Rear-End Collisions

Raleigh Attorneys Assisting Car Accident Victims

Rear-end collisions, also called “rear-impact” wrecks or simply “rear-enders,” are all too common in Raleigh and other cities in North Carolina. As the name implies, a rear-end collision happens when the front of one car or truck makes contact with the rear of the vehicle in front of it. In some cases, there is little to no visible damage to the automobiles involved in a rear-end collision. However, the fact that a car’s bumper design prevented visible damage to the vehicle does not mean that the occupants of the car did not suffer serious injuries. If you or someone in your family has been hurt in a rear-end collision, the seasoned Raleigh car accident lawyers at Maurer Law can advocate on your behalf as you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages associated with the wreck.

Promptly Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After a Rear-End Collision

After being hurt in a rear-end collision, the last thing that most people want to do is talk to a lawyer. However, putting off this important conversation may be unwise. North Carolina follows the law of “pure comparative fault,” meaning that any negligence at all on the part of the plaintiff (an injured person who pursues a claim against an at-fault driver) may completely bar the recovery of compensation. You can expect that the defendant’s insurance company will be busy actively investigating the accident as soon as possible in an attempt to find any fault at all by the plaintiff that may undermine their personal injury claim later. Thus, it is important to retain your own auto accident attorney who can conduct an investigation from your perspective.

In addition to issues concerning the investigative phase of an accident case, another important reason to seek counsel promptly is the North Carolina statute of limitations. This law puts a time limit on personal injury claims, and a failure to file within that time is usually fatal to the plaintiff’s lawsuit.

Car accident cases require proof of four elements: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. The plaintiff must prove each of the elements by a preponderance of the evidence in order to win their case at trial or persuade a defendant to offer a favorable settlement. Essentially, they must prove that they would not have been hurt if the defendant had used the appropriate care behind the wheel. Damages in these cases may be both economic and non-economic, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.

Contact a Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer in Raleigh

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rear-end crash, you should talk to a motor vehicle collision lawyer about your case as soon as possible. Insurance adjusters do not represent your interests and will not place the same value on your case as an attorney who represents you. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Raleigh car accident attorney, call Maurer Law at 888-258-1087 or contact us online. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and cases are usually handled on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, our firm receives a percentage of your settlement or judgment when your case is over, and you owe no legal fees upfront. We have been helping injured accident victims throughout North Carolina for many years, including in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Hickory, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas.