Farris & Thomas LawFindLaw IM Template2026-06-30T11:35:51Zhttps://www.farristhomas.law/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400999/2019/11/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[Are you liable if someone else crashed your car?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492692026-06-30T11:35:51Z2026-06-30T11:35:51ZSomeone borrowed your car and crashed it. Now you are entangled in a legal mess and stuck with the question "who should face the legal and financial consequences?" If you are from North Carolina and are facing this situation, here is what you need to know.
When are you held liable for the crash?
One of the most important principles to understand in North Carolina is that car insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. North Carolina law extends your insurance policy to cover anyone operating your vehicle with your permission. This means that if you let a friend borrow your car and they cause an accident, the injured party can file a claim directly against your insurance policy.
When are you not held liable for the crash?
If you did not give the driver permission to use your car, you may have grounds to dispute the injured party's claim. However, it is important to understand that permission does not always have to be explicit. Even without a direct conversation, courts may find implied permission based on the relationship between you and the driver and any history of past use. In those situations, your insurer may still treat the driver as a covered user under your policy.
Facts will decide the outcome of the case
Courts analyze each motor vehicle accident case on its own facts by examining the sequence of events that led to the accident. The specifics of the situation will ultimately shape the outcome. If you are dealing with a situation involving someone else crashing your car in the Wilson area, having a motor vehicle accident attorney in your corner can help you build a strong defense and protect your rights every step of the way.
]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[Distracted driving collisions can be financially devastating]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492672026-06-10T20:28:30Z2026-06-10T20:27:33ZDistracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents across North Carolina. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to devastating consequences. For accident victims, understanding the steps to take after a distracted driving accident might protect their recovery and potential compensation claim.
Common examples of distracted driving
Distracted driving refers to any activity that can take the driver's attention away from operating a vehicle safely. There are numerous driving distractions that could threaten general road safety, including:
Using mobile devices while driving
Eating and drinking
Using in-vehicle technology while driving
Grooming while driving
Interacting irresponsibly with passengers
Adjusting vehicle controls
Along with the above-mentioned possibilities, even a brief moment of distraction can cause the driver to miss traffic signals, pedestrians crossing the road or sudden stops.
What compensation might be available?
The impact of a distracted driving accident on a victim could range from immediate physical injuries to life-altering consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, injured victims might be entitled to recover compensation for:
Medical expenses: Costs of medical care, surgeries and medication
Lost wages: Any income lost during recovery
Ongoing and future medical expenses: Costs such as ongoing and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and future treatment needs
Pain and emotional distress: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll on victims' lives
Property damage: Compensation could cover repair costs, towing expenses, rental vehicle costs, and damage to personal property inside the vehicle
Reduced earning capacity: Future income losses resulting from the accident
North Carolina has a very strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, an injured person who is found even partially responsible for an accident could be barred from recovering compensation. Therefore, it is important to carefully document the circumstances of the crash and avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted later. Insurance companies might examine whether an accident victim contributed to minimize or deny claims.
Seeking fair compensation
Distracted driving accidents can leave victims facing significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Understanding legal rights and seeking legal guidance could help victims make informed decisions and protect their ability to pursue fair compensation. ]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[What are your rights after a dog bite at a dog park?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492652026-06-08T11:56:05Z2026-06-08T11:56:05ZA trip to a dog park should give pet owners a safe place where dogs can run, play and interact under supervision. However, dog bite incidents can still happen without warning and cause physical injury, medical costs and legal uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know after a dog bite attack in North Carolina.
What to do immediately after a dog bite
After a dog bite, you should seek medical attention first, even if the injury looks minor. Dog bites often cause infections or complications that do not show symptoms right away.Once your condition stabilizes, you should preserve information about the incident, since it may support a future claim.
Take photos of your injuries and the area where the bite happened
Identify the dog and obtain the owner’s name and contact information
Collect names and contact details of any witnesses when possible
Report the incident to animal control or park staff
Keep records of medical treatment and related expenses
These steps create a clear record of what happened and help support your version of events.
