Car Accident Attorneys in Wilmington

Addressing All of Your Concerns Following an Auto Accident

After a car accident, people are concerned about numerous things. In addition to getting medical attention for their injuries, many individuals are also concerned about their transportation options. Insurance companies often fail to provide rental car options for several days. Yet people who need to work or drive their children to school, waiting several days is not a viable option.

At David & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we know individuals need help immediately, so that’s exactly what we provide. If you contact our Wilmington car accident attorneys after a collision, we will work hard to get you in a rental car the same day. More importantly, it will be paid for by the insurance company of the at-fault driver.

There’s no time to lose. Call us at (910) 335-2430 to schedule your free initial consultation and find out how to get started.

Getting Our Clients the Medical Attention They Need

One of the most important considerations after an accident is finding qualified medical attention. Unfortunately, many people are denied the medical attention they need because most medical providers do not accept third-party claims or third-party billing.

When accident victims work with our firm, we’re able to help ensure they receive the medical attention they need, and we’re usually able to make that happen on the day they visit our firm with no money out of pocket that day. Moreover, we are able to leverage your medical records to help build a strong case on your behalf.

If you were injured in an accident caused by texting-and-driving, a drunk driver, or a distracted driver, we can help ensure you receive all the help you need.

The Steps You Take After an Auto Accident

It is no secret that consulting with a qualified attorney is a crucial step toward obtaining the compensation one needs for hospital bills, doctors’ fees, ongoing care, lost wages, and related considerations. Yet there are many other actions individuals can take to bolster their case, beginning at the very moment of the crash.

What Should I Do Immediately After An Auto Accident?

We encourage individuals, whenever possible, to begin gathering evidence directly after an accident takes place.

Below are a few things to keep in mind, in the event of a serious collision:

• Stay on the scene: If you have been injured, but drive away from an accident before it has been documented by the relevant authorities, it may be difficult to establish the causes and severity of the collision later on. This can seriously jeopardize any injury claim you plan to file. Likewise, if others are hurt and you leave the scene, you could face criminal penalties.
• Call the police: Whether you or others are obviously injured or not, it is imperative to bring the local enforcement to the accident site. A police report is critical to any injury claims that may be filed, as it provides an objective account of a collision and its aftermath.
• Exchange information with other drivers: If you’re able, obtain the names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all other drivers and passengers involved in the collision. Likewise, speak with any witnesses to get their accounts of what happened, and record their contact information as well.
• Don’t admit fault: North Carolina is one of a few states with contributory negligence statutes. What this means is that, if you are found to be at all responsible for an accident you will not be able to collect compensation. Many make the mistake, however, of assuming partial responsibility.
• Consult with an attorney: Above all else, finding the right lawyer is essential to obtaining financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, vehicle damage, and related considerations. An experienced attorney knows how to prevent insurers from underpaying claims, and when necessary will fight on your behalf in court to get you the funds you deserve.

Proving the Injury Victim Was Not At-Fault

North Carolina is one of the few states that have a contributory negligence law. What this means is that if injury victims are found to be responsible for the accident — even 1 percent liable — then they are prohibited from recovering funds through the other person’s liability insurance.

As a result, insurers almost always try to prove that injury victims are at-fault. In both head-on and rear-end collisions, insurance adjusters routinely argue that the victim did not take sufficient evasive action to avoid the accident. Unfortunately, when there are no witnesses to testify about what happened, it can be difficult for individuals to prove what happened.

• Working with Accident Reconstructionists to Prove Fault: At David & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we know it’s our responsibility to help ensure accident victims receive the compensation they need. Serving in Wilmington and throughout the region, we work to prove exactly what happened during and before the accident. When liability is in question, we work with accident reconstructionists who can analyze the evidence and show how the accident occurred and who was at fault. In some cases, evidence that may seem straightforward can be misleading. For example, with a rear-end accident case, it’s common for the damage to the front car’s bumper to be minimal, while the front of the at-fault car looks considerably worse. We know that insurance companies try to compare the damage of the two cars to prove negligence or to draw conclusions about the severity of the injuries suffered. It is important to analyze all the factors that can cause injuries to that specific person. We work aggressively to prove the negligent driver was completely at fault, regardless of the state of his or her vehicle or the number of witnesses available.

• Be Wary of Insurance Company Representatives: Almost everyone knows that it’s important to call the insurance companies after an auto accident. However, many people in Wilmington and throughout southeastern North Carolina have misconceptions about how soon the insurance company should be called and what information they’re required to disclose. When you contact our law firm, David & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we can help ensure the insurance adjuster gets all the correct information.

• What You Say Can Be Used Against You: You may think the insurance company is working for you, but that’s not quite right. The insurance company can use anything you say against you, and it may twist your words to use them against you. One of the most efficient ways to ensure you don’t jeopardize your case is by letting an experienced professional do the communicating for you. The attorneys at our firm have more than 100 years of combined experience advocating on behalf of our clients; we can help you, too.

• What You Don’t Say Can Be Used Against You, Too: It’s also important to know that the things you fail to mention to insurers can also be used against you. For example, if you talk with the insurance company and say your neck hurts, but you do not mention your back pain, the insurance company may try to prove later that any back pain you claim to experience is made-up. Insurance companies often record conversations, and if you do not provide an exhaustive list of everything that hurts, they may use your account in an attempt to lower the value of your case.
• We’ll Protect Your Rights: The things you do after a car wreck can have a big impact on the outcome of your personal injury case. We can help ensure you take the right steps to maximize your right to compensation.

Learn more about the representation we provide by scheduling your free initial consultation. We can be reached online or by calling (910) 335-2430. Hablamos español.