If you have been involved in a car accident in Wilmington, North Carolina, you need to contact Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys. We know the playbook employed by insurance companies and their defense teams. This makes our firm perfectly suited to handle car accident cases involving insurance. We may be able to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of car accident lawyers in Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina area. Call us now!
Driving is a convenience many of us can’t imagine living without. It makes the world a smaller place and it allows us to complete tasks sooner.
No matter how safe you try to be when you’re on the road, there’s no accounting for other driver’s behavior. Speeding, driving intoxicated, and disobeying stop signs are just some of the activities that make accidents more likely to happen in Wilmington.
If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligent behavior on the road, you deserve compensation. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys are a team of Wilmington, North Carolina attorneys that will provide the representation you need. As former insurance defense lawyers, we know how the other side operates and have the experience it takes to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Should I Just Go Through Insurance?
After a car accident occurs, many drivers are tempted to forgo a lawyer and go through insurance to settle their claims. They think this will be a money and time-saving option.
Insurance companies are notorious for giving lowball offers. The amount they offer may seem like a lot of money at first, but when you apply it to your damages and expenses, you will find there’s barely enough to go around.
As former insurance defense attorneys, we understand how insurance companies operate. Insurance companies want to save money and not pay full value on claims. Our car accident attorneys understand how they value certain accidents, and because of this insight, we will help maximize your settlement or your verdict.
Insurance companies are also known for taking words out of context. They will ask for a statement and turn your words around to make it seem like the accident was your fault.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys understand how to handle insurance companies that do this, and this is primarily because of their experience as previous insurance defense lawyers.
[1] Furthermore, we also work under a simple rule. If there is no recovery, then there is no fee. This means they won’t see a dime unless they can help you win your case.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Every legal claim is subject to a statute of limitations. This means that the plaintiff has a certain amount of time to file a claim if he or she is seeking compensation.
In the state of North Carolina, the statute of limitations on a car accident claim is three years. In most cases, the clock starts ticking on the date the accident occurs, but this can be extended in certain circumstances. Be sure to consult with a lawyer about the specifics of your case well before the statute of limitations would run.
Three years may seem like a long time, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to remember important details of the case. That’s why it’s best to talk to a car accident lawyer in Wilmington as soon as possible.
North Carolina is a Contributory Negligence State
North Carolina’s status as a contributory negligence state means that you may not be compensated if the jury finds that you are to blame for the accident in any way, shape, or form.
Most states are comparative negligence states. This means that if a person is found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, they will still be owed compensation. However, the compensation they receive will be reduced by the amount they are at fault.
So if total damages equal $100,000 and they are found 30% at fault, they may collect up to $70,000, the total damages minus 30%.
Unfortunately, things don’t work like that in North Carolina. If you are partly at fault for a North Carolina accident, you may be barred from getting any amount of compensation. That’s why it’s so important to have a good lawyer on your side. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys have the experience to help fend off the insurance companies’ allegation of contributory negligence. This is because we have experience as previous defense lawyers and understand the tactics used by insurance companies.
Why Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Wilmington, North Carolina Car Accident Claim
Car accident cases can be complicated. It is difficult to determine at-fault parties and build a strong case. You need a reliable lawyer on your side.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys are an experienced team of North Carolina accident attorneys who have previously worked as insurance defense lawyers. We are known for our respectful and caring attitude, our responsiveness, and our winning results. We will stop at nothing to get you the best outcome possible.
We serve car accident victims throughout all of Wilmington and its communities, including Mayfaire, Sherwood Forest, the Village at Greenfield, Jervay Place, Ardmore, and the Wilmington Riverfront.
Car accident injuries can greatly reduce your quality of life. Don’t let negligent drivers get away with it. Call Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. We will get you the closure you need to move forward.