Side-impact collisions are among the most severe types of crashes, often resulting in life-changing injuries, high medical bills, and emotional distress.
However, navigating the aftermath of these accidents can be overwhelming, especially in North Carolina, where the state’s strict contributory negligence rule can bar you from receiving compensation if you’re found even 1% at fault. This makes understanding your rights and knowing how to act crucial.
In this article, we’ll cover why you need a lawyer, the types of compensation you may be entitled to, the legal challenges of side-impact cases, what to do immediately after an accident, common scenarios for these collisions, and how Auger and Auger can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer and What They Will Do
Recovering compensation after a side-impact collision requires more than filing an insurance claim—it demands a skilled legal advocate who can navigate the complexities of North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws and counter the tactics insurers use to deny claims, and very often entering into litigation with insurance companies to maximize your compensation amount.
A lawyer can:
- Investigate the Accident: Gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, hire accident reconstruction experts, and witness statements to prove liability.
- Document Your Damages: Ensuring all medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are accurately recorded and included in your claim and negotiate reductions with medical providers.
- Prove the Other Driver’s Fault: Building a case that clearly demonstrates the other driver’s negligence while countering any attempts to shift blame onto you.
- Negotiate and File Lawsuits Against Insurers: Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, but an attorney will fight to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will advocate for you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Auger and Auger, we specialize in helping victims of side-impact accidents overcome these challenges, allowing them to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
The Compensation You Can Receive
Side-impact collisions often result in significant financial, physical, and emotional burdens. With the right legal representation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Covering income lost due to recovery time or permanent limitations on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Addressing the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including chronic pain, depression, or PTSD.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Additional Out–of–Pocket Costs: Such as transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home for accessibility.
Our team works with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to ensure every aspect of your losses is accounted for, maximizing your recovery.
The Legal Side of Side-Impact Cases
In North Carolina, proving fault in a side-impact collision is complicated by the state’s contributory negligence rule, which bars you from receiving compensation if you are found even 1% at fault. This rule gives insurance companies an incentive to argue that you contributed to the accident in any way.
Insurance companies may claim:
- You were speeding.
- You failed to signal a turn.
- You could have avoided the collision by braking sooner.
To counter these claims, a thorough investigation is crucial. Evidence like accident reconstruction reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements can establish that the other driver’s negligence was the sole cause of the crash. Without an attorney to collect and present this evidence, you risk losing your claim entirely.
What Happens After a Side-Impact Accident and What You Should Do
The moments following a side-impact collision are critical. Taking the right steps can strengthen your case and protect your rights:
- Call Emergency Services: Report the accident and request medical attention, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who saw the crash.
- File a Police Report: This provides an official record of the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention: Prompt evaluation is essential for your health and your claim.
- Contact an Attorney: The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Common Scenarios of Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions often occur in specific situations, including:
- Intersection Accidents: When one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.
- Left-Turn Collisions: When a driver misjudges oncoming traffic and turns too soon.
- Parking Lot Accidents: When a driver backs out without checking for oncoming traffic.
- Failure to Yield: At stop signs, crosswalks, or when merging onto highways.
Each of these scenarios presents unique challenges in proving fault, often requiring a comprehensive investigation, expert analysis, and detailed evidence. At Auger and Auger, we specialize in handling these complexities, ensuring no aspect of your case is overlooked.
How Auger and Auger Can Help
At Auger and Auger, we have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims in North Carolina navigate the legal landscape and recover fair compensation. Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough Investigations: We collect all available evidence to build a strong case.
- Expert Collaboration: Working with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and economists to fully evaluate your damages.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Challenging any attempts to shift blame onto you and negotiating firmly with insurance companies.
- Comprehensive Support: Handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
With our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-impact collision, don’t wait to seek legal help. North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule makes acting quickly essential to building a strong case.
Contact Auger and Auger today for a free consultation. Let us handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on healing. Together, we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
