Recent Posts in Car Accidents Category

This Monday at approximately 2:00 AM, the driver of a gold cart had to be airlifted to the hospital after being involved in an auto accident with another vehicle.  Police say that the accident occurred in Horry County, South Carolina.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the golf cart had been heading the wrong way down Highway 90, which is near Old Altman Road.  After the accident, the 19 year old golf cart driver was taken to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  No updates have been released on his physical condition at this time.

Police say that the driver of the other motor vehicle did not suffer any injuries.  They also said that driving golf carts after dark is illegal.  Additionally, the driving of golf carts on any South Carolina Highway is prohibited at all times.

If you have been involved in an auto accident due to another person's recklessness or negligence, now is the time to discuss your case and injuries with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer.  To speak with an attorney, contact the Lanier Law Group today!

In South Carolina, police are investigating a recent car accident, which led to people suffering injuries in North Charleston.

According to officers, the accident took place this past Sunday at 9:30 PM in front of Trident Technical College.  Police say that they noticed a Ford Explorer had crashed into a guard rail while entering I-526 from North Rhett Avenue.  Instead of stopping, the driver of the Explorer continued to travel on Rivers Avenue and ran stop lights.  The driver also began to speed.

Officers tried to stop the driver, but were unsuccessful.  The driver continued to speed and eventually crashed into another vehicle before losing control.  The final collision occurred on Rivers Avenue and Mabeline Road.

At this time, law enforcement agencies have not released the identity of the driver or the names of the people who suffered injuries during the auto accident.  Due to the severity of the accident, part of Rivers Avenue had to be shut down temporarily and traffic was detoured.

Anytime people have suffered injuries during a car accident in North Carolina, they should obtain the services of a North Carolina personal injury lawyer from the Lanier Law Group.  Contact our legal team now!

In Shelby, North Carolina, a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper is reported in stable condition after being involved in a car accident.  News sources say that the trooper suffered injuries while pursuing a suspect last week Thursday.

According to police investigators, trooper L.T. McCraw was in the process of chasing a driver that was driving recklessly when he crashed on Charles Road.  The accident occurred at approximately 7:00 PM.  Police say that the accident ensued after a car that was not involved in the chase turned left in front of McCraw's vehicle, causing both vehicles to run off of the road.

In order to save the trooper, rescue crews had to use the Jaws of Life.  They say it took 45 minutes for crews to remove trooper McCraw from his car.  He was then airlifted and rushed to Carolinas Medical center.  Later, police reported that McCraw suffered a broken leg, cuts and several bruises.  The other driver was not injured.

Were you involved in a car accident that left you with painful injuries?   If you answered "yes", contact the Lanier Law Group to arrange to speak with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer.

Anytime people are involved in car accidents in the state of North Carolina, there are three things they should do to protect their rights and future best interests:

1.  People who have been involved in auto accidents should seek medical attention immediately after collisions have occurred.  Even if people do not notice any external injuries or are not feeling pain, it is important that they are examined by a medical professional who can detect internal injuries or unnoticed injuries.  Additionally, if people seek legal action the future, having their injuries documented by a doctor is crucial.

2.  The next thing people must do is try to gather as many facts about their case as possible.  From getting medical paperwork together, to compiling a list of witnesses' names and phone numbers, all of these facts are important and may be used later if people choose to file claims.

3.  Finally, people must obtain the services of a North Carolina personal injury attorney.  By doing this, people will ensure that they have a legal advocate on their sides who can produce desired outcomes for their personal injury claims.

Have you been involved in an auto accident in North Carolina?  If so, contact the Lanier Law Group today!

In North Carolina, it is reported that a teenager died while driving and texting.  The girl, 16 year old Ashley Johnson, was reading a text message when she drove into on-coming traffic.  She ended up hitting a Ford truck that was traveling in the opposite direction.

This unfortunate car accident occurred on Monday on Long Shoals Road.  Immediately following the collision, Johnson was rushed to a local hospital and received treatment.  However, her injuries were severe and she died in the intensive care unit one day later.

Aside from texting on the phone, police say that Johnson was driving 52 mph in a 45 mph zone.  No reports have been released on the driver of the Ford truck. 

Texting and speeding are two of the most negligent things people can do while driving cars and can easily result in accidents, injuries and deaths.  If you have been involved in a car accident in North Carolina that resulted from another person's negligence, you should contact the Lanier Law Group and schedule a time to speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney.

