Auto Accident Facts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts reported that a total of 5.7 million motor vehicle traffic accidents occurred in 2008, with more than 2.3 million people suffering injuries as a direct result of those accidents in the United States. More alarming is the 37,261 fatalities. Believe it or not, those numbers actually represent an almost 10% decline in the number of people killed since 2007 and a record low since 1961. During that same year, North Carolina recorded 1,374 fatal accident scenes. Examining the crash statistics in some of the areas in which we serve we found 26 fatal crashes in Catawba County, 68 deadly accidents in Mecklenburg County, and 24 in Gaston County. Interestingly, seat belt use nationwide has hit a record high of 84 percent.

Every car accident victim should seek medical attention if they have been injured. Car accident victim injuries can include whiplash, head and brain injury, damages to joints, bones, muscles and various other soft tissue injuries not to mention psychological injuries.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you have been in an accident:

• Stop. If you get in a crash, you must stop. If you leave the scene of an accident - there can be criminal charges against you.
• Call for help. If someone is injured, call 911. If not, your first call should then be to the police. The police will advise as to whether the crashed vehicles should be moved out of traffic, and will take statements from the drivers and passengers involved.
• Gather information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially witnesses.
• Go see a doctor/emergency room. You may have injuries of which you're unaware. If you are examined by a doctor make sure you are specific in explaining how the accident happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.
• Call Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. If you've been injured, you may want a lawyer to make sure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Also, proving to another driver's insurer that its policyholder caused the accident might require the services of an attorney.
• Don't sign anything. If an insurance adjuster shows up, don't give any statements and don't sign anything. If you give a statement this could be used against you when you are trying to settle.
• Call your insurance carrier after you have consulted with a lawyer.

Facts to consider:

• An insurance adjuster's job is working for the insurance companies to save them money and settle claims quickly.  Do not let them pressure you into settling.  If you are not sure what to do consult an attorney.  Most attorneys do not charge until you have settled with the insurance company.
• All claims have a time limit on resolving them.  If they are not resolved or a lawsuit filed within a definite time you can be forever barred.

Not Insured or Underinsured?
Many drivers are not insured or are underinsured; these cases can be very complicated and an attorney can help you protect your rights and your money. *Cases involving commercial vehicles and large trucks are different than those involving private vehicles, visit our Commercial Vehicle Wrecks page to learn how to protect your rights.



*In these circumstances, your insurance company becomes potentially liable to you and therefore adversarial.  That means they are not "on your side" or with "good hands."  Be careful, call a lawyer.