Herbert W. Auger Automobile Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Compensation for a NC Car Crash Victim

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 by Herbert W. Auger

Every year, more than a million people throughout the United States suffer serious injuries because of a car accident. These collisions result in billions of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. So, what can you do if you are the victim of a car accident injury?

It is important to realize, if someone else is careless or negligent in causing your injury, the law entitles you to compensation for your losses. However, if you were careless, North Carolina law may bar you from collecting damages. This is known as contributory negligence law.

Proving negligence

To receive compensation in a lawsuit, you must prove that another person was negligent, meaning he or she failed to exercise reasonable care.

. You must prove:

A duty owed to you by the other person
The other person failed to carry out the duty
You suffered an injury and damages
The failure of the other person caused your injury

If multiple people were responsible for your injuries, the law holds them responsible for the proportional amount each caused.

Damages from a NC car crash

The law entitles you to compensation for the following:

Damaged property
Medical bills
Estimated future medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability

You can also collect for any other expenses directly related to your accident, including rehabilitative therapy and rental cars.

Punitive damages

A judge may apply additional damages to serve as a warning against particularly reckless behavior. For example, if you suffer an injury because another driver was drunk, a judge may award punitive damages to punish that person. These damages are not available in every car accident injury in NC.

Contacting a car accident attorney

In North Carolina, you have three years to file a lawsuit for compensation. During that time, a NC car accident lawyer from Auger & Auger may be able to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.

Discuss your case at Auger & Auger with a free consultation. The lawyers do not charge any legal fees or collect any up-front costs unless you receive compensation.

Auger & Auger
421 S. Sharon Amity Road, Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 364-3361

Posted at 06:17 AM

Topic: Automobile Accidents