Goldsboro Car Accident Lawyers

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

Being injured in a motor vehicle accident can be a life-changing experience. It can result in pain, emotional distress, the loss of your livelihood, time-consuming and expensive medical treatments, and potential permanent disability. Injuries can range from whiplash to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. In the blink of an eye, your world can be majorly impacted, not only for you but your family. 

If you have been injured in a negligence-based car accident anywhere in North Carolina, you can turn to Pittman Agner for competent and proven legal help. Our team of Goldsboro car accident attorneys has decades of experience that can be used on your behalf to help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses and injuries. You can get started by scheduling a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys as soon as possible after your accident. We highly recommend you do this before talking to insurance adjusters whose main objective is to settle quickly with payouts that typically do not fully reflect what your claim may be worth. 

Contact our experienced Goldsboro car accident attorneys at (919) 893-0090 today for a free consultation and get the compensation you rightly deserve!

Understanding Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident refers to a collision involving one or more vehicles. These incidents can range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions resulting in significant damage, injuries, or fatalities.

Common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to sudden stops or tailgating.
• Head-on collisions: These are among the most severe accidents, involving the front ends of two vehicles colliding.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents): These occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections.
• Single-vehicle accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can include running off the road, hitting an object, or rollovers.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups: These involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways or roads with high traffic volumes.
• Sideswipe accidents: These occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles come into contact, often during lane changes.
• Hit-and-run accidents: These involve one party leaving the scene of the accident without providing information or assistance.

Each type of accident can have varying degrees of severity, resulting in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims and lawsuits. Unfortunately, these accidents occur by the millions across the country, resulting in injuries of every conceivable nature to drivers and their passengers. They are typically caused by human error, ranging from negligence-based behavior such as violating traffic laws to plain inattention while behind the wheel. 

Some common causes include:

• Distracted driving: One of the leading causes today, distractions like phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers divert attention from the road.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, making it harder to control the vehicle.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Reckless driving: Actions like aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals contribute to accidents.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather like rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds reduces visibility and traction, making roads more hazardous.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired can lead to reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and even falling asleep at the wheel, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Mechanical failure: Issues with brakes, tires, steering, or other vehicle components can lead to accidents if not properly maintained or if they fail while driving.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs increases the risk of collisions at intersections.
• Inexperienced drivers: Lack of experience on the road can lead to poor decision-making, misjudgment of situations, and inadequate handling of the vehicle.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of proper signage, or poorly designed roads can contribute to accidents.

North Carolina Car Accident Laws

North Carolina follows the fault-based system regarding car accidents. The driver responsible for the accident is typically accountable for the resulting damages. This means the at-fault driver's insurance usually covers the other party's losses.

North Carolina requires all drivers to be covered by minimum auto insurance amounts along with uninsured motorist insurance.

The minimum requirements include:

• $30,000 bodily injury coverage per person
• $60,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
• $25,000 property damage coverage per accident

Uninsured insurance covers you when injured by an at-fault driver who failed to have insurance coverage at the time of your accident. Underinsured coverage is another form of auto insurance that covers your claim when it exceeds the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver. In some cases, you may need to collect from your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage.

Thus, car accident claims may involve your own insurance company, the at-fault driver's insurer, or a lawsuit filed against the at-fault driver for the compensation to which you are entitled under North Carolina personal injury law. The at-fault driver can not only be the driver of another vehicle but the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger at the time of the crash.

The damages you may be entitled to in a car accident claim may include the following:

• Past and future medical expenses covering all treatments associated with your injuries
• Lost wages or income due to the inability to work
• Loss of earning capacity if you suffered a permanent disability that does not allow you to return to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Lifetime medical care plan for permanent disability
• Property damage to your vehicle along with rental vehicle expenses

Where a particular party was especially careless or reckless, punitive damages intended to punish that at-fault driver may be awarded by a judge or jury. 