Police report that a 19 year old driver was arrested in North Carolina after huffing dust remover and passing out while driving.  After the teenager passed out, she crashed her car into another vehicle that was carrying two passengers this past Tuesday morning.  Her vehicle then rebounded off of a tree while traveling 45 mph.  Police report that the driver, who was clearly under the influence, escaped the accident with minor injuries.

Randi Petrolino, the DUI offender, drove across a bridge into Wrightsville Beach during early morning hours.  Police say that Petrolino was supposed to turn left toward the North Carolina Wildlife boat ramp, but passed out instead.  Officers say that Petrolino's vehicle was originally traveling 70 mph and had decreased to a speed of 45 mph when it struck the tree.

According to law enforcement agents, the car accident resulted from Petrolino inhaling CleanSafe and consuming alcohol before stepping behind the wheel and driving.  Thankfully, no one was seriously injured during the collision.

The Lanier Law Group represents victims of North Carolina auto accidents.  If you have been harmed by the negligence of a drunk driver,contact the Lanier Law Group to speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney!

In North Carolina, it is reported that two brothers were found dead after a five car accident occurred.  Sources reveal that one of the drivers involved in the fatal car accident was from the state of Arkansas.

11 year old Ishiah Reynolds and his 15 year old brother, Darryl Baucum, are said to have died from the injuries they sustained during the accident, which occurred on Tuesday of these week.  Following the accident, police in the city of Greensboro charged Jayne Perkins with two counts of misdemeanor death by a motor vehicle. 

Police say that the fatal accident involved Perkins truck and five cars.  At this time, two other individuals remain in Moses Cone Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

If you have been involved in a North Carolina car accident or have wrongfully lost a loved one who was involved in a motor vehicle collision, now is the time to speak with a North Carolina car accident attorney at the Lanier Law Group. 

In  Northampton, Massachusetts a recent and unusual accident occurred, mainly because it happened to Lord Jesus Christ, who was run down in a crosswalk this past Tuesday. Police reported that a Pittsfield woman has been cited as she ran down a 50-year-old man named  Lord Jesus Christ, (and yes, that was the man’s real name) in a crosswalk. Mr. Christ was taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Police claim that 20-year-old Brittany Cantarella was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian while in a crosswalk.

Have You Been Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, it's in your best interest to contact a North Carolina car accident injury attorney at Lanier Law Group to represent your claim. Contact our office today to set up a consultation to learn more about your rights and how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

A wrongful death lawsuit is underway in Collier County, Florida against a driver accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian riding his bicycle.

Margaret Caskey claims Lawrence A. Daniels was texting while driving when he hit and killed her husband, James L. Caskey, Jr. She is also suing Astellas Pharma US Inc., Daniels’ employer and owner of the car he was driving.

In her lawsuit, Caskey claims that Daniels, who was working at the time of the accident, “engaged in intentional misconduct or gross negligence, or both, by texting on his cell phone when the crash occurred.” Her lawsuit goes on to say that Daniels knew or should have known that his actions were wrong and dangerous, but that he continued to text while driving anyway.

The lawsuit is garnering a lot of attention in Florida, as it is the first texting while driving wrongful death lawsuit ever filed in Collier County Court. Currently Florida does not ban texting while driving, but legislators are considering enacting such a ban.

Drivers of commercial vehicles, such as trucks or buses, are prohibited from texting while driving, pursuant to a federal law that went into effect last month.

Following the September 2009 Distracted Driving Summit, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced his department’s plan to purse necessary actions and lawmaking to reduce accidents and injuries caused by distracted driving.

Any commercial driver who violates the law by texting while driving can expect to face both civil and criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Countless studies have shown that texting while driving significantly increases a driver’s chances of getting into an accident. Research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that drivers who send, receive, and read text messages while driving end up taking their eyes off the road for 4.6 out of 6 seconds. If a driver were traveling at 55 mph, that would equal traveling the length of a football, including the end zones, without ever having looked at the road. The FMCSA’s research also found that distracted drivers are more than 20 times more likely to be involved in an accident than a person who is paying attention to the road and their surroundings.

The family of a Houston woman who died after crashing into a cement wall has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Toyota.

The husband of Trina Renee Harris, 34, filed his lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, gas pedal maker CTS Corp., and Fred Haas Toyota World, the dealership that leased Harris the 2009 Corolla.

The lawsuit describes how Harris died on impact after being unable to stop her car. An investigation found no skid marks on the street where the accident occurred, indicating the brakes in Harris’ vehicle were likely defective.   

In November, Toyota recalled nearly 3.8 million vehicles due to problems with the floor mats and the accelerator, and then last month announced it would be recalling another 2.8 million vehicles to fix a mechanical problem with the cars’ accelerator. The 2009 Corolla was included in that recall.

Harris’ husband, Michael Harris, said he remembers his wife telling him that the car’s accelerator would sometimes move on its own. Harris is seeking $200 million in actual and punitive damages for what he believes is gross negligence on the part of Toyota. 

“I want those who were negligent to be held responsible. This problem was there before Dec. 18 when she died,” said Harris. “I'm extremely angry for my children. She won't be there for the prom. When they get married, she won't be there.”

It is believed Harris’ suit is the third wrongful death lawsuit against Toyota prompted by the acceleration problem.

A spokesperson for Toyota said the company does not comment on pending litigation, and a manager at Fred Haas Toyota World said they haven’t seen the lawsuit yet. CTS Corp has not made any comments.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed due to a defect with a Toyota or Lexus vehicle, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. The attorneys at Lanier Law Group have extensive experience in this area of law, and can provide you with the skilled and resourceful representation needed to pursue a product liability and/or wrongful death lawsuit against the appropriate parties.

To schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer at Lanier Law Group, contact the office today by calling 1-888-CONSULT!

A Florida man has filed a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of his son who was critically injured after his motorcycle was hit by a SUV.

The lawsuit was filed by Enrique Caballero on behalf of his son, 26-year-old Damien Garcia.

Garcia, who is on the Cape Coral police force, suffered a massive head injury when his police motorcycle was struck by a Lincoln SUV. The lawsuit was filed against the driver of the vehicle, 51-year-old Josephine Pierce, and her husband, Thomas Pierce.

The lawsuit is seeking $15,000 to cover attorney fees and court costs. However, when all is said and done the amount of damages being sought is expected to exceed $50 million, according to Caballero’s attorney Marc Brumer.

The attorney representing the defendants says his clients are denying negligence in the accident.

Drunk driving is not just a criminal matter for those who drive drunk.  If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you have legal rights that entitle you to compensation under North Carolina personal injury laws.  Likewise, if your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the driver for wrongful death benefits.

North Carolina personal injury laws state that if you have been injured in an accident due to the negligent, reckless, wanton, or careless actions of another person, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.  Driving under the influence is a blatant form of negligence.  Not only did the driver break the law, but he or she also disregarded the safety of other drivers and passengers on the road and put innocent people’s lives at risk. 

At Lanier Law Group, an experienced and dedicated North Carolina auto accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the drunk driver responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to protect and advocate your rights and help you secure the largest possible settlement.

If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation to discuss your North Carolina drunk driving accident claim, please fill out a free case evaluation or contact Lanier Law Group today by calling 1-888-CONSULT!

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported a 5.4% increase in the amount of questionable car insurance claims submitted between 2007 and 2008. This puts North Carolina in the top ten states with the most “questionable insurance” claims by loss in 2008.

With North Carolina in the number 8 spot on the list, the rest of the top ten includes California (with the most claims), followed by Florida, Texas, New York, Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

What is a Staged Accident/Questionable Claim?

Staged auto accident claims are designed to obtain payment for injuries and other costs associated with an auto accident that never existed.  Sometimes an accident might have occurred, but the extent of the injuries or damage is exaggerated.

Staged auto accidents are another problem.  This occurs when a person purposefully causes an accident so they can file an insurance claim to obtain money.  This is also not only illegal, but it’s also highly dangerous and unfair to the innocent drivers and passengers on the road.

Insurance fraud of any kind drives up insurance costs for everyone, as it costs insurance companies millions of dollars a year to deal with.  Also, every dollar spent on these questionable insurance claims could have been spent protecting drivers who abide by the law.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is essential that you see a doctor right away if you wish to obtain a large recovery.  The amount of compensation you ultimately recover is based largely on the extent of your injuries.  The only way to know the full extent of your injuries is by seeing a doctor right after your accident and following through with any treatments or therapies he or she prescribes.

Beware of Insurance Adjusters

Often times an adjuster from the other party’s insurance company will try to get you to settle your claim before you are finished with your medical treatment.  These people are very persuasive, and may even tell you that the amount they are offering is the most you could expect to receive if you were to take your claim to trial.  Do not fall for their tricks. Insurance companies are greedy corporations, interested in making as much money as possible while compensating accident victims for as little as possible.  Believe us when we say they will do everything they can to try and get you to settle your claim for less than it’s worth. 

