Car accident attorney Charlotte

Charlotte Car Accident Attorney

Helping clients injured in serious car wrecks throughout North Carolina

After a bad car accident, you likely have a lot of questions. Who is responsible for my medical expenses? How will I pay my bills while I’m recovering from my injuries? Who caused my accident, and how can I hold them accountable for their actions? An experienced attorney can answer these questions and provide the legal services you need.

If you have been involved in a car accident, especially where there was substantial damage, it’s important to secure the services of an experienced attorney who can help you obtain compensation. At the law firm of Price, Petho & Associates, you will find a team of attorneys dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process.

Areas of Focus

I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services. – C.P.

What would you like to know?

Car accident lawyer Charlotte

How common are Charlotte car accidents?

Driving is a risky activity, and statistically, an accident isn’t a matter of “if” but “when.” If you’re lucky, you will only be involved in crashes that result in minimal vehicle damage and no injuries.

Looking at recent data available from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), we see some alarming statistics. Overall, there were more than 247,214 total vehicle collisions reported across the state in 2020. Out of these incidents:

  • 1,658 people lost their lives
  • 105,382 people were injured

If we take a closer look at the Charlotte area, there were 35,341 total vehicle collisions in Mecklenburg County. Out of these incidents:

  • 125 people lost their lives
  • 15,122 people were injured

There were also 821 total collisions involving alcohol-impaired drivers, which led to 53 fatalities and 768 injuries. Alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities, along with driving too fast for conditions.

As you can see, motor vehicle accidents happen often and frequently involve catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident in the Charlotte area, please do not hesitate to contact the experienced team of accident attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates.

What kinds of car accident claims does your firm handle?

At Price, Petho & Associates, we handle all forms of accident claims, including:

Our attorneys are also experienced in car accident cases caused by auto defects, as well as those involving ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Our Charlotte car accident lawyers understand that a personal injury claim is unique to your specific circumstances, and we ensure that you get the tailored strategy that your car accident case requires.

Intersection accidents

In cities and suburban areas with a high volume of traffic, intersection accidents frequently occur. Pedestrians, distracted motorists, speeding drivers, lack of turn signals, poor signage, and confusing roads can all contribute to intersection collisions. These types of car accidents can result in ongoing medical bills, missed work for an extended period, and financial burdens that can be quite overwhelming.

Common causes of intersection collisions include:

  • Running a red light or a stop sign
  • Making a right or left turn without making sure the intersection is clear of other vehicles
  • Failing to pay attention to stop signs and traffic signals

Parking lot accidents

In most parking lots, whether at an office building or a typical shopping center, there are going to be various lanes with cars parked on both sides. There will also usually be “through lanes” around the perimeter of the parking lot where vehicles can enter the parking lanes or exit the parking lot altogether.

Typically, vehicles inside the “through lanes” have the right of way, and drivers approaching these lanes from the parking lot need to yield to vehicles in the “through lane.” If a driver leaving a “through lane” fails to yield and strikes another vehicle inside the “through lane,” then the driver leaving the lane will likely be at fault for the incident.

Parking lot accidents often regularly involve vehicles moving in reverse out of a parking space. If a driver is backing out of a parking space and strikes another vehicle or a pedestrian, then the driver in reverse is usually going to be at fault for the incident. However, if two vehicles are backing out of parking spaces on opposite sides of the lane and collide with one another, liability could be more difficult to determine. Both drivers in situations like this have the same responsibility to check their surroundings. A vehicle that begins backing out first typically has the right of way in a parking lot. That said, any vehicle driving through the parking lane has the right of way over any vehicle waiting to back out of the parking space.

It is common for vehicles to sustain property damage in a parking lot accident. In some cases, particularly if a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, bodily injuries can occur.

  • It is crucial that all drivers involved in a parking lot accident exchange information with every person involved. This includes the name, contact information, and insurance information of all drivers.
  • Police and EMS should be called to the scene if the property damage is extensive, or if there are any injuries.
  • Any person involved should use his/her smartphone or another camera to take photos of any damages or injuries.

