Asheville Car Accident Lawyer

Asheville is typically known as a city with a relaxed, slower pace. However, its city also has a history of car accidents resulting in injury, especially as of late. Sixth in North Carolina in crashes reported, Asheville accounted for over 18,o00 accidents and 3,500 serious injuries in 2017, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. 

The experienced Asheville car accident lawyers at Auger & Auger understand the frustration that always follows an auto accident. “We know what our clients are going through and how hard it is to deal with the auto insurance companies. Not only are they dealing with lost income, medical costs, and injuries, but they are further insulted by the low-ball settlement offers and the ‘deny, delay, defend’ tactics of the insurance company,” attorney Herb Auger said.

What to do if you get in a Car Accident in Asheville, NC

As soon as you get into a car accident, always check to make sure everyone involved is safe. Next, call 911. Be sure to request a police office to file a report and request an ambulance – if needed.  Once you’ve contacted the police, begin  to document the accident so that you can provide, as accurate as possible, an account of what happened in the police report. When you’re documenting the accident, gather information and evidence; take pictures of both vehicles’ damage, traffic signs and road conditions. Take note of any bodily injury, even if it appears to be minor or a small bruise it needs to be documented. Additionally, if anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to gather their statement and contact information to use as additional testimony for your case.

You need an attorney that understands how a car accident affects your life. The costs associated with a car accident are always difficult to handle, as most come up unexpectedly. Auger and Auger has the expertise to get you the compensation you deserve. Call Auger & Auger today at (828) 222-7649 to learn more about our legal services.

Insurance agents aren’t always on your side, and they’ll try to get you to settle for as little money as possible. Before calling your insurance company, contact an experienced car accident attorney in Asheville to determine how much you should receive for your injuries and damages.

Need help today? Contact the Auger & Auger law firm in Asheville, NC today at (828) 222-7649 for your free consultation.

Common Causes of Asheville Car Accidents

Driver Error

Driver error is exactly what it says, the error of a driver that causes an accident. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration conducted studies which show that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents. One reason why this is the leading factor is due to the driver having the control over the vehicle. Within the broad category of driver error is a number of subcategories that are considered an error on the part of the driver.

Distracted Drivers

The most common driver error is distracted driving. In recent years, it has been the leading cause of car accidents. Distracted driver car wrecks are generally attributed to cell phone use. The Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 380,000 car accidents that occurred in 2016 were cell phone related. While cell phone use is the main distraction, there are other actions that can distract drivers which should you not do. That includes no calls, no texting, no eating, no reading, no grooming or application of makeup, and talking while behind the wheel. Most drivers think they can handle the multitasking behind the wheel, but the studies show otherwise. Please pay attention to the road while you are driving.

Alcohol

Alcohol use and driving typically leads to drunk driving. Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents in the U.S. It continues to be the most deadly, even though there are a growing number of advertisements that work to prevent it. Alcohol slows down reaction time making a driver’s ability to stop or avert an accident. If you have had anything to drink, take an Uber, Lyft or give your keys to a sober friend. It is not worth the risk.

Fatigue

Driver fatigue can be just as bad as alcohol. Driving while fatigued not only runs the risk of reducing your reaction time, but it also increases the chances of you falling asleep at the wheel.  Estimates compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) place fatigue-caused accidents at 100,000 a year, with 1,550 resulting deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in costs. In a car accident case, fatigued drivers fail to brake when approaching a traffic jam or when a driver falls asleep at the wheel. If you’re feeling tired or less attentive, get off the road and rest before getting behind the wheel.

Speeding

Speeding is a common cause of accidents because it reduces your reaction time. The faster you’re driving, the smaller the window you have to correct a mistake on the road. If you’re driving the speed limit and something darts in front of you, you may be lucky enough to miss it if going the recommended speed limit. If you are speeding, you may not be so lucky. It is tempting to push the speed limit, but you should resist the urge and stay within the legal limits.

Road conditions

Road conditions can play a major factor when it comes to driving. One must be aware of his or her surroundings while operating a vehicle, especially the road. The road is one thing drivers may take for granted since we are always accustomed to seeing it. But in reality deteriorating roads increase the issues that can arise, such as pot holes, and slippery or icy roads, and can cause some serious damage. Be mindful of the road and conditions so that you can be prepared to handle any condition and avoid an accident.

Mechanical issues

Sometimes accidents are caused by flaws or defects in a vehicle. You cannot always avoid this, so stay in the news and be aware of any recalls and always take your car in for regular maintenance. While all drivers have a duty to make sure that their vehicles are safe for road travel, drivers cannot predict when their vehicle will have a mechanical issues. Common mechanical malfunctions include brake failure, tire failure / tread separation and engine failures. Regular maintenance can help prevent accidents related to mechanical problems, so keep your car inspected and in good condition if you are going to be on the road.

Asheville Car Accident Attorneys can Help Recover Damages for Auto Accidents

In North Carolina, it is important that your actions do not contribute to the accident. Under what is known as contributory negligence, if you were even 1% at fault, North Carolina law might bar you from any recovery. Auger & Auger, your dedicated Asheville car accident attorney, has recovered millions of dollars in settlements. Before speaking with the insurance companies or an opposing legal counsel, be sure to speak with an attorney to ensure you get the full settlement you deserve.

When you call our firm for your free consultation, you will speak with an experienced member of our car accident team. We will listen to your case, answer your questions and give you advice on your rights under NC law and information on how you may be able to proceed. If we can help you, we will not charge a legal fee unless and until we obtain a settlement on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Companies

Attorney Arlene Auger was a former insurance carrier attorney representing some of the heavyweights in the industry. Her work in the insurance industry has given our firm experience in helping our clients obtain the compensation that they are entitled to. We have a reputation of fighting hard for our clients. “We know how to maximize the value of each client’s case and resolve it in the shortest amount of time possible,” attorney Arlene Auger said.

Types of Asheville Car Accidents

Every case is different, and our representation is tailored to the individual needs of each client, as well as the obstacles presented in each case. While car accident circumstances may differ, some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Asheville are caused by:

• Head-On Collisions
• Teen Driver Car Accidents
• Chain Reaction and Tailgating
• Rear-End Accidents
• Hit and Run
• Intersection Collisions
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycles hit by cars
• DUI Accidents
• Road Construction Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Accidents Involving Pedestrians
• Big Truck / Tractor Trailer Accidents

Your Consultation Is Free, and We Do Not Collect a Fee Unless Recovery

Our Asheville auto accident attorneys have been serving North Carolina for more than 20 years. We know the inconvenience a car accident causes you. That is why we will do everything we can to relieve the stress by working with you until your case is resolved; and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you. Aside from our Asheville office location, we offer remote video conferencing meetings (Skype) with our attorneys.  We can also send and exchange signed documents via your cell phone, tablet or computer.

When you call or email the Asheville car accident lawyers at Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, your case will be evaluated by one of our lawyers. Appointments can be scheduled for evenings or even weekends, and if you are unable to come to one of our conveniently located offices, we can meet you at your doctor’s office, your job, or your home.