Spanish 
Many who have suffered injuries in a vehicle crash ask, “Can you sue for a car accident in North Carolina?” The short answer is that it depends on the situation. In addition to learning when you can take legal action following a traffic collision, it’s recommended that you consult a qualified injury lawyer, such as one from the Law Office of Jacob Goad, to understand what your rights are.
When Can I Sue Following a Car Accident?
In 2023, there were 1,686 fatal car crashes in North Carolina. That same year, there were 115,009 nonfatal injuries in the state, a four percent increase from 2022. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident, you could file a personal injury claim to recover damages. You can take legal action for a car accident if:
- The statute of limitations hasn’t passed. In most cases, injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the car accident. Otherwise, you lose your right to seek compensation.
- You were not partially at fault. Generally, you cannot file a car accident injury claim if you are proven to have been liable, to any degree, for the incident. This is because of North Carolina’s strict “pure contributory negligence” doctrine. There are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s advised to consult a seasoned injury attorney to determine whether you may still qualify.
- You suffered real damages. You cannot sue after a traffic collision simply for being involved. You must have proof that you suffered real damages, such as evidence of an injury, property damage, or other losses.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer. North Carolina car accident laws can be more complex than you may think. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can avoid mistakes and streamline the injury claim process. That way, you can focus on healing. Your lawyer is there to advocate on your behalf in all legal proceedings and guide you through every step of the case.
When looking for a dedicated and skilled North Carolina car accident attorney, look no further than the Law Office of Jacob Goad. Our lawyers can advocate for your goals and protect your rights. After listening to your story, we can build a legal approach tailored to your unique circumstances.
Car accident cases in North Carolina are typically processed by the state court system; more specifically, at the courthouse in the county where the accident took place. For example, a car accident injury case in Durham is most likely to go through the Durham County Courthouse. This legal venue is located at 510 S. Dillard St., Durham, NC 27701.
Get in Touch With a Car Accident Injury Lawyer
At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, you can work directly with an injury law professional when seeking compensation for damages. Jacob Goad is also fluent in Spanish. When you work with our team of attorneys, you can feel confident that your case is being managed by capable professionals. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation.