These laws and policies play a significant role during negotiations and court proceedings. Knowing the specifics of your coverage can help secure a fair settlement and avoid potential legal pitfalls. In many instances, proper understanding of these regulations can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim.

Local Traffic Insights

Goldsboro's road network can present unique challenges that contribute to the complexity of car accidents. With a mix of rural routes and busy city streets, drivers often encounter a range of conditions. Key roads like Highway 70 and I-795 experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, road construction and seasonal weather conditions can exacerbate driving difficulties, requiring heightened awareness from all drivers.

The community's commitment to reducing traffic incidents is evident through various local initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety. These include public awareness campaigns on distracted driving, collaborations with local law enforcement to enforce traffic regulations, and improvements in road infrastructure. By understanding and adapting to these local conditions, drivers can better navigate Goldsboro's unique roadways, potentially reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations in North Carolina

According to the North Carolina General Statutes section 1-52, the state of North Carolina has a three-year timeline for filing a claim. This means you have three years to file your claim and if you try to file outside of this time period, you will most likely be unable to do so.

There are some exceptions to this law where the filing time may change, including:

• If the injury victim is a minor at the time the accident occurred
• The negligent party left the state before a claim could be filed

Beyond the statute of limitations, car accident injuries are different than other injuries covered by personal injury law in that they are most often soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries are injuries that affect the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. A common example of a soft tissue injury inflicted by car accidents is whiplash, and like whiplash these types of injuries typically progressively get worse over a few days or even weeks after the injury occurred.

Because of this, many injury victims sign a compensation agreement with an insurance company before talking to a lawyer, only to discover later that their injuries are worse than they initially believed, but they are not able to recover any additional. If you have suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, talk to our Goldsboro car accident lawyer for help today!

Why You Shouldn't Accept the First Offer

Accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company after a car accident isn't always advisable without careful consideration.

Here are reasons why accepting it outright might not be in your best interest:

• Potential Undervaluation: First settlement offers from insurers often aim to minimize their payout. They might not adequately cover all your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Accepting too quickly could mean settling for an amount less than you deserve.
• Unknown Future Costs: Immediately after an accident, it's challenging to assess the full extent of your injuries and potential long-term consequences. Accepting the first offer might not account for future medical expenses or ongoing treatment needs.
• Pressure for Quick Resolution: Insurers may pressure you to settle quickly, emphasizing a sense of urgency. This might not allow sufficient time for a proper assessment of damages and can lead to undervaluing your claim.
• Legal Recourse: Once you accept a settlement offer, you usually waive your right to pursue further legal action related to the accident. If unforeseen complications arise or if the initial offer doesn't cover all your costs, you won't have legal recourse.
• Seeking Legal Advice: Consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide insight into the fair value of your claim. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, potentially securing a higher settlement that covers your actual expenses and losses.
• Understanding the Offer: It's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the settlement offer fully. This includes any release of liability, confidentiality clauses, or other stipulations that may limit your rights.
• Documentation and Evidence: Ensuring you have gathered all necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim is vital. Rushing into a settlement might overlook critical details needed to bolster your case.

It's wise to take your time, assess the full extent of damages, understand the offer thoroughly, and seek legal advice before accepting a settlement. This approach can help ensure you receive fair compensation that adequately covers your losses resulting from the car accident.

Ensure that every aspect of the settlement is double-checked against future expenses, which can include physical therapy sessions, ongoing prescriptions, or surgical interventions. Working with an attorney can provide the leverage needed to negotiate terms that reflect the actual value of damages sustained.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

It is vital to remember that you should not answer questions or make recorded statements with insurance adjusters. Though the adjusters say they are just trying to determine the “facts,” they are really looking for a basis to deny your claim and fair compensation for your injuries. Before you give a recorded statement that can be used against you later, discuss your case with one of our capable attorneys.  North Carolina operates on a “contributory negligence” basis in these matters. This means that you will not be able to recover compensation if you partially contributed to the accident. Insurance adjusters will be looking for any way they can pin even the slightest amount of fault on you for your injuries. 