How North Carolina law handles dog bite claims
North Carolina applies strict liability when animal control classifies a dog as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” under state law. In those cases, the classification establishes liability without additional proof of negligence. Dog park cases often involve added complexity because owners bring dogs into a shared off-leash environment. In these settings, liability focuses on owner conduct rather than leash violations. Courts and insurers often examine whether the owner supervised the dog, ignored escalating aggression or failed to intervene during a developing incident.North Carolina also enforces a strict contributory negligence rule. If the evidence shows that you contributed to the incident in any way, even slightly, the court can bar your recovery completely. Small differences in facts can change the outcome of a claim.
Understanding your next steps after a dog bite
A dog bite can affect both your health and your finances. Because every situation depends on specific facts, it is best to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney to understand your legal options and next steps.]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[What should you do after a motorcycle crash in North Carolina?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492632026-06-02T15:01:36Z2026-06-02T15:01:36ZWhat immediate steps might help at the scene and after?
If you are able to move safely, you might want to get yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic. However, if you sustained serious injuries, it may be better to stay still and wait for emergency responders. Moving with certain injuries could potentially worsen your condition.
If you can, you may want to collect as much information as possible while the details of the events remain fresh. Consider taking photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries. You might also want to gather contact details from witnesses and exchange information with other drivers involved.
How could medical care and insurance talks affect your claim?
Even if you feel relatively okay, you might want to see a medical professional within the first 24 hours. Adrenaline often masks pain. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A prompt medical examination could document injuries that might surface days later and establish a clear connection between the crash and your condition.
In North Carolina, it might be wise to avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without an attorney. North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence doctrine where sharing even 1% of the fault can completely bar financial recovery. However, legal doctrines such as 'Last Clear Chance' or demonstrating the other driver's gross negligence may overcome this bar and preserve your right to compensation.
Protecting your recovery
Protecting your legal rights means filing your claim before the state's strict deadline. Under North Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the accident results in a fatal injury, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of death.
The first day after a motorcycle crash usually sets the tone for your recovery. By taking thoughtful steps to protect your health and document what happened, you could better prepare for whatever comes next. Your focus should typically remain on healing and gathering accurate information about the incident.]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[Can you seek compensation as a passenger in a car accident?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492612026-05-29T09:52:58Z2026-05-29T09:52:58ZIn most cases, a passenger doesn’t see an accident coming until a violent jolt leaves them disoriented. Be it a minor bruise or a life-altering injury, they are facing hospital bills that may leave a deep hole in their pocket. Unfortunately, if that passenger happened to be you, who should you hold responsible?
Who is at fault?
In most accident cases, there are two parties involved: the driver of your car and the driver of the other vehicle. The person responsible for the accident can be one of them or both. Picture these scenarios:
Scenario 1: When your driver is at fault, you can file a claim with the driver’s insurance. Do not hesitate if the driver is your loved one. There is nothing personal about filing an insurance claim.
Scenario 2: When the other driver is at fault, you can file a third-party claim with their insurance provider.
Scenario 3: When both of them are at fault, you have the option of filing a case against both the parties to cover all your damages.
Regardless of how fault is determined, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company to seek coverage.
What compensation can you expect?
Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim from an at-fault driver’s insurance company can cover your various losses and damages. It can cover:
Medical expenses
Property damage
Loss of wages
Long-term disability
Pain and suffering
Make sure to create a comprehensive list of losses you suffered. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may seek to limit your claims
Should you worry about contributory negligence?
North Carolina is a contributory negligence state. This usually means that even if you were slightly at fault, the insurance company may deny your claim. Though a passenger is rarely at fault in accidents, you should be cautious with your words. Avoid talking or posting about the accident anywhere except with a personal injury attorney. An insurance adjuster can use even casual phrases like, “Maybe I was distracting while on my phone” or “I saw the truck coming but didn’t say anything” against you to deny the claim.
How can a personal injury attorney help you in this situation?