Collisions with deer and wildlife

Residents of Charlotte and the surrounding area understand that collisions with deer and other wildlife are common. Car accidents involving deer typically increase during deer season, which runs from October through December, though they can occur at other times throughout the year. As the movement of the deer population increases, many more deer end up crossing highways and walking through suburban roadways. According to the Insurance Information Institute, North Carolina tied for 4th in the nation for deer-related claims in 2021.

Unfortunately, these incidents often lead to bodily injuries to drivers and passengers inside the vehicle, as well as substantial property damage. Complications can arise when it comes to securing compensation in the aftermath of a collision with an animal on the roadway. Since there is no liability for hitting a deer, this incident is considered a sudden emergency. If, however, you are hit by a driver who is attempting to avoid hitting a deer, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Price, Petho & Associates for help.

What types of injuries do Charlotte car accidents cause?

Serious car accidents and collisions can cause life-altering injuries, some that may require medical care and treatment for the rest of your life. These can include:

  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Traumatic amputations
  • Permanent disability
  • Wrongful death

Here at Price, Petho & Associates, our network of resources ensures you have access to top experts in their fields to show the true scope of your injuries – physically, financially, and emotionally. We work to help our clients find closure from their accident and heal from their injuries as much as medically possible, and face life with confidence.

Price Petho & Associates in Charlotte, NC

What are North Carolina’s car accident laws?

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, and wish to file a personal injury claim, it’s important that you understand a little about North Carolina’s car accident laws.

  • Statute of limitations: In North Carolina, you have three years to file a claim if you sustain an injury or property damage caused by a car accident.
  • Wrongful death claims: If the car accident resulted in someone’s death, there is a two-year deadline to file a wrongful death claim.
  • Contributory negligence rule: In North Carolina, you are not allowed to recover compensation if you share any fault for the accident. This doctrine is known as “contributory negligence.”
  • Liability car insurance minimums: North Carolina drivers must be insured for $30,000 for bodily injury liability for an accident they cause and $60,000 for an accident they cause involving two or more injured people. North Carolina drivers must also be insured for $25,000 for property damage.

As you can see, it’s in your best interest to contact legal representation as soon after your accident as possible. This will ensure that your attorney has time to construct the best possible case strategy, as well as gather and document all necessary evidence and witness statements.

How can a Charlotte car accident attorney help?

The team at Price, Petho & Associates is committed to putting forth every effort in pursuing fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and all other costs. We are unique in that we have a skilled investigator on staff to assist with this process. This allows our car accident attorneys to collect everything necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

Details that can help the outcome of a car accident case include:

  • Demonstrating the scope of your injuries with medical records and examinations
  • Proving the at-fault party’s or driver’s liability
  • Securing evidence of the event, such as photographs, security footage, and anything else that could prove fault

An important piece of documentation for any car accident is the police report. In North Carolina, you must go through the Department of Motor Vehicles to request this information. Price, Petho & Associates has direct access to crash reports. As such, when you work with us, you do not need to go to the DMV to get your report; we can access it for you.

Again, each accident is unique, and proving liability in a claim can be incredibly difficult. With the help of an experienced legal team, however, you can rest assured that our attorneys are doing everything possible to ensure that you recover the proper compensation to which you’re entitled for your injuries.

When our firm takes a case, we look at the best ways to pursue compensation. In most cases, the obvious choice is by going after the negligent driver’s insurance company. However, our Charlotte car accident lawyers also know that other parties may be liable, and we investigate them as well. As an additional service, we can help handle the damage to your vehicle, assisting you in obtaining a rental car, and more.

Is there a car accident attorney near me?

Price, Petho & Associates has an office at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are too injured to come to us, we can visit you at home or in the hospital.

Talk to our Charlotte car accident attorneys today

Since 1979, the attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates have developed a strong record of success with helping car accident victims in Charlotte and throughout the state. With over $200 million in damages recovered for our clients, we want to help you, too. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, please call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Serving Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Related Articles: