Have you been injured in a car accident in Charlotte, NC, because of passenger negligence? If so, contact Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers at (704) 980-9999 for a free consultation. Let our experienced Charlotte passenger negligence lawyers help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our team has more than 80 years of combined experience fighting to protect the rights of injury victims. We have recovered more than $35 million in compensation on behalf of our clients, so we know how to get results.
How Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Passenger Negligence Accident in Charlotte, NC
Passenger negligence claims can be notoriously difficult to prove and win. Many insurance companies automatically assume that the vehicle driver must be at fault, but that is not always the case. At Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to win these complex cases.
After your accident, our lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the details of your accident
- Identifying all potential defendants and insurance coverage
- Interviewing witnesses, including other passengers, who may have seen what happened
- Gathering evidence to help prove your claim
- Using experts as necessary to put a proper value on your damages
- Filing all necessary paperwork for the claims process
- Negotiating a top-dollar settlement for your claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when negotiations stall
If you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by a careless passenger, contact us today for help. Let us handle every aspect of your legal claim while you focus on your recovery. Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte passenger negligence lawyer and learn more about how we can help.
What Do I Need to Prove in a Passenger Negligence Case in North Carolina?
Most car accidents are the result of someone’s negligence. If you were injured as a passenger, you may be able to recover compensation, but you will still need to prove that another party’s actions caused your injuries.
Proving negligence generally requires showing:
- Duty of care: The driver or responsible party had a legal obligation to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: That duty was violated through careless or reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic signals.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses as a result, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
In passenger cases, this may involve proving that the driver of your vehicle, another driver, or even multiple parties were responsible for the crash. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction can all help support your claim.
What Are Common Examples of Passenger Negligence?
It is no surprise that motor vehicle drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly and safely. But passengers also have a duty to behave in a reasonable manner in order to avoid accidents. When a passenger acts carelessly and causes an accident, they can be held responsible.
Some common examples of negligent passenger behavior that could lead to an accident include:
- Grabbing the steering wheel
- Touching or distracting the driver
- Yelling or making sudden, loud noises
- Pulling the parking brake
- Covering the driver’s eyes or obstructing their view
- Hanging arms or legs out of windows
- Throwing objects from a vehicle
- Opening doors while the car is moving
Insurance coverage after a passenger negligence accident can get tricky. Although the passenger may be legally responsible for the accident, getting compensation from them can sometimes be challenging. Let the team at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers help you explore all your legal options and maximize your financial recovery.
What Types of Damages Are Victims of Passenger Negligence Entitled to Recover?
Victims who are hurt in an accident because of passenger negligence are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This means that you can recover compensation for your financial losses as well as your physical and emotional pain and trauma.
Some common examples of damages available in these claims include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Future reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression or anxiety
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
At Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you identify all the damages to which you are entitled. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you with every detail of your legal claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Passenger Negligence in North Carolina?
A lawsuit for passenger negligence must typically be filed within three years of the date of the accident. Missing the deadline can cause you to completely lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
You should be aware, however, that there are some special circumstances that can make the deadline different in certain cases. This is why you should always seek help from an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
Contact Our Charlotte Passenger Negligence Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in an accident in Charlotte, NC due to passenger negligence, contact the experienced team at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers today. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and help you gather all the necessary evidence to prove your claim.
Do not wait until it is too late to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte passenger negligence attorney and get started.