Matthews Personal Injury Lawyer

Matthews Personal Injury Attorney

A Matthews personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who advocates on behalf of individuals who have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. Personal injuries can occur in a wide variety of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, unsafe conditions on property, workplace injuries, and any other event that results in bodily harm. 

In North Carolina, when an injury occurs, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation for damages that are related to the injury. Ayers, Ayers and Dressler can help people understand personal injury claims and how North Carolina law may apply to accidents in the Matthews area.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

The personal injury lawyers at Ayers, Ayers and Dressler advocate on behalf of injured people across North Carolina. We investigate claims that arise from car crashes, premises liability accidents, and other types of injuries caused by negligence. 

Many of these cases involve medical records, accident reports, and the legal principles recognized under North Carolina personal injury law. Our firm works with injured individuals who want to understand more about liability and the potential for recovering compensation after an accident.

What Is Considered a Personal Injury Under North Carolina Law

A personal injury claim typically involves an accident in which a person is injured because another person or party did not exercise a reasonable amount of care or acted negligently. Personal injury claims can include car accidents, dangerous property conditions, defective products, or other occurrences in which a person is physically harmed. Vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury claims. 

In 2023, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported there were 284,157 crashes that occurred throughout the state. Falls are also a common way that people are injured. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, more than 3 million older adults a year are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.

North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

Civil claims for injury in North Carolina are subject to statute of limitations requirements. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury is three years. In many cases, this three-year limit begins to run on the date of injury. This means a claim must be filed in civil court within three years. Failure to file a claim within the appropriate time can result in the loss of the injured party’s right to compensation.

The three-year statute of limitations on personal injury applies to many claims, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and many other injury claims based on negligence. Courts often review the timing of a claim when evaluating whether a claim was filed within the statutory deadline.

Personal Injury Risks in Matthews and Mecklenburg County

Car and truck accidents can happen in a variety of locations throughout Matthews and the rest of Mecklenburg County. Independence Boulevard/US 74 and the Interstate 485 outer loop have high volumes of daily traffic and serve as important commuter routes, connecting Matthews with other portions of the Charlotte metro area. 

Busy commercial corridors, retail centers, and residential neighborhoods are also common places where accidents can happen. Motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian incidents, and dangerous property conditions have the potential to cause injuries in a developing suburban community like Matthews. 

When these types of accidents happen, North Carolina personal injury law can provide a legal framework through which injured parties may be able to pursue their claims related to negligence.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury Accident

After a personal injury accident, an individual may need to obtain medical care or treatment and may need to review medical records. An injured person may also have accident reports, photos, and witness statements. An individual may want to determine if a report was made to law enforcement or to the property owner and other appropriate persons. 

These and other records may be part of the information that is reviewed for a personal injury claim under North Carolina law. Documentation may assist an individual in understanding how an accident and injury occurred.

FAQs About Matthews, NC Personal Injury Laws

Can More Than One Party Be Responsible for a Personal Injury Accident in Matthews?

In many personal injury cases, there may be more than one responsible party for an accident. Liability could fall on the driver, the property owner, a contractor, or a business, among other possible parties. 

Liability for each person involved is typically established by carefully analyzing accident reports, witness statements, and related materials. When multiple parties are at fault, the court also looks at everyone’s actions to decide how to assign blame for the injury, according to North Carolina law.

Does North Carolina Follow Contributory Negligence Rules?

North Carolina is a contributory negligence state. Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that prevents an injured victim from recovering damages if they are determined to have contributed to the accident in any way. This rule, which is harsher than the comparative negligence systems found in most states, has a significant impact on the way courts assess the situation. Therefore, the actions of all parties involved are thoroughly investigated.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available in a Personal Injury Case in Matthews?

In Matthews personal injury claims, there are various categories of damages that may apply based on the injury sustained and the details of the incident. These often encompass medical bills, lost income, and other economic losses stemming from the injury. 

In certain cases, the compensation may also cover ongoing medical care or diminished earning potential. The available damages in a case are generally determined by examining the evidence related to the injury and its consequences.

Where Are Personal Injury Claims Filed in Matthews, North Carolina?

If you file a personal injury claim in Matthews for an accident, it will typically be in the Mecklenburg County Superior Court or District Court. These courts hear civil cases under North Carolina’s state court system, with the venue being in Mecklenburg County. Proceedings may include filing a complaint, discovery, which is exchanging evidence between the parties, and hearings or trial if the matter advances through the litigation process.

Contact a Matthews Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Personal injury accidents can occur in many situations throughout Matthews and Mecklenburg County. Ayers, Ayers and Dressler represent individuals seeking information about personal injury claims and how North Carolina law applies to injury cases. Schedule a consultation to hire a personal injury lawyer today.