One of the most important things you should do after an accident is to seek medical treatment for your injury. Unfortunately, medical treatment can be costly, and your medical bills will pile up quickly.
If you were injured due to the fault of someone else, you can seek compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim by contacting our Charlotte, NC personal injury lawyers.
The most common personal injury claim is an auto accident claim. If another driver’s negligence caused the auto accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for damages such as your medical bills and lost wages.
Other types of personal injury claims include slip and falls, wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents.
Regardless of the type of personal injury claims, there are some important steps you should follow to increase your chances of a successful outcome in your case.
You can reach our lawyers at 980-326-2270.
Key Takeaways
- After an accident, seek medical treatment immediately, gather evidence, avoid admitting fault, and consult a Charlotte personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
- You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses caused by another party’s negligence.
- North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule may prevent you from recovering compensation if you are found even 1% responsible for the accident.
- An experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer can investigate your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
What To Do After an Accident in Charlotte, NC
The moments immediately after an accident can be traumatic. If you are physically able to do so, check on the other people in your car and the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s).
If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Ask the witnesses what they saw and who they believe was at fault in the accident.
You should call the police to file an accident report. Provide the police officer with a clear description of how the accident happened from your perspective. Do not, however, give your opinion as to what or who caused the accident.
It is important that you do not admit you were at any fault in the accident. These sorts of statements can and will later be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and communicate with insurers on your behalf.
Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Charlotte, NC?
Shortly after the accident, you will likely hear from the insurance company. You will likely be asked to give a recorded statement.
Insurance companies have a team of adjusters and attorneys working for them. Their main goal is to save money. The insurance company is not looking out for your best interest.
The insurance company will use your statements against you in an attempt to reduce your claim value or even deny your claim completely.
If the insurance company has a team of lawyers and adjusters defending them, shouldn’t you hire an attorney to fight for your right to compensation?
Your personal injury lawyer at Mehta & McConnell will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will work to obtain the most favorable recovery possible for you.
Auto claims can be confusing because there are often multiple insurance companies involved. Your personal injury attorney will explain the types of coverage available to you, and we will then work to maximize your recovery from all available sources.
Studies have shown that insurance companies pay more in cases where the injured claimant is represented by counsel. Attorneys know how to speak to adjusters and negotiate with insurance companies. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer at Mehta & McConnell can negotiate on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Charlotte Personal Injury Victims Choose Mehta & McConnell
- Former Insurance Defense Attorneys Now Fighting for Injured People: Both Viral Mehta and Jason McConnell spent years representing employers and insurance companies before co-founding Mehta & McConnell to represent injury victims across Charlotte and North Carolina.
- Board-Certified Specialists with Over 40 Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys are certified by the North Carolina State Bar and recognized by Super Lawyers, bringing a high level of skill and dedication to every personal injury case they handle in the Charlotte area.
- Thorough Case Preparation Across All Claim Types: From auto accidents to wrongful death, we investigate every case thoroughly, document all damages, and develop a legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation.
- Direct Attorney Access and Clear Communication: Clients at Mehta & McConnell work directly with our attorneys at every stage of the claim process, receiving honest guidance and regular updates throughout.
- Free Consultation and No Fee Until We Win: Your initial consultation is 100% free, and we only collect legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Meet Our Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Lawyer
Attorney Viral Mehta is the co-founder of Mehta & McConnell PLLC and an experienced rideshare accident attorney who represents individuals injured in rideshare, car, and other motor vehicle accidents throughout North Carolina. A Charlotte native, Mr. Mehta brings valuable insight from his early career defending insurance companies, allowing him to anticipate insurers’ strategies and advocate effectively for injured clients. A North Carolina State Bar Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law and a North Carolina Super Lawyer, he is dedicated to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve with skilled, personalized legal representation.
How Long After An Accident Can You Go To The Doctor in Charlotte, NC?
Your focus after an accident should be on receiving the medical treatment you need for your injuries.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep and attend your follow-up appointments.
Take medications prescribed by your medical providers. If your doctor refers you to specialists or for treatment such as physical therapy, make sure you schedule appointments with these providers.
You should keep records of all of your medical bills related to your accident. Keep track of the amount of bills you have paid and the amount that remains outstanding. These bills will help your lawyer calculate a demand to settle your claim.
