Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyer

Winston-Salem Car Accident Attorney

Anyone who’s been involved in a car accident knows how devastating the aftermath can be, especially if you were injured in that accident. Navigating North Carolina’s system for personal injury claims can make matters even worse. A reputable Winston-Salem car accident lawyer can help you file your car accident claim and recover damages when someone else was at fault for your accident.

A Winston-Salem Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust

At Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through personal injury claims. We are compassionate about our role in protecting the rights of our clients and care deeply about their financial and medical needs. Together, we have over 90 years of legal experience. Our firm has the tools to properly represent your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate on your behalf if absolutely necessary.

North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law

Contributory negligence is a common defense strategy used against plaintiffs in car accident claims cases. This law prohibits parties who are responsible for any fault in an accident from collecting damages. In other words, if a driver is even 1% at fault, they are not eligible to file a personal injury claim against other drivers who may have been more at fault than them.

Insurance companies will go to great lengths to prove that 1% negligence. This is why it is so important to hire a car accident lawyer who has experience with North Carolina car accident laws. A good Winston-Salem personal injury attorney who is well-versed in car accident laws is an invaluable resource and can provide the necessary tools to win your claim.

Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum car insurance. The minimum liability required is $30,000 coverage for bodily injury per person, $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 coverage for property damage. These numbers may sound high, but in actuality, they seldom ever cover all the expenses for injured individuals. To obtain a settlement that is worthy of your actual expenses, it is essential to hire a good Winston-Salem car accident lawyer.

If you get into an accident in which you are named the at-fault party or get a traffic citation, your insurance rate will go up. For just a speeding violation, other moving violations, or at-fault accidents that cause less than $1,800 in bodily injury damages, you will incur a minimum 40% rate increase. An attorney can help in this situation as well if you think you are wrongly named at fault in the accident.

There were over 9,000 car accidents in 2023 in Winston-Salem alone. Some of the busiest roadways go through Winston-Salem. One of the busiest and most dangerous corridors in NC is US 64. This US highway runs east to west across the state and passes through Winston-Salem. I-40 is another heavily congested highway, especially between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, where it overlaps with I-85.

Traffic is estimated to get worse over the next five years, and drivers can only be so careful when it comes to the negligence of other drivers. It is important, though, to rightfully seek the compensation owed to you if you were injured in an accident due to the fault of someone else. This is true for truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and even pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Speak to a trusted Winston-Salem car accident lawyer if you believe you are owed damages.

Why Choose Us?

Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, is a small family law firm. We understand North Carolina car accident laws and the culture of North Carolina residents. Our attorneys are locals and understand our clients’ need for compassion following a devastating accident that caused them injuries. We have vast experience in personal injury cases and are well-respected in the judicial circles of Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas.

FAQs About Winston-Salem, NC Car Accident Laws

How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In North Carolina, it can be hard to win a car accident lawsuit. The state’s contributory negligence law makes it difficult to recover damages for anyone who is believed to have more than 1% fault in an accident. The good news is that responsibility for an accident can be disputed if evidence exists to show otherwise. With a good car accident attorney, some plaintiffs have a good chance of winning their case.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in North Carolina?

There is no average car accident settlement in North Carolina because many factors go into determining the final amount of a settlement. For example, the degree of injuries, the amount of property damage, and the willingness of the insurance provider to negotiate are all big contributors to a settlement amount. The ideal resource for optimizing a settlement is to hire an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies.

What Not to Say to an Injury Lawyer?

When talking to an injury lawyer, you should not say anything that isn’t true. This includes exaggerating your injuries, including symptoms or the degree of pain you’re feeling. Also, don’t downplay details to make yourself look less responsible for an accident. Contradicting yourself later can be a big blow to your credibility. Always talk to a lawyer before accepting settlement offers from insurance providers, and don’t postpone medical examination for your injuries.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove in Personal Injury Claims?

The hardest injuries to prove when it comes to personal injury claims are those that involve soft tissue injuries. Other difficult injuries to prove include chronic pain conditions and psychological trauma. These types of injuries cannot be proven with standard medical testing such as MRIs or X-rays. Insurance companies make it harder to collect damages for these types of injuries due to their skepticism of plaintiffs. Proper medical documentation can sometimes be enough, though, to prove these injuries.

Hire a Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyer Who Understands Personal Injury in NC

If you were involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, or if you don’t believe you were at fault, and you were found to be at fault for that accident, and you were injured, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, can help you determine if you’re eligible to file a claim and help investigate responsibility for your accident. Contact us to discuss your case and learn how our legal services can help you win.