Goldsboro Personal Injury Lawyers
Hold Negligent Parties Accountable – Seek Compensation
At Pittman Agner, we have the skills and a successful track record to represent your interests and fight for your rightful compensation against insurance companies and the parties responsible for your injuries.
Our dedicated team understands the challenges you face after a personal injury and serves as your guide and advocate throughout the claims process. At our firm, you can count on being treated like family—with respect, compassion, and the support you need during this critical time.
Put genuine care and seasoned representation on your side. Contact Pittman Agner at (919) 893-0090 to request a free initial consultation with a Goldsboro personal injury attorney.
Personal Injury Claims We Handle in North Carolina
Our firm handles personal claims from many types of accidents and incidents, including the following:
- Car accidents. Millions of auto accidents occur in the United States every year. They range from drunk driving accidents to rear-end collisions, hit and run accidents, texting while driving crashes, and more. These result in claims filed against insurance companies and in court. In some cases, victims may need to collect from their own insurance companies through uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage.
- Pedestrian accidents. With no bodily protection, pedestrians struck by motorists can suffer serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries. Our firm pursues fair compensation so you have the financial resources you need to recover as fully as possible.
- Truck accidents. Claims arising from commercial truck accidents are complex and may involve multiple sources of fault, violations of federal trucking regulations, or trucking company legal teams. You need strong representation for a positive outcome.
- Motorcycle accidents. Like pedestrians, motorcyclists can suffer multiple and serious injuries that can be life-threatening. Our team works vigorously to help you secure optimum results against insurers and negligent parties.
- Slip and falls. Slip and fall accidents are common and often caused by property hazards. Liability may fall upon negligent property owners, managers, or others.
- Dog bites. Pet owners may be held responsible for dog attacks when they act negligently. You may have the right to file a claim to recover damages for your injuries and losses.
- Wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of another, the personal representative of your family member’s estate may bring a wrongful death claim seeking specific damages.
- Medical malpractice. When medical practitioners make mistakes, those injuries may lead to a lawsuit. This includes issues like misdiagnosis, surgical errors, emergency room errors, medication errors, and more.
- Construction accidents. Construction sites present many dangers. When third-party negligence results in injury, you may have grounds for a claim.
- Assault and battery injuries. When a criminal act like assault or battery causes personal injury, the victim may file a civil claim for damages. A criminal case does not prevent a separate civil lawsuit for compensation.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
Broadly speaking, you may file a personal injury claim if you suffered harm in an accident caused by another party. If you are injured through no fault of your own, you might qualify to sue the responsible individuals. This lawsuit remains separate from any related criminal trial the other party may face, such as one for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
A successful personal injury claim aims to restore the injured party to the position they would have held if the injury had not occurred, securing financial compensation for damages incurred. These damages cover both tangible expenses, like medical bills and lost wages, and intangible losses such as pain and suffering. Navigating this process requires familiarity with the legal system, so having a professional advocate often helps to fully explore your options for recovery.
To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina, you typically need to establish these key elements:
- Duty of care: You must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers owe a duty to others on the road to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: You need to show that the defendant breached this duty. This means they failed to meet their legal responsibility—perhaps by driving recklessly or negligently.
- Causation: You must prove that the defendant's breach directly caused your injuries. It's not enough for them to be negligent; their actions must link directly to your injury.
- Damages: You must demonstrate that you suffered damages or losses as a result of the defendant's actions. These could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other related costs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Goldsboro
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in Goldsboro is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome. One of the first factors to consider is the lawyer's familiarity with North Carolina's legal environment, including local court procedures and community-specific dynamics. Lawyers with local experience can navigate the regional legal nuances more efficiently, offering an advantage in both negotiations and potential trial settings.
It's also important to look for a firm that offers a client-centric approach, prioritizing open communication and transparency throughout the process. At Pittman Agner, we are committed to treating clients like family, which means we're attentive to your needs and dedicated to ensuring that you remain informed and comfortable with your legal strategy. Lastly, seeking testimonials and past client reviews can provide insight into a lawyer's track record and reputation in the community, helping you make an informed decision about your legal representation.
Steps to Take After an Accident in Goldsboro
After any accident in Goldsboro, focus first on safety and documentation. Move yourself and others to safety if you can, then call 911 to report injuries or hazards. Get prompt medical care—doctors at local facilities like Wayne UNC Health Care can examine you and provide records needed for your claim. Exchange insurance and contact details with everyone involved and collect the names of any witnesses present. Take clear photos of the vehicles, scene, and weather conditions to help prove what happened. When police arrive, answer their questions honestly and stick to the facts, without admitting fault. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as local law enforcement in Goldsboro will file it promptly and include important details from the scene.
Thorough documentation soon after an incident often strengthens a claim. Write down your recollections while your memory is fresh, since Goldsboro traffic and weather can quickly erase accident evidence. Save receipts for all medical bills, towing, or transportation costs. If you develop pain or new symptoms in the days that follow, return to your medical provider and update your records. Acting quickly gives your attorney more information and helps both local insurance adjusters and the courts confirm the facts. If you ever feel uncertain, qualified legal professionals in the area can guide you through each step while protecting your rights under North Carolina law.