Since multiple parties are involved in a passenger accident case, they often try to pass the blame back and forth. Retaining a personal injury attorney is a good option to cut through those noise and seek appropriate compensation. ]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[What to do after an amputation following a car accident]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492592026-05-19T13:07:39Z2026-05-19T13:07:39ZWhy immediate medical care is necessary
During a rollover or high-speed car crash, you may lose a limb at the scene. Seeking emergency care right away is essential to avoid rapid blood loss from a traumatic amputation.
Even if your body seems fine, going to a doctor or hospital immediately may reveal severe conditions that make a surgical amputation a life-saving procedure. While your limb was removed, you may have a better quality of life with a mobility aid or a prosthetic.
What you need to document
Compiling your hospital records, diagnosis reports and treatment plans can help link the car crash to your amputation. Tracking bills, prescriptions, medical equipment and home care costs shows what you spent on recovery.
You can also keep notes on how the accident affects your daily life and work highlights losses beyond medical expenses. By keeping everything organized, you can streamline your personal injury claim and prevent delays in the process.
How local laws can affect your claim results
Since North Carolina is an at-fault state, you normally file your claim against the driver’s insurance as they are liable for the crash. However, the state also follows a strict contributory negligence ruling when awarding compensation.
This means that if you are even one percent at fault for the accident, you may recover nothing. Seeking legal guidance can help you challenge these fault allegations during negotiations with the insurance company.
Reclaiming your independence
You should not have to face the financial consequences of someone else's negligence alone. By filing a personal injury claim, you can ensure that your future needs are taken care of while holding the driver accountable. This is an empowering move toward building a fulfilling life beyond the accident.]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[What are the complications of an SCI?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492562026-05-05T09:46:10Z2026-05-05T09:46:10Zthe injury's impact. Understanding these potential complications helps you advocate for the comprehensive care and support you need in the future.
Understanding the dangers of an SCI
These injuries can come with complications that could be permanent and require a lifetime of management. These include:
Loss of bladder and bowel control: The brain may no longer receive the signals that tell you when you need to use the restroom.
Changes in sexual health: An SCI often alters sexual function and sensation. These changes can have a significant impact on your self-image.
Mental health struggles: The emotional toll of a life-altering injury is immense. It is common to experience deep depression as you adjust to your new reality.
Breathing problems: If the injury occurs in the neck or upper back, it can weaken the muscles you use to breathe. This increases your risk of lung infections and may require the use of a ventilator.
Managing these conditions requires ongoing medical attention, specialized therapy and significant lifestyle adjustments. Recognizing these dangers early helps you prepare for the financial and physical realities of living with a spinal cord injury.
Prioritize your recovery after a car accident
Your health must remain your top priority after any significant collision. Some signs of a spinal cord injury, such as numbness or a tingling sensation in your hands or feet, may not seem urgent at first but can indicate serious damage. Seeking immediate medical assistance after the crash is crucial to spot the signs of an SCI and begin a treatment plan that minimizes further harm.]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[Can I get compensation if my Uber crashes?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492532026-04-27T14:27:06Z2026-04-27T14:27:06ZThe rise of ridesharing has significantly changed how people travel in North Carolina. Unfortunately, it has also increased the injury burden on our roads.
With thousands of additional drivers logging into apps every day, the frequency of crashes involving these vehicles has risen steadily. This shift means that more passengers and other motorists now face the difficult aftermath of a rideshare accident.
Compensation for rideshare accidents
If you suffer a physical injury because a driver makes a mistake, you have a legal right to seek payment for your losses. The same rules that apply to any other car crash also apply to rideshare collisions. You can recover money to cover your medical expenses and any wages you lose while you cannot work. If the crash causes a permanent injury, a loss of use of a body part or permanent scarring, you can seek fair payment for your pain and suffering. These funds help you manage the long-term impact of the accident and ensure you do not have to pay for someone else’s error.
Who is liable?
To determine which insurance company must pay for your injuries, you must first identify the driver’s status at the time of the crash. The insurance coverage changes depending on whether the driver was working or using the car for personal reasons.For example, a driver is officially on duty when they log into the app or when they are picking up, transporting or dropping off a passenger. In these cases, the rideshare company’s large insurance policy typically covers the victim’s claims.Meanwhile, if a driver causes a crash while they are clocked out and the app is closed, their own personal car insurance policy covers the damages.
