Car Accidents in Raleigh & NC

Each year motor vehicle crashes not only result in injury and loss of life, but cost, in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina, more than $8 billion dollars. There are many reasons why auto accidents occur, including driving under the influence (DUI); speeding; loss of control due to bad road conditions; being distracted or aggressive; negligence; a defect in equipment, or by simply making an error in judgment. Determining who is legally responsible for a car accident can be difficult, the counsel of an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer is essential.

Every car accident victim should seek medical attention if they have been injured. Car accident victim injuries can include whiplash, head and brain injury, damages to joints, bones, muscles and various other soft tissue injuries and others.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle travel is the primary means of transportation in the U.S. However, deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for persons of every age from 2 through 33 years old. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you have been in an accident:

• Stop. If you get in a crash, you must stop. If you leave, that's known as a "hit and run," and might be a felony. This includes hitting property, animals or pedestrians. Also, stay calm.
• Call for help. If someone is injured, call 911. If not, your first call should then be to the police. The police will advise as to whether the crashed vehicles should be moved out of traffic, and will take statements from the drivers and passengers involved.
• Call your insurer. As soon as you are able, call and file an accident report. You should also notify the other driver's insurer of the accident.
• Don't sign anything. If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, don't give any statements and don't sign anything.
• Gather information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially witnesses.
• Go see your doctor. You may have injuries of which you're unaware. If you are examined by a doctor, make sure you are specific in explaining how the accident happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.
• Call Hardison & Associates. If you've been injured, you may want a lawyer to make sure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Also, proving to another driver's insurer that its policyholder caused the accident might require the services of an attorney.

Another situation in which you should consider hiring a lawyer is when you have not been able to collect insurance benefits within 30 days of the car accident. That's a sure sign that either the insurer is getting ready to litigate against you, or you have not effectively communicated with the insurer. In both cases, an attorney is helpful.

If you have been hurt, or a loved one has died, as the result of a car accident, you need the help of attorneys who have the experience and resources to protect your rights. Do not permanently lose your right to seek damages from those who caused you harm, contact the Raleigh automobile accident attorneys at Hardison & Associates.

Whether we're gathering evidence by preserving auto accident records, consulting with you on legal strategies, or representing you in negotiations with insurance agents, our lawyers are always working with "Experience, Integrity and Personal Attention" to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available to help in your recovery. Contact our Raleigh car accident attorneys today.

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