Your Guide to Legal Assistance After a Car Accident in
Duplin County, NC
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Duplin County Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you’re also dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies. If you’ve been in a car accident in Duplin County, North Carolina, here is a guide to help you navigate the legal process and find the assistance you need.
- Following these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen a potential legal claim:
- Ensure Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Contact Law Enforcement: In North Carolina, you are required to report an accident to the police if there is an injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. Given modern repair costs, it’s always a good idea to call the police to the scene. The police report can be a crucial piece of evidence.
- Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
Get in Touch with Our Experienced and Aggressive Duplin County Lawyers
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. This also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company: It’s crucial to report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as you can. This step ensures that your insurance company is aware of the situation and can provide the necessary support.
- Understanding North Carolina’s Laws: Knowledge is power. Understanding North Carolina’s laws can empower you in your legal journey.
North Carolina follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which is a stringent standard. This means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any damage from the other party.
There is an exception to this rule, known as the ‘Last Clear Chance Doctrine.’ This doctrine may allow you to recover damages if the other driver had a ‘last clear chance’ to avoid the accident but failed to do so. In simpler terms, if the other driver had the final opportunity to prevent the accident but didn’t take it, you might still be able to claim damages. This is a complex legal concept, and an attorney can help you determine if it applies to your case.
- The Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most car accident personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If a fatality occurred, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the victim’s death. It is essential to act quickly to preserve your right to seek compensation. - Finding a Car Accident Attorney in Duplin County
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be invaluable, especially when dealing with insurance companies. An attorney can help you:- Navigate the legal process and understand your rights.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and handle all communications.
- Gather evidence and build a strong case.
- Determine the full value of your claim, including future losses.
- File a lawsuit within the legal deadline.
Many personal injury attorneys in the Duplin County area work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. In other words, their fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of your case. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
When searching for an attorney, consider firms with experience handling car accident cases in Duplin County, NC | Official Website and the surrounding areas. You can find local attorneys through online directories, bar associations, and by seeking referrals.
Some law firms that serve the Duplin County area include:
- Thompson & Thompson P.C. (Warsaw, NC)
- The Law Office of Justin B. Hunter (Duplin County)
- David & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC (Wallace, NC)
- Parker & Frey PLLC (Clinton, NC)
- Duplin County Court Information
If your case goes to court, it will likely be handled at the Duplin County Courthouse in Kenansville, North Carolina.- Duplin County Courthouse:
- Address: 112 Duplin St., Kenansville, NC 28349
- Clerk of Superior Court: (910) 275-7000
What kind of case can we help you with?
We've Recovered over $10 Million for clients In the last 3 years.
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death | No Fee Unless You Win
Thompson and Thompson Law Firm offers experienced legal representation for motorcycle accident victims in North Carolina. Because motorcycle collisions often result in more severe injuries, you may be entitled to greater compensation than in standard car accidents. Contact us right away after your accident for a full case evaluation and to start building your claim.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of your case. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. The sooner you do, the better you can protect your rights and navigate the legal process.