Know your rights in a rideshare accident
Because rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance, staying informed is essential to identifying the correct path to compensation. This understanding allows you to hold the right parties accountable for their mistakes.]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[What is the deadline to file a car accident claim in NC?]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492502026-04-22T14:05:29Z2026-04-22T14:05:29ZUnderstanding North Carolina’s three-year filing window
For most people involved in a collision, the primary deadline is known as the statute of limitations. In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date your injury becomes apparent to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
While three years might seem like a long time, the process of gathering medical records and negotiating with insurance companies can consume those months quickly.
Navigating statutory exceptions and tolling provisions
There are critical exceptions to the three-year rule. If a car accident leads to a tragic loss of life, the window for a wrongful death claim is shorter. Under North Carolina law, the personal representative of the estate usually has only two years from the date of death to file.
Additionally, the timeline may be "tolled" or paused if the victim was a minor at the time of the crash. In those cases, the clock for the minor’s personal damages typically begins to run once the individual turns 18, though different deadlines may apply to the parents’ claim for medical expenses.
Evaluating evidence integrity and liability disputes
Even if you are well within the legal deadline, waiting too long to start the process may weaken your case. Evidence tends to disappear as time passes. Physical debris at the crash site is cleared and skid marks fade. More importantly, witnesses may move away or their memories of the event might become fuzzy.
Because North Carolina follows strict "pure" contributory negligence rules, where being even slightly at fault can prevent you from recovering any money, having fresh evidence is vital to proving you were 0% at fault.
Reviewing final considerations for your claim timeline
Every car accident case involves a unique set of facts that can influence these timelines. While the three-year and two-year markers are the standard, other factors like government vehicle involvement can shorten your notice period to six months or less.
By understanding these deadlines now, you may have a bigger chance to secure your path to justice and move forward with peace of mind.
]]>On Behalf of Farris & Thomas Law<![CDATA[Evidence that helps prove distracted driving in NC crashes]]>https://www.farristhomas.law/?p=492482026-04-15T13:21:21Z2026-04-15T13:21:21ZYou may be dealing with injuries after a crash in North Carolina while also trying to show that the other driver was not paying attention. Distracted driving cases often focus on what happened in the seconds before impact, especially when phone use, navigation apps or in-car screens pull attention away from traffic.
On roads like US-264 or busy Wilson intersections, even a brief lapse can affect how a driver reacts. As you begin building your claim, you may need clear proof that shows where that attention went.
Proof that starts the case
As you start gathering information, certain types of evidence may help show whether distraction played a role in the crash. These details often prove critical, as distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives nationwide in 2024. That figure highlights why even small signs of phone use or in-car distraction can carry significant weight when you build your claim:
Phone records showing texts, calls or app activity right before impact
Witness statements describing the driver looking down, swerving or braking late
Nearby surveillance footage capturing missed signals or lane movement
Vehicle system data showing screen use or delayed braking response
Each piece can help support a timeline that shows whether the driver failed to react in time. When these details point in the same direction, they can strengthen the argument that distraction contributed to the collision.
Records that build your claim
As your case develops, official records often help confirm what early evidence suggests. Police reports in Wilson may include officer notes, driver statements or citations for careless driving. When these reports match witness accounts or camera footage, they can help reinforce your position.Vehicle event data can also show speed changes, braking patterns and steering input in the seconds before the crash. When paired with crash reports, this information may help show that the driver did not respond as expected. Medical records then connect the crash to your injuries by documenting diagnosis, treatment and recovery timeline.In many situations, legal assistance can help organize these records and connect them into a clear, evidence-based claim that shows how distracted driving caused the crash.
When everything lines up
Once all the evidence is reviewed together, the sequence of events often becomes clearer. Phone records, witness accounts, police findings and vehicle data each add part of the picture. When they align, they can help show that the other driver’s distraction directly contributed to the vehicle crash and the injuries you are now dealing with.]]>