Car Accident Lawyer in Carteret County

A car accident can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and a long road to recovery. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Carteret County, the car accident lawyers at Ward and Smith are here to help. We will work to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us at (919) 827-8475 and let us guide you through the next steps.

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated

After a car crash, one of the most common questions people ask is about the value of their case. The process of figuring out a fair settlement is more complex than most realize. It’s not just about adding up bills. Every case involves a unique mix of factors and law that shape the value of fair compensation.

In Carteret County, where drivers share the road with tourists, commercial trucks, and local traffic, crashes can happen for many reasons. Whether it’s a rear-end collision on Highway 70 or a T-bone at a local intersection, injured drivers often face medical expenses, missed work, and emotional stress. A settlement is meant to cover these costs—but getting to that number takes more than simple math.

Understanding What a Settlement Covers

A settlement is a financial agreement reached outside of court. It’s intended to compensate an injured person for the harm they’ve suffered. This includes both tangible and intangible losses. The main types of damages considered when reaching a settlement include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Future medical costs
Loss of earning potential
Permanent injuries or disfigurement

Each of these areas plays a role in the total amount offered. Insurance companies don’t automatically offer fair amounts, though. That’s why understanding how these elements are calculated is key.

Medical Bills and Treatment Costs

One of the first things reviewed in a car accident case is the cost of medical treatment. This includes:

Emergency room visits
Ambulance transportation
Surgery
Hospital stays
Physical therapy
Medications
Follow-up appointments

These costs are usually backed by bills and medical records, which makes them easier to document. However, ongoing or future care adds a layer of complexity. If your injuries require long-term treatment, your doctors may need to provide estimates for future expenses.

In some cases, expert testimony may be necessary to show what your medical needs will look like over time.

Time Missed from Work

If your injuries impact your ability to work, lost wages may be considered in a settlement. Pay stubs, tax returns, or employer records can show how much time you missed and your loss of income. If your injuries will affect your ability to earn money in the future, these future impacts can also be factored into a settlement.

Loss of earning potential is more difficult to measure. It often involves expert opinions, especially if you work in a specialized trade or physical job and can’t return to it.

Pain and Suffering

This category refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash and your injuries. There is no fixed formula to calculate these damages, which makes it one of the more complicated parts of a settlement. Typically, the more serious the injury (for example, permanent disability or death), the higher the number tends to be.

Property Damage

Property damage includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any damaged personal items inside your car. Photos, repair estimates, and receipts help support this portion of the claim.

If your vehicle is totaled, the insurer will typically offer the fair market value, which can be frustrating if your car had high sentimental or custom value. Unfortunately, sentimental worth is not typically considered in the calculation.

Liability and Contributory Negligence

In North Carolina, personal injury law includes a harsh rule called contributory negligence. This means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation.

Because of this rule, insurers often try to reduce or deny claims by arguing that the injured person shared some blame. This can reduce the amount offered—or eliminate it entirely.

It’s important to have evidence that clearly shows the other driver was responsible. This may include:

Police reports
Witness statements
Traffic camera footage
Expert reconstruction of the crash

An experienced attorney can help protect you from these tactics and argue against unfair blame.

Insurance Policy Limits

Even if your damages are significant, you may be limited by the other driver’s insurance coverage. North Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits may not fully cover the cost of a serious injury.

If the driver at fault is underinsured or uninsured, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is why knowing your policy and coverage levels is important long before a crash happens.

The Role of Documentation

Every number in a settlement is based on proof. Documentation is the foundation of any successful injury claim. This includes:

Medical records
Doctor’s notes
Prescription receipts
Wage statements
Photos of the scene
Communication with the insurance company

The more organized and complete your records are, the stronger your case will be. Missing information can lead to delays, reduced offers, or denied claims.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with a Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to have the right legal support. The car accident attorneys at Ward and Smith are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We will work hard to hold the negligent driver accountable and guide you through the process. Call us at (919) 827-8475, and let us help you move forward with confidence.