Your Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyer
From dealing with expensive medical bills, car repair costs, and the pain from your injuries, being hurt in a car wreck is a traumatic and isolating experience. Many of our clients simply need someone they can trust to talk to about their options. At Lewis & Keller, we understand that your wreck may be one of the toughest things you’ve ever experienced. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.
When you call our Winston-Salem car accident lawyers, we’ll listen to your story and review all the details of your case. If we believe we can help, we’ll handle the rest from there. But it’s not enough to simply take your case. Our mission is to fight for you and strive for real results that matter, so you can continue to feed your family and take care of your bills after a costly auto accident. Please don’t hesitate to call us today to get started. Let us be a champion for you!
Available
24/7
Hurt in the middle of the night? Don’t wait to contact our law office. A real person is available 24/7 and will answer your call.
Years of
Experience
Our personal injury attorneys have years and years of experience fighting insurance companies and have successfully handled thousands of cases.
No Fees Unless
We Win
Working on a contingency-fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win!
Table of Contents
Types of Car Accident Cases
One minute you may be riding to the store and the next you’re in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. An auto accident can happen in the blink of an eye for many different reasons. Listed below are some of the most common causes of car wrecks we see. If another driver caused your crash due to one of the following reasons or any other negligent actions, contact us today for help!
- Driving Under the Influence
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding
- Poor Weather or Road Conditions
- Car Defects
- Distracted Driving
How Can Our Attorneys Help?
Our attorneys can assist you in numerous ways after a car accident:
- Free Case Evaluation: We offer a no-obligation consultation to assess the details of your accident and discuss your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Negotiation: We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We aim to alleviate the stress of navigating the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
The Cost of a Lawyer–No Win, No Fee
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees for our services. Our payment only comes from a percentage of the settlement or court award we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This approach ensures that our interests are aligned with yours and that we are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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Did You Suffer Serious Injuries?
Auto accidents can lead to serious, life-changing injuries that can even be deadly. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with car accident claims. If you’re dealing with one of these injuries, or any severe injury, due to no fault of your own, we may be able to help you obtain compensation!
Broken Bones
Broken and fractured bones are a common result of car wrecks. Due to the steering wheel’s placement, the rib cage is especially vulnerable. This type of injury can require extensive surgery that may cause months of pain and discomfort.
Head Trauma
Victims of car accidents are often left with severe head trauma due to the impact of the crash. From concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), head trauma is a very serious injury that can lead to lifelong disabilities.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Car crashes frequently lead to back and spinal cord injuries because your body suffers sudden, unsafe movements during the wreck. These injuries are usually severe and leave a lasting impact on the victim.
Soft Tissue Injuries
You have probably heard the term “whiplash,” especially in regards to car accidents. Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue in one’s neck and/or upper back. It’s very common to suffer whiplash in a car accident, as your head and neck can be quickly jerked in many directions during the crash. However, symptoms may arise days after your accident, so it’s always important to seek medical attention immediately.
Lacerations
Car crash victims tend to suffer cuts and lacerations because of the dangerous amount of broken glass and flying objects. When a laceration is deep enough, it can cause an extreme loss of blood, leading to other serious health concerns.
Establishing Fault After a Wreck in North Carolina
If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your losses. However, you will be claiming that the accident was someone else’s fault and you have to be ready to prove it. In order to have a successful claim, you will have to demonstrate that the other party was negligent in his/her actions.
To prove negligence, you must:
- Prove that the other party owed a duty of care.
- Prove that the other party breached that duty of care by acting in a way that showed a wanton disregard for the safety of another person/property.
- Prove your accident was a direct result of the other party’s negligent behavior.
- Prove your injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Contributory Negligence
Contributory negligence can be a challenging aspect of North Carolina law. It requires proving that the other party was entirely at fault for the accident. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these complexities and will meticulously build your case to demonstrate the other party’s liability, ensuring you have the best chance to secure the compensation you need.
Our Results Speak For themselves
$
7000000
Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
$
3000000
Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.
$
1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Mistakes To Avoid After a Car Wreck
After a car accident, certain mistakes can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation:
- Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention: Always get checked by a healthcare professional, even if you feel fine.
- Admitting Fault: Avoid discussing the accident or admitting fault to anyone, especially the other driver and insurance companies.
- Not Documenting the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and keep detailed records of the accident.
- Delaying Legal Advice: Contact a Winston-Salem car accident lawyer as soon as possible to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a law that governs the amount of time an individual has to file a lawsuit against the other party. This law varies from state to state, so it’s important to be aware of the law in the state where you reside, as it may affect your claim.
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina is 3 years, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. This means you have three years from the time of your accident to file a lawsuit against the other party.
While car accident claims are typically able to be settled outside of the courtroom, the statute of limitations is important in the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached and you need to pursue a lawsuit.
Let’s say you got whiplash from a car accident on University Parkway, a busy road in Winston-Salem. You waited almost three years to take legal action and your neck still hurts. Then, you decided to file an insurance claim but haven’t been able to get the full amount you deserve from the insurance company. Three years have now passed since your accident and you need to file a lawsuit because the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly. Unfortunately, you’re outside of the statute of limitations and likely won’t be able to receive compensation. This is why it’s vital to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after your accident. Our Winston-Salem car accident lawyers know the laws in North Carolina and can help ensure you don’t miss your chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
When Should You Call Lewis & Keller?
You should contact Lewis & Keller immediately after a car accident. Early involvement allows our attorneys to start working on your case right away, ensuring that critical evidence is preserved and that you receive the medical care you need. We offer free consultations and are available to answer any questions you have about your case. Don’t wait—call us today to get the legal help you need to navigate this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After A Car Accident in Winston-Salem?
After a car accident, it can be incredibly difficult to know how to proceed, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. Keep these tips in mind in order to protect your chances of recovering compensation:
- Contact the authorities.
- Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders.
- Don’t sign anything from the other party’s insurance company and never admit fault.
- Contact our Winston-Salem car accident lawyers for a free case evaluation.
Should I File A Police Report?
Definitely! An official police report will contain important details about the car wreck that may support your claim later on. What’s more, police reports are often used by insurance adjusters to help determine liability for the accident. This determination will directly affect the amount of compensation the insurance adjuster offers you.
What Happens If I Was Hit by An Uninsured Driver?
North Carolina law allows drivers to purchase this type of minimum coverage. To protect yourself in the future, you may want to look into medical payments coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. These types of policies will protect you when the defendant carries only the minimum coverage. Your medical bills would be covered by this type of policy, even if the defendant has no coverage. If you’ve been in an accident with an underinsured driver, contact our office to discuss your legal rights.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
At Lewis & Keller, we get asked this question all the time. Keep in mind that every case is different, so it’s difficult to provide an exact number upfront. When calculating the amount of compensation we believe a client deserves, we take into consideration all of the accident-related bills they’ve incurred, as well as the impact their accident as had on their life. However, there are many other factors that will go into our evaluation of your case’s worth. If you’re wondering how much you’re owed after an auto accident, give us a call and we’ll start reviewing your case!
Can I Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault?
In North Carolina, the rule of contributory negligence applies. This means that if you are found to be even slightly responsible for your accident, you will not be able to recover compensation. However, it’s always best to consult an experienced Winston-Salem car accident lawyer to evaluate your options after an accident.
Do I Need To Hire An Attorney?
While legal representation isn’t required to file a car accident claim, we highly recommend consulting an experienced car accident attorney for help. This will not only make the legal process much easier for you and your family but also increase your chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation possible. Without legal representation, insurance adjusters will likely try to pay you as little money as possible for your injuries and damages. When you hire our office, we’ll work for you and fight hard to ensure the insurance company isn’t taking advantage of you.
After reviewing your claim, if we feel you do not need an attorney, we will tell you so straight away. With our vast experience in handling personal injury cases, we know that not everyone needs an attorney to assist them with their claim. We will only recommend that you hire a lawyer if we genuinely believe it is in your best interest to have one.
How Long Will It Take To Settle My Case?
Every case is different, making it difficult to predict an exact timeline. However, we understand that our clients usually need money for their medical bills and other expenses as soon as possible. That’s why we work quickly and efficiently towards the best possible outcome for our clients. Furthermore, we’ll keep you updated on the status of your case so you always know what to expect.
I Already Settled My Property Damage Claim, Can I Still File An Injury Claim?
Yes, you may have a bodily injury claim against the driver who was at fault for the accident. I would recommend that you preserve any evidence related to the accident by taking pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. It is alright to settle your property damage claim before your bodily injury claim. However, you must be careful not to sign and documents which say “release of all claims” or “release of bodily injury claim.” Our Winston-Salem car accident lawyers at Lewis & Keller can review your policy and help you determine the best course of action.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Most likely not. The majority of car accident claims are able to be settled outside of court. However, in the event that trial becomes necessary, it will be to your benefit to have a tough lawyer representing your interests. Our team of trial lawyers is prepared to help you file a lawsuit and take your case to trial, if needed. We have years of experience battling insurance companies in the courtroom and aren’t afraid to go to trial to get our clients what they deserve.
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