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2018 North Carolina car crash statistics: Overall downward trend, but safer driving encouraged

On Behalf of | Apr 16, 2019 | Car Accidents |

After an accident it’s wise to consult an attorney. If you have questions about legal issues in this article or in your own personal injury suffered in a wreck, call me directly for help – Lawrence Egerton, 336-273-0508, or e-mail me at [email protected].

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), 2018 had the lowest rates of car crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the state since 2014.

Statistics in Guilford County followed the same downward trend in number of crashes and injuries, but had higher fatality rates than 2015 and 2016. All three categories, both state- and county-wide, saw a spike in 2017.

While a downward trend is good news, the 2018 numbers are still staggering:

Total Statewide Fatalities: 1,351

Total Statewide Crashes: 284,682

Total Statewide Injuries: 115,129

From April 1 through June 28, 2019, the NCDOT is waging a campaign to make the roads safer. Increased numbers of officers, in vehicles both marked and unmarked, will be patrolling NC highways.

What to do if you are in a car wreck

It can be jarring to suffer injuries, damage to your property, and the emotional distress of an accident. Many people calling Egerton Law after a car wreck have the same question: What do I need to do now?

First thing’s first: if you are in pain, get checked out. Whether you go to an emergency department, an urgent care center, or your primary doctor, a medical evaluation is the first step you need to take in order to make sure you get the treatment you need for your specific injuries.

Second, make sure you report the claim to your insurance company, and the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The insurance companies will assign adjusters to handle your claims — often one person will handle the property damage and another will handle any injury claim you may have. In the initial call to the insurance company it is best not to go too in depth about your injuries. Many injuries from car wrecks can have a delayed onset, and you will want to take some time after the wreck before discussing your injuries with anyone at the insurance company.

Third, contact an experienced injury attorney. If you will have medical treatment related to your car wreck, it is advisable to consult with an attorney to determine whether you might need legal representation. This might be your first car wreck; the attorneys at Egerton Law have handled thousands of injury claims and can help you understand what the claims process will be like so that you can make an informed decision about whether to hire an attorney.

How to avoid a collision when you are driving

There is no magic way to make sure you are not one of the statistics above, but there are safety measures you can practice to help reduce your chances of being in a wreck.

Don’t follow too closely

Obey the speed limit and other traffic rules

Do NOT, under any circumstances, drive while impaired

Practice defensive driving

Use turn signals

Ensure your car is in good working order

Do NOT use your phone or electronic device while driving

The bottom line: be an attentive driver and demand the same of those who are driving you and your loved ones around.

Has your life been disrupted by an accident causing serious injury or death? Do you or someone you know need a lawyer’s counsel? You can get help at the Egerton Law website. The Egerton Law firm and its personal injury attorneys want to help you. Call us at 336-273-0508. E-mail us at [email protected]

Facts about the Egerton Law firm:

 

    • We have built a tradition of helping injured people and their families since the firm was established in 1956.
    • We have handled cases in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, New York, the District of Columbia, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and U.S. District Court. We have fought cases all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
    • Firm founder Lawrence Egerton has a personal understanding of the challenges someone faces after being hurt in a wreck, having suffered a serious injury in a rear-end collision in 1996.
    • Our website offers resources on legal issues, informational videos, and a free download of Lawrence’s book “Don’t Follow Too Close.”

 

Have you had a wreck and the insurance company is:

 

  • Pressuring you to give a statement? (Don’t give a statement without consulting us.)
  • Refusing to get you a rental car?
  • Making it hard for you to get medical payments?
  • Generally giving you a hard time?

 

Take action and help us to help you. Call or email: 336-273-0508[email protected].  We can advise you on whether you have a case, how to get a wrecked vehicle paid for and how to get medical care. You will always speak to an attorney on your first call.