Knightdale Car Accident Lawyers

Committed to Your Case

Knightdale has an estimated population of 17,843 (2019) and has much to offer its residents and visitors. If you enjoy the outdoors, you might like Knightdale Station Park, Pope’s Strawberry Farm, Mingo Creek Park & Trail, Neuse River Trail, and the family and dog-friendly Knightdale Environment Education Park. Oak City Brewing Company is also a popular attraction with its tap house, beer garden, and nano-brewery. 

Unfortunately, no matter where you go in this city, there’s always a risk of a car accident occurring. According to a 2019 report from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Knightdale had 411 reported motor vehicle accidents that caused a single fatality and 130 injuries. If you or someone you love sustains an injury in such an accident, the Knightdale car accident attorneys at the Ricci Law Firm are here for you. 

Do You Need a Lawyer to Settle Your Car Accident Claim?

You aren’t required or obligated to hire Knightdale car accident lawyers to negotiate a car accident settlement for your damages with the insurance company. The insurance company would prefer you didn’t, especially since car accident victims typically receive more compensation with legal representation than without. Insurers employ teams of lawyers who work to protect their bottom line and pay as little as possible on car accident claims. By hiring Knightdale car accident attorneys to represent you in this matter, you make the insurance company and their legal team do their job. You are conveying to them that you take your injuries and damages seriously and will do whatever it takes to recover your damages. 

Suppose you have been hurt in a car accident in North Carolina. In that case, it’s worth it to at least schedule a free consultation with skilled Knightdale car accident lawyers to learn about your options. Our attorneys help people just like you all the time. As such, we can give you an honest evaluation of what your case is worth. Not only that, but we will also go to bat for you to ensure you reach the best possible outcome in your claim. 

After the Accident: When Should You Contact an Attorney?

It’s ideal to speak with well-versed Knightdale car accident attorneys as soon as possible after the crash. This will usually be a complimentary consultation to talk about your case and legal options. An experienced auto accident attorney will be able to thoroughly assess your case and talk about what types of damages you may be entitled to receive.

Having an attorney on your side right from the start is also a good idea because your lawyer can take the pressure off of you by managing communication with the:

• At-fault party
• Insurance companies
• Billing department for your health care providers

Additionally, your attorney will want to launch an investigation into your accident before the evidence fades and witnesses’ memories become unclear.

Should You Accept a Settlement from the Insurer?

After you report the accident to the at-fault party’s insurance company or your insurer contacts them, you will probably receive a phone call from the other insurance company’s insurance adjuster. They know it’s to their benefit if they can reach you before you have the opportunity to have Knightdale car accident lawyers review your claim. Once you do, you will realize the value of your claim is much higher than what they want to offer you.

They also know that you may be feeling a lot of financial pressure at this time to get your bills paid but have little to no income as a result of your injures. Accepting their low settlement offer makes more sense to someone who doesn’t know that it’s low and really needs the extra cash right now. 

However, don’t accept any type of settlement for your damages until you’ve had the opportunity to present your case to the knowledgeable Knightdale car accident attorneys at the Ricci Law Firm. If you agree to anything or sign anything before you do, it could be detrimental to your entire claim. Once you’ve secured legal representation for yourself, you can refer anyone from the insurance company to speak to them instead of you. 

Your Damages in a Car Accident

The value of your car accident claim is primarily based on the amount and extent of your damages. Damages refer to your losses in a car accident and how much you should receive for them. Someone with more severe injuries or disfiguring injuries typically has a higher claim value than someone who doesn’t. A victim who may never be able to return to work or who will only be able to return in a limited capacity will deserve more. 

Economic damages are those that have an inherent value. Lost wages/income, earnings, and property damages are some of the major monetary damages. 

On the other hand, non-economic damages are those that don’t have a pre-determined value. They are generally intangible and include:

• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Mental anguish

Punitive damages are reserved for specific types of cases. Your Knightdale car accident lawyers can tell you if they might apply in your case. The court can award punitive damages when the at-fault party acted deliberately careless or with extreme disregard for someone else. For example, a drunk or otherwise impaired driver might be required to pay punitive damages, such as driving who was using excessive speeds when the accident occurred.