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Welcome to the Triangle Car Accident Lawyers homepage
for Hardison &
Associates, L.L.P., Attorneys at Law. We represent drivers, passengers and
pedestrians who are injured each year in auto accidents. A common misconception
is that auto accident victims don't need attorneys. However, until an attorney
is retained, auto accident victims are at the mercy of insurance companies --
companies that are not likely to offer fair compensation to anyone without legal
representation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle travel is the primary means of
transportation in the U.S. However, deaths and injuries resulting from motor
vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for persons of every age from 2
through 33 years old (based on 2000 data). Traffic fatalities account for more
than 90 percent of transportation-related fatalities.
In 2000, 41,821 people lost their lives in car accidents;
3,189,000 were injured. Vehicle occupants accounted for 87 percent of all
traffic fatalities in 2000 -- the rest were cyclists and pedestrians. Of those
41,821 lives lost, 16,653 (40 percent) were alcohol-related.
A person who
has a negligence claim resulting from an accident -- when he or she is injured
by a driver who may have been careless -- may succeed in achieving a monetary
award because drivers have a clear responsibility to exercise reasonable care
whenever they are driving. When drivers do not perform responsibly and cause
injuries, personal injury law allows the injured person to recoup
losses.
There are many reasons why car accidents occur, including driving
under the influence (DUI); loss of control of the car due to bad road
conditions; being distracted or aggressive; bad weather; a defect in a car part
or accessory, or by simply making an error in judgment.
In personal injury
lawsuits, there are two points to prove: liability and damages. Was the
defendant liable for the damages suffered, and what is the extent of the
damages? If you can prove liability and damages, your claim may succeed and you
may be entitled to compensation.
Here are some tips to keep in mind if
you've been in an accident:
- Stop. If you get in a crash, you must stop.
If you leave, that's known as a "hit and run," and might be a felony. This
includes hitting property, animals or pedestrians. Also, stay calm.
- Call for help. If someone is injured, call
911. If not, your first call should then be to the police. The police will
advise as to whether the crashed vehicles should be moved out of traffic, and
will take statements from the drivers and passengers involved.
- Call your insurer. As soon as you are able,
call and file an accident report. You should also notify the other driver's
insurer of the accident.
- Don't sign anything. If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, don't give any
statements and don't sign anything.
- Gather information. Get the names, addresses
and phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially witnesses.
- Go see your doctor. You may have injuries of
which you're unaware. If you are examined by a
doctor, make sure you are specific in explaining how the accident happened and
any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.
- Call Hardison & Associates, if necessary.
Hiring a lawyer is not required, but there are times when seeking legal counsel
is a good idea. If you've been injured, you may want a lawyer to make sure you
receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Also, proving to another
driver's insurer that its policyholder caused the accident might require the
services of an attorney.
Another situation in which you should consider hiring
a lawyer is when you've not been able to collect insurance benefits within 30
days of the accident. That's a sure sign that either the insurer is getting
ready to litigate against you, or you have not effectively communicated with the
insurer. In both cases, an attorney is helpful.
If you have been injured through the carelessness, negligence or
irresponsible behavior of another driver, you probably have a valid personal
injury claim. Since most of the time you will suffer some form of loss, whether
it be income, physical, or emotional, our legal system provides you with a
limited time within which to pursue your claim. You should therefore call
Hardison & Associates, Attorneys at Law immediately -- before you talk with the
insurance company of the person at fault. Signing the wrong papers could mean
you've settled for less than you deserve.
Call us today at (800)
434-7034 or contact us via
email.
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