If your medical bills were paid by a health insurance plan, there may be a lien against your settlement. An experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer can investigate whether an asserted lien is legally valid.
If so, your attorney will ensure this lien is addressed as part of the settlement so you are legally protected.
Types of Damages in Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Claims
You may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages in your personal injury claims. Some common examples are:
- Lost wages,
- Anticipated future lost wages,
- Damages to your car or property,
- Medical bills for treatment you have received, and
- Pain and suffering.
Difference Between a Lawsuit and a Claim in Charlotte, NC
Clients often ask whether they are suing someone by hiring us. In most personal injury cases, a lawsuit is never filed. Instead, a claim is filed with an insurance company.
We will help you set up your claim with the insurance company. We will then help you gather and submit all of the documents and information necessary to support your claim.
When appropriate, we will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement in your claim, then your attorney will discuss with you the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit.
By filing a lawsuit, you are asking a jury to decide whether the other party’s negligence caused your accident. If the other party is found to be negligent, then the jury will decide the amount of damages to award you.
Lawsuits are more complex, costly, and time-consuming than insurance claims. They do not make sense in every situation. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and help determine whether filing a lawsuit is the right course of action.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in Charlotte, NC?
The length of your personal injury claim will depend on the complexity and duration of your medical treatment.
In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to begin settlement negotiations until after you have completed your medical treatment.
After your treatment has ended, your attorney will compile the necessary documentation and information in support of your claim. These documents and information will be submitted with a demand letter.
The insurance company most likely won’t agree to the demand letter. Instead, they will issue their own offer. The parties will then try to negotiate a settlement.
You can expect your personal injury claim to last for at least a few months, if not longer. The insurance company may not immediately respond to your lawyer’s demand letter.
Even if the insurance company responds quickly, it may make a low settlement offer, and lengthy negotiations may be required. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to pursue fair compensation.
When Should I Hire a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer?
You should hire a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able to after your accident.
The insurance company will ask to take your statement very shortly after the accident. You should not give a statement without first consulting an attorney.
As you can see, actions you take and statements you make almost immediately after an accident will have a significant impact on the merits of your personal injury claim.
Speaking with a Charlotte personal injury law firm early in the process can help maximize your recovery at the conclusion of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal injury claim and when can I file one in Charlotte, NC?
A personal injury claim is a legal claim for compensation filed when you suffer harm due to another person or entity’s negligence or wrongdoing. In Charlotte, common personal injury claims include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death. You can file a claim as long as you can show that another party’s negligent conduct caused your injury and resulting damages.
How does North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule affect Charlotte personal injury victims?
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule prevents injured people from recovering compensation if they are found to be even 1 percent at fault for the accident that caused their injuries. This is one of the strictest fault standards in the United States. Insurance companies frequently invoke this rule to deny claims, which is why working with an experienced Charlotte personal injury attorney is essential to building a case that establishes clear fault on the other party.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Charlotte, NC?
Most personal injury claims in North Carolina must be filed within three years of the date of the accident or incident. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Failing to file within these timeframes permanently bars you from recovering compensation, so contacting a Charlotte personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is important.
What types of damages can I recover in a Charlotte personal injury case?
Charlotte personal injury victims may be entitled to economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and future treatment costs, as well as noneconomic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Insurance companies routinely undervalue noneconomic damages, making legal representation important to a full recovery.
Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney for a Charlotte accident claim?
In most cases, yes. Studies and practical experience consistently show that injured people who work with personal injury attorneys recover significantly more than those who handle claims on their own. An attorney handles evidence gathering, insurance negotiations, damage calculation, and legal strategy, and only charges a fee if compensation is successfully recovered. The initial consultation at Mehta & McConnell is completely free.
Contact Our Experienced Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
It won’t cost you anything to speak with a Charlotte personal injury lawyer at Mehta & McConnell. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation about your personal injury claim.
Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Cases We Handle in Charlotte, NC:
- Car Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Rideshare Accident
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Charlotte’s Most Dangerous Roads
Charlotte’s crash data reveals a pattern: nearly all of the city’s serious and fatal collisions cluster on a small share of its streets. According to the Charlotte Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero data, roughly 13% of city roads account for about 80% of fatal and serious-injury crashes citywide, and the city recorded 81 traffic deaths and 111 serious injuries in the most recent fiscal year. Notably, a disproportionate share of these serious wrecks happen on state-maintained roads, the interstates and major arterials running through Charlotte, rather than on city-maintained streets. If your crash happened on one of these corridors, that history can matter for your case.
Local Resources in Charlotte, NC
If you’ve been injured in Charlotte, these trusted local resources can assist you with emergency care, reporting, transportation, and vehicle repairs. While these services can help in the immediate aftermath, speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and your claim.
Police & Public Safety
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) – 601 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Handles local law enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and police reports within Charlotte city limits. Call (704) 336-7600 for non-emergency assistance or records requests. Visit Website
North Carolina State Highway Patrol – Troop H Headquarters – 12101 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. Responds to crashes on Interstate 77, Interstate 85, Interstate 485, and other state highways throughout Mecklenburg County. Call +1 704-331-3300 for highway accident assistance and report inquiries. Visit Website
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office – 700 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Provides law enforcement services for county facilities, court security, and detention operations. For certain county-related records and assistance, call (704) 336-8100. Visit Website
Accident Reports & Records
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) – 601 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Handles local law enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and police reports within Charlotte city limits. Call (704) 336-7600 for non-emergency assistance or records requests. Visit Website
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Crash Reports – Request official crash reports for reportable traffic accidents investigated by law enforcement agencies across North Carolina. Request Report
North Carolina State Highway Patrol Collision Information – Request crash reports for accidents investigated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on state highways and interstates. Request Report
Medical & Emergency Care
Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, United States. Level I Trauma Center providing 24/7 emergency care, trauma surgery, advanced imaging, and specialized treatment for serious accident injuries. Call 704-355-2000. Visit Website
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center – 200 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, NC 28204. Offers emergency medical services, trauma stabilization, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and comprehensive inpatient care. Call (704) 384-4000. Visit Website
Atrium Health University City – 8800 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28262. Provides emergency treatment, diagnostic imaging, orthopedic care, and inpatient services for accident victims. Call (704) 863-6000. Visit Website
Towing & Roadside Assistance
Queen City Towing – Provides 24/7 emergency towing, roadside assistance, accident recovery, and vehicle transport services throughout Charlotte and surrounding communities. Call (704) 332-0001. Visit Website
Collision Repair & Auto Body Shops
Caliber Collision – Charlotte – 10421 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States. Trusted collision repair provider offering insurance coordination, dent repair, painting, and lifetime warranties on repairs. Call 704-496-7700. Visit Website
Hendrick Collision Center South – Charlotte – 8901 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States. Full-service collision repair and auto body shop specializing in post-accident vehicle restoration and auto glass replacement. Call (704) 527-4900. Visit Website
Auto Repair & Mechanics
Nick’s Auto Repair – 2437 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States. ASE-certified repair facility providing engine diagnostics, brake repairs, suspension work, and post-collision mechanical inspections. Call 704-374-0205.
Woodie’s Auto Service & Repair Center – Uptown Charlotte – 915 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States. Offers comprehensive automotive repair, inspections, maintenance, and post-accident mechanical services. Call 704-837-7487. Visit Website
Rental Car Services
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 5489 R Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, United States. Offers insurance replacement rentals, daily rentals, and long-term vehicle rental options near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Call 833-336-0426. Visit Website
Hertz Car Rental – 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208. Provides short-term and long-term rental vehicles, including insurance replacement rentals. Call 704-359-0114. Visit Website
Budget Car Rental – 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208. Offers affordable rental vehicles, insurance replacement rentals, and flexible transportation solutions. Call (704) 359-5701. Visit Website
Transportation Services
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) – Provides bus and LYNX light rail transportation throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, including routes connecting hospitals, courts, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. Call (704) 336-7433. Visit Website
Mental Health & Support
Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte – 501 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211. Provides counseling, trauma therapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and mental health support for individuals recovering from accidents and traumatic injuries. Call (704) 444-2400. Visit Website
SAMHSA National Helpline – Free, confidential, 24/7 mental health and substance use treatment referral and information. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Visit Website