If you are being contacted by an insurance adjuster, do not make any statements or agree to sign anything.  Instead, contact an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer at Lanier Law Group.  The reason these insurance adjusters try to get you to settle your claim early is because they don’t want to pay the full amount for your injuries.  By refraining from speaking with these people and holding off on filing a claim until you are finished with your medical care, you will know the full extent of your injuries, how much compensation you should ask for, and can pursue your claim for maximum compensation!

Interested in learning more? Contact a North Carolina auto accident attorney at Lanier Law Group today!

If you were recently injured or involved in an auto accident, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side.  They may pretend to help you, but in actuality they will try to settle your claim for as little as possible.  They even have several tricks they often use to weasel their way out of paying you the full amount for your injuries. 

Here are some tips for dealing with insurance companies following a car accident:

• Be cautious of an insurance adjuster who tries to contact you, and whatever you do, do not speak to them.  They can easily skew you anything you say and use it against you later.
• Do not agree to do a recorded interview.  The other party’s insurance company may ask if they can do a recorded interview with you about the accident.  What they are really trying to do is trick you into making statements that will hurt your chances of recovering a full settlement. 
• If an insurance adjuster comes to your home or workplace, do not sign any paperwork without first consulting an attorney.  They are likely trying to trick you into signing an agreement that would essentially limit the amount of compensation you can collect. 
• Do not believe anything the insurance company tells you unless it is validated by an attorney.  Insurance adjusters are persuasive people whose job it is to convince people to settle their claims for less than they are actually worth.

Don’t Fall Victim to Greedy Insurance Companies

Following an accident, especially if you’ve suffered an injury, it is crucial that you follow this advice.  Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may not be able to work and medical bills can quickly add up.  You need to recover as much compensation as possible in order to pay for your medical care and cover any financial hardship you may be experiencing.

At Lanier Law Group, with have dealt with both small and large sized insurance companies throughout North Carolina and are familiar with their tricks.  You can trust an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer at our office to protect your rights to maximum compensation and help you pursue your insurance claim!

To learn more about our services, please fill out a free case evaluation or contact an attorney directly by visiting our website at www.northcarolinaautoacidentlawfirm.com.

If you have recently been injured or involved in a car accident in North Carolina, it is important to avoid these 10 mistakes:

1. Failing to go to the doctor, hospital, emergency room, or urgent care immediately following your accident.
2. Allowing the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster to visit you in person.
3. Signing any type of release from the insurance company before completing your medical treatment.
4. Giving a recorded interview to an insurance liability adjuster.
5. Failing to use your health insurance.
6. Missing out on medical payment coverage.
7. Failing to take advantage of free professional advice.
8. Failing to continue to seek medical treatment due to inconvenience or expense.
9. Missing compensation for punitive damages.
10. Settling with the liability carrier for policy limits, thus waiving your rights to underinsured motorists coverage and excess liability coverage.

Any of these mistakes can compromise your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and property damage.  Before making any statements to an insurance company, including your own insurance company, be sure to consult an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney at Lanier Law Group.  We can provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need to avoid these mistakes, as well as help you pursue your claim for the largest possible recovery!

If you or a family member has been injured in an auto accident, please take a moment to fill out this free case evaluation or contact the office directly. An attorney at Lanier Law Group will get back to shortly to discuss your claim.

Injured in an automobile accident?  Wondering how you will pay for your medical bills and property damage? 

If you have been injured or involved in an auto accident, your automobile insurance is an effective tool for recovering the cost of your medical expenses and damage to your vehicle.  At Lanier Law Group, an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer can sit down with you to review your insurance policy to determine not only the type of coverage you have, but also how you can use your insurance to the fullest extent.

Depending on your insurance policy, you may have this optional coverage that you should take advantage of:

• Medical Payment Coverage: This type of coverage will pay you for your medical bills up to the pre-selected coverage amount. This type of coverage can be used even if you use your health insurance.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage:  The coverage will compensate you for your injuries if the other driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage to cover the cost of all of your injuries. 
• Collision Coverage: If the responsible driver’s insurance company is slow to accept liability for the accident and pay for the damage to your vehicle, then you can apply your collision coverage.  You will have to pay the deductible, but once the other party finally accepts liability you will be reimbursed.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer

After an accident, it’s important to contact an auto accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under your insurance policy.  Trust us when we say the insurance company is not your friend.  They will try to avoid paying you for your accident at all costs.  At Lanier Law Group, we have represented countless auto accident victims throughout North Carolina, and can help you take full advantage of the various options under your insurance policy.

To learn more, please fill out this free case evaluation or simply click here to contact an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer at our office today!