When Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

If you sustained serious injuries, liability is contested, multiple vehicles are involved, or the insurance company denies your claim, it is crucial to hire a North Carolina car accident lawyer as soon as possible following a collision. You should also consider legal representation if you’re facing permanent disability, wrongful death of a loved one, or if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate complex legal and insurance issues and preserve critical evidence.

Further, North Carolina is a pure contributory negligence state. If you are even 1 percent responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your losses. Trust our skilled team at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. We protect your rights and handle negotiations with insurance companies to help you pursue the full and fair compensation you may be entitled to for your damages.

Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in North Carolina

North Carolina is a fault-based state, meaning accident victims must seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. This process can quickly become complicated, especially when insurance companies use tactics to delay, deny, or undervalue claims. Due to these challenges, certain situations strongly warrant the help of an experienced car accident attorney — including the following:

• You Suffered Serious or Long-Term Injuries. If the accident caused significant injuries, required extended medical treatment, or resulted in permanent disability, a lawyer will fight to secure full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Liability Is Disputed. When it’s unclear who was at fault or the other party refuses to admit responsibility, a lawyer can gather evidence, work with experts, and advocate for your rights.
• The Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Claim. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. If your claim was rejected or the settlement offer is unreasonably low, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf and, if needed, take the case to court. (It’s far better to avoid this scenario altogether by getting legal assistance early enough to build your case!)
• Multiple Parties Were Involved. An attorney can investigate the accident, determine each party’s degree of fault, and protect you from being assigned undue liability that could reduce or even bar your recovery under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law.
• The At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured. If the other driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to fully compensate your losses, an attorney can help you pursue recovery through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and evaluate whether other potentially liable parties may be held responsible.
• You’re Facing Significant Financial Losses. When your injuries lead to lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, or diminished earning capacity, a lawyer can calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation.
• A Loved One Died in the Accident. In wrongful death cases, an attorney can guide you through the legal process to seek damages for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and financial support.
• You’re Unsure of Your Legal Rights. Even if your case seems straightforward, a consultation with a lawyer can clarify your rights and ensure you don’t inadvertently settle for less than you deserve.

Navigating a car accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when the stakes are high. If any of these situations apply to you, consulting an experienced lawyer can protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

How a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Levels the Playing Field Against Insurers

Insurers operate on a basic business model focused on minimizing payouts by settling claims quickly and cheaply. Even if a settlement offer sounds substantial, accepting it ends your right to seek additional compensation — regardless of future medical costs.

Insurance adjusters are also trained to prompt statements that imply partial fault, which, under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law, can bar you from recovering any compensation. Insurers have large legal teams on their side. You need an attorney on yours.

Your attorney knows a reasonable settlement amount based on factors such as:

• Injury severity
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Long-term prognosis
• Property damage
• Settlement amounts of comparable claims

When an accident victim has an attorney representing them, insurers realize they cannot take advantage of them.

North Carolina Statute of Limitations

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue compensation through the courts.

That timeframe is more generous than in many states, but it’s still wise to hire an attorney as soon as possible after a serious car accident. The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the chance of preserving critical evidence, such as video surveillance, dashcam footage, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle data, that might otherwise be lost or overwritten. If a loved one dies in the accident, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death is only two years. Time is of the essence, no matter the circumstances.

Contact Rhine Law Firm, P.C. for a Free Consultation

Motor vehicle accidents can result in months, and possibly permanent, impairment and inability to work. If you or a loved one suffered a serious personal injury in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you need an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.

About Us

Rhine Law Firm, P.C. serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide, specializing in complex civil litigation led by Joel Rhine. With expertise in personal injury, car accidents, property damage, sex abuse, and more, the firm is passionate about taking on challenging cases. They emphasize providing personalized legal representation, prioritizing their clients’ best interests while offering state-of-the-art legal strategies. Rhine Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys enjoy the fight for justice and are committed to guiding clients through complicated legal processes. The firm offers free consultations, flexible appointment scheduling, and Spanish language services.