you need to file a first-party claim with your own insurance.

If I Don't Feel Hurt after an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?

Certain injuries might not present symptoms immediately after an accident, and getting to a medical professional can catch those injuries. In addition, an opposing attorney or insurance adjuster might try to argue that a delay in seeking medical treatment means that a victim's injuries were not actually from the accident. Going to the doctor after an accident can cut against these kinds of arguments.