Car Accident Attorney in Greenville, NC

If you have been injured in a car accident in Greenville, North Carolina, you may be dealing with painful injuries, unexpected medical expenses, car repair bills, and other unexpected expenses. You shouldn’t be responsible for the costs of the medical bills and car repairs if someone else caused the crash. You may have a right to demand compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance to recoup your losses and move on with your life.

For more than three decades, our Greenville injury lawyers at Hardison & Cochran have helped car accident victims in Pitt County and throughout eastern North Carolina seek justice and full compensation. We have the knowledge and experience to help you get back on your feet. Call us or reach out to us online to speak with an experienced Greenville auto accident lawyer and learn about your legal options.

Greenville Car Accident Statistics

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) compiles annual rankings of the most dangerous cities for drivers. The rankings are based on multiple factors, including the number of reported crashes, the severity of reported crashes, and the rate of crashes based on population size.

In a recent four-year period, Greenville consistently ranked among the ten most dangerous cities in North Carolina. The data showed:

• 2.22 percent of all crashes in Greenville were alcohol-related
• 3,275 crashes in Greenville (25 percent) resulted in non-fatal injuries
• 21 fatal crashes occurred n Greenville alone

Additional reports from the NCDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that during a single year:

• There were 2,690 crashes in the City of Greenville, which resulted in 1,493 injuries and ten fatalities
• Of all Greenville crashes that year, 72 were alcohol-related
• There were also 30 pedestrian crashes, which resulted in 28 pedestrian injuries and three pedestrian fatalities
• There were 15 cyclist crashes, which resulted in 14 cyclist injuries and one cyclist fatality
• Pitt County, which includes Greenville, had 41 crash fatalities, including 16 that were alcohol-related
• Speeding was a factor in 22 fatal crashes in Pitt County

Common Causes of Accidents in Greenville, NC

Driver error is a contributing factor in most car accidents. While every case has a unique pattern of facts, some of the most common contributing factors in auto accidents include:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are focused on phone calls, text messages, or other distractions increase the risk of accidents for everyone. If drivers fail to keep their full attention on the road and surrounding traffic, they may end up causing rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and other serious wrecks.
• Speeding – When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to recognize and react when a dangerous traffic situation develops. High-speed collisions often result in severe or fatal injuries.
• Driving under the influence – Most people know that driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit is illegal. Even relatively small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability. Similarly, some prescription or OTC medications can impair judgment and reactions and cause drowsiness.
• Tailgating – Drivers who are following other vehicles too closely have less time to stop if the car in front stops suddenly. Tailgating increases the chances of a rear-end collision.
• Fatigued driving – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cognitive effects of 24 hours without sleep are comparable to the impact of a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit. Even relatively mild fatigue can lead to a dangerous lack of focus.
• Poor road conditions – Road conditions such as large potholes, uneven pavement, lack of markings, and missing road signs can contribute to traffic collisions. The government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable, but special rules and deadlines apply to bringing injury claims against governments.
• Defective car parts – If a defective car part contributes to an accident, the manufacturer of the component may be held financially liable for the accident.

Greenville, NC Statute of Limitations

If the insurance company representing the at-fault driver refuses to agree to a fair settlement, you may need to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations on injury claims. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. The clock starts ticking on the date the accident occurs.

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Usually Take in Greenville, NC?

The length of time it takes to resolve a claim varies depending on the facts of the accident and the severity of the injuries. Many minor car accident claims can be resolved in a few months. If an accident victim’s injuries are serious and take a long time to heal or an insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, a case may take a year or more to resolve.

Keep in mind that a quick settlement isn’t always best. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement to limit their financial liability. You are more likely to maximize your compensation if you proceed with patience and have an experienced attorney representing you.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Greenville, NC

You can protect your legal right to demand compensation after a Greenville car accident by:

• Gathering evidence from the accident scene, including photos, contact and insurance information from the other driver, and eyewitness statements
• Seeking prompt medical attention to ensure your injuries are diagnosed, treated, and documented on your medical records
• Following your doctor’s care plan to maximize your recovery and demonstrate to interested parties that you are taking your health seriously
• Gathering medical bills, bank records, pay stubs, repair estimates, and other accident-related documentation to show your financial losses.
• Avoiding social media activity while your car accident claim is pending. Anything you say could be used against you to undermine your claim.
• Contacting a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Greenville for legal advice

Contact Our Greenville Attorneys Today for Professional Assistance

For more than 30 years, the Greenville car accident lawyers at Hardison & Cochran have fought for fair compensation for North Carolinians who have been injured by the negligence of others. Our attorneys are committed to helping people in the Greenville area rebuild their lives after serious accidents. If you’ve been hurt and someone else was at fault, we want to be the first law firm you call. We’re available any time, day or night. Call us or reach out to us online today.