Our Goldsboro car accident lawyers have been dealing with insurance companies for years. Our attorneys are well-versed in identifying unjust tactics used by insurance companies, including delaying claim processes or misrepresenting policy coverage. By putting us on your side immediately, we can prevent any pitfalls and errors that could lead to a denial of your claim and right to compensation. You have nothing to lose by phoning us to discuss your case in detail in a free case review. Take advantage of our extensive experience, comprehensive case preparation, negotiation, and trial skills to secure an optimum outcome. 

When To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Goldsboro

As a general guideline, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after suffering injuries in a car accident. There are a couple of reasons for this, the first being the statute of limitations which is a law that limits how long injury victims have to file a personal injury claim before they lose their legal right to do so. This law is determined on a state-by-state basis, which means, for example, the statute of limitations in New Jersey will be different than North Carolina.

Additionally, involving an attorney early can facilitate the gathering of crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, all of which strengthen your claim. A lawyer's early intervention ensures that all procedural requirements are met and helps protect against any tactics an insurance company might use to devalue your claim.

Deciding on Auto Accident Attorneys in Goldsboro

Choosing the right auto accident attorney in Goldsboro involves considering several factors to ensure effective legal representation. It is important to seek attorneys who have a deep understanding of local laws and a proven track record of handling cases within Goldsboro and surrounding areas. Familiarity with local courts and customary procedures can make a significant difference in the outcome of your legal proceedings.

Additionally, consider the attorney's ability to communicate and explain complex legal concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Most importantly, a client-first approach is crucial, ensuring that your needs and goals are prioritized throughout the legal process. Working with Pittman Agner, you can expect a dedicated team committed to providing personalized legal support, utilizing their extensive knowledge to advocate for your best interests and secure the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to a Goldsboro car accident attorney at Pittman Agner online or at (919) 893-0090 to schedule a free case evaluation today. 

FAQ About Car Accidents in Goldsboro

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Goldsboro?

Immediately following a car accident, prioritize your safety and that of others involved. Move to a safe area, call 911 to report the accident, and request medical assistance if needed. It’s crucial to document the scene by taking photos and collecting information from all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Gathering evidence such as vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries can provide vital details for your case later. Notify your insurance company of the accident promptly but be cautious about discussing the details without consulting a legal professional. Legal guidance from a local attorney can be invaluable in navigating your next steps, ensuring that you adhere to all North Carolina laws while effectively managing your insurance claim and any potential legal actions.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Goldsboro, NC?

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on Goldsboro roads, consistent with trends seen throughout the country. With the city's strategic location and busy thoroughfares like US Highway 70, incidents often arise due to high traffic density, distracted driving, and varying road conditions. Analyzing local data highlights common accident hot spots and patterns, which can inform preventative measures by both law enforcement and community initiatives.

Drivers can mitigate risks by practicing defensive driving, being aware of frequently congested areas, and staying updated on any traffic advisories or road work that may impact travel. Acknowledging the prevalent causes and behaviors leading to accidents enables drivers to make informed decisions on the road, fostering a safer environment for all commuters in Goldsboro.

How Can Pittman Agner Help After a Car Accident in Goldsboro?

At Pittman Agner, our team is dedicated to guiding you through the complex aftermath of a car accident. We offer comprehensive legal support, beginning with a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. Our local expertise allows us to provide insightful guidance specific to Goldsboro's unique legal environment, ensuring that we address both the immediate and long-term effects of the accident on your life.

Our approach centers on client communication and involvement, striving to keep you informed and confident throughout the process. We manage all aspects of your claim, from gathering and analyzing evidence to representing your interests in negotiations or court, if necessary. By choosing Pittman Agner, you gain access to a compassionate and determined team committed to achieving a resolution that reflects your needs and goals.