If you sustain injuries in a crash, you may not receive the compensation you deserve without legal representation. If you need a car accident lawyer in Gastonia, NC, contact Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Car Accident Cases
North Carolina laws require drivers to carry auto insurance. These policies should pay valid claims when the policyholder causes a car accident. Unfortunately, insurers often use underhanded tactics to minimize or deny payments.
Insurance company representatives will contact you after a car accident. They will probably be very friendly, and they may ask to record your conversation. These people might attempt to trick you into making statements that will release the insurance company from its obligation to pay your claim. They may also ask you to sign papers with fine print to accomplish the same goal.
You do not have to speak to insurance company representatives yourself, nor do you have to sign any paperwork until your attorney reviews it. You can designate your Gastonia car accident lawyers as your representative, meaning that insurance companies have to communicate with you through us. We will not let these carriers take advantage of our clients.
Insurance companies typically offer an initial settlement amount that is substantially lower than what your case is worth. They hope you aren’t aware of how much your case is worth and that you can negotiate a higher amount. Again, your attorney will advocate for your best interests.
Compensation for Car Accident Claims in Gastonia
Every accident is different, and the settlement amount you can obtain is unique to your case. At Horton & Mendez, our car accident lawyers in Gastonia, NC can tell you how much your claim is worth.
Those injured in car accidents can typically receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred as a result of your injuries
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Replacement services
- Property damage
These economic damages you may obtain are equal to your exact expenses, so keep your invoices and receipts. In some cases, you may also qualify to receive compensation for future medical costs and lost wages. Ask your lawyer if you are eligible.
The injuries from your accident can also have significant adverse effects on your life. You might receive non-economic damages for conditions such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Losing your ability to enjoy life
- Anxiety, depression and PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Personal relationship damage
Insurance companies are usually reluctant to pay for these injuries. They may say that you don’t really suffer from them or that the effects aren’t as severe as you claim. Your lawyer knows how to prove that you deserve non-economic compensation.
If the responsible driver’s actions were excessively reckless, you may receive punitive damages.
Families of those who pass away from injuries sustained in a car accident may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
People typically obtain significantly higher compensation amounts when they have a Gastonia car accident lawyer from Horton & Mendez fighting for their rights. If insurance companies don’t cooperate during settlement negotiations, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial.
Potential Challenges in Gastonia Car Accident Cases
You can handle your claim without an attorney, but you may need to overcome many potential challenges successfully to obtain a fair settlement. Situations like these are tricky to handle alone:
- Multiple responsible parties
- Commercial vehicle involvement
- Government agency liability
- You bearing any responsibility for your accident
You may not have the knowledge or resources to tackle these challenges, but Horton & Mendez does. You must prove negligence to hold someone accountable. Many times, a car accident claim requires an in-depth investigation to determine who is liable for your damages and gather evidence supporting your claim.
Proving negligence in an auto accident claim
Negligence is a legal concept that is the basis for most personal injury cases. Every driver has a duty of care to drive safely and avoid harming others.
To prove negligence, you must show that:
- Someone owed you a duty of care.
- That party breached their duty of care.
- You sustained an injury.
- The guilty party is directly responsible for causing your injury.
You will need evidence of another party’s guilt to pursue your claim for compensation. Our injury lawyers in Gastonia can help you point to a defendant’s liability.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Gastonia, NC
There were 3,202 car accidents in Gastonia, NC, during 2022. These collisions caused 938 injuries and three fatalities. State totals were 273,732 crashes, 110,544 injuries and 1,784 deaths.
These alarming statistics show that car accidents are a severe problem affecting many people in Gaston County and across the Tar Heel State. It’s our ambition to help as many individuals affected by auto accidents get the opportunity to recover financially.
Choosing the right attorney to help with your case can make the difference between receiving a low settlement and the maximum compensation you deserve. At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we have a distinct advantage. We used to represent insurance companies, so we have insider information about how they operate. We wield this experience and our many years of litigation successes to help our potential clients obtain favorable results.
Our car accident lawyers in Gastonia, NC know the insurance company playbooks. Let us help you win your case. Begin by requesting your 100% confidential free case evaluation today.
Contact us 24/7 online through our form or use live chat to connect with us.
Car Accident FAQs
What should I do after a car accident in Gastonia?
You should do several things while at the scene of your accident to protect your health and potential personal injury claim:
- Dial 911: You will need an official police report to file an insurance claim.
- Get contact information: Record the names and contact information of anyone present so your Gastonia car accident lawyers can reach out to get statements. Also, get the insurance information and license plate numbers from the drivers of all vehicles involved in the collision.
- Gather evidence: You can take photos and videos of several accident details, such as injuries and vehicle damage.
- Accept or seek medical attention: Your health is the priority, but the official record from your medical assessment is often a critical piece of evidence because it details your injuries.
- Contact Horton & Mendez: We will assess your case and tell you how we can help during a free case evaluation.
Never apologize or admit fault to anyone, and don’t say you aren’t injured. Insurance companies can use these statements against you to minimize or deny payments.
When should I seek medical attention after a car accident?
If first responders don’t come to your accident scene, visit your physician, a clinic or a hospital immediately after you leave. Getting a medical examination quickly is vital to protect your health because some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. It also provides documentation of your condition.
How is liability determined in a car accident case in Gastonia?
There is unmistakable evidence in some car crashes that points to one driver being responsible for causing them. In the absence of clear-cut proof, your attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation.
Your legal team from Horton & Mendez will speak to other drivers, witnesses and responding police officers. We will also obtain copies of any video footage that captured the accident as it happened. We will leave no stone unturned when we gather evidence to prove another driver is liable for your accident and injuries.
