Interstate 95 cuts through eastern North Carolina, including Wilson County, as a major artery for travel and commerce. A highway as busy as this sees its share of accidents that often result in severe injuries and complex legal cases.
I-95’s unique characteristics, such as high-speed traffic, frequent commercial vehicles and out-of-state drivers, can complicate personal injury claims. Knowing how to strengthen your claim is crucial if you have sustained injuries in an I-95 crash.
Gathering evidence
Your personal injury claim’s strength depends on the evidence you collect. After ensuring everyone’s safety and seeking medical attention, focus on gathering:
- Photos of visible injuries, vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Contact information of witnesses, including other drivers and passengers
- Police report details
- Medical records and bills
- Documentation of lost wages
For I-95 accidents, consider additional evidence sources, including:
- Traffic camera footage, if available
- Nearby business surveillance videos
- Trucking company records, if a commercial vehicle was involved
- Accident reconstruction, if the case is complex
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years. While this might seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time. It’s best to start immediately.
Legal factors to consider
When building your claim, determine how state laws can affect your claim. You can consider factors such as:
- Insurance requirements: North Carolina’s minimum car insurance requirements require drivers to carry at least $60,000 per accident and $30,000 per person for bodily injury liability.
- Damage caps: Most North Carolina personal injury damages have no caps, except for a $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases.
- Contributory negligence: North Carolina is one of the few states that still use this rule. It may bar you from recovering damages if you’re found even 1% at fault.
- Multistate issues: I-95 accidents often involve out-of-state drivers, complicating insurance claims and jurisdiction matters.
While these guidelines can help, legal advice tailored to your situation is invaluable. Consider working with a motor vehicle accident attorney, especially when negotiating with out-of-state insurance companies. With the right approach, you can work toward fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