Contact our Goldsboro personal injury attorney by calling (919) 893-0090 today!
Common Mistakes After an Injury & How to Avoid Them
Many people unintentionally weaken their injury claims after an accident by making preventable mistakes. The most frequent error is putting off medical treatment. Even a short delay makes it easier for insurance adjusters to argue that your injury wasn’t serious or resulted from something else. Always see a doctor promptly, even if your injuries appear minor. Skipping follow-up appointments or ignoring medical advice also creates gaps that opposing attorneys notice and may try to use against you.
Posting about your accident on social media is another frequent mistake. Insurance companies often scan platforms like Facebook and Instagram for posts, photos, or check-ins that could undermine your claim. Don't discuss the accident, your injuries, or your recovery online. Avoid signing paperwork from insurance companies unless you understand every word—some documents may limit your compensation rights. Don’t rush to accept the first settlement offer; initial offers often fail to account for all medical bills, lost income, or long-term impacts.
If someone offers cash or wants to settle informally, use caution. Accepting money outside official channels can hurt your chances of making a fair claim in Goldsboro courts. Always save all bills, receipts, photos, and notes about your symptoms, missed work, or daily life changes. Accurate records, reviewed with an injury attorney, increase your odds of receiving a fair and complete settlement for your losses.
North Carolina Personal Injury Laws
North Carolina follows the contributory negligence rule. If the injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This strict rule can make it challenging to recover compensation if the defendant argues that your actions contributed to the accident.
The state applies strict liability in product liability cases. If a defective product causes injury, the injured party doesn't necessarily need to prove negligence but must show that the product was defective and caused harm while being used as intended.
In cases of wrongful death caused by someone else's negligence or wrongful act, certain family members may be entitled to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of financial support or companionship.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim?
The effects of a serious injury accident can linger for years after the accident occurred, but there is a limit to how long victims have to seek compensation from the party responsible. Each state has laws establishing this length of time, known as a statute of limitations. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years.
That is not to say that personal injury victims should wait an entire three years before bringing a claim, though. In fact, if you have suffered a personal injury, time is of the essence. The three-year clock starts ticking as soon as the accident has occurred, and your attorney will need time to gather all the evidence and build a strong case.
Moreover, a number of other factors can make a case more difficult to win as time goes on, even within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is not a suggestion: It is a cutoff point. Regardless of how long you have, it will help your case to get started as soon after your accident as possible. The primary reason for this is that it is much easier for your attorney to gather evidence for a personal injury case soon after the injury occurred.
In the first days and weeks after an accident, it is easier to track down witnesses and gather details such as road conditions or what the scene of the accident looked like. Furthermore, it is easier for you to remember the details of the accident accurately. These factors can make it easier for your attorney to build a strong claim for compensation if you act quickly. So do not hesitate to schedule a free legal consultation right away.
An experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you get started as quickly as possible to protect your right to compensation. Contact the Goldsboro personal injury lawyers of Pittman Agner today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
What Are the Damages I Can Recover?
In North Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit allows certain family members or the deceased person's estate to seek compensation for specific damages resulting from another’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. Some potential damages in a wrongful death lawsuit include:
Economic Damages
Here are examples of quantifiable financial losses from a wrongful death claim:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased person's final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided
- Loss of the deceased's services, such as household chores or caregiving
Non-Economic Damages
These more subjective damages can include:
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their death
- Loss of companionship, guidance, or consortium for surviving spouse, children, or other family members
- Emotional distress or mental anguish experienced by surviving family members
In certain cases where the responsible party's actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or intentional, the court might award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Claim?
No two personal injury cases have the same timeline. While some are settled within six months, others might take years. Even in lengthy cases, achieving a fair settlement can be worth the wait for those hurt by another’s negligence.
Several factors influence how long your claim takes to resolve:
- The nature and extent of the injuries you suffered
- The strength of the evidence for your claim
- The size of the amounts in dispute
- The other side’s legal team and their negotiation tactics
- Whether you receive a fair settlement offer or the matter must go to trial
These, along with other factors, can influence how long your case will take. An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to give you a more accurate estimate of your timeline depending on the specifics of your case, but it is always possible that unforeseen circumstances will make it take more or less time than expected. Regardless, your case will almost certainly go more quickly if you contact an attorney and get started as soon as possible.
Maximize Your Personal Injury Compensation
When you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, it's important to seek the compensation you deserve. Our Goldsboro personal injury lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and maximizing the compensation you receive for your injuries.
Benefits of working with our personal injury attorneys include:
- Extensive experience handling personal injury claims in North Carolina
- Personalized attention and support during the legal process
- Active representation that seeks fair compensation
- Guidance through the legal system and your rights
- Peace of mind knowing your case is in dedicated hands
Don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact our Goldsboro personal injury lawyers today to schedule your consultation and discuss your case.
Get Help from a Goldsboro Personal Injury Lawyer
When you suffer a personal injury, physical and emotional recovery can consume your life. Focusing on your health is critical, but don’t let too much time slip by—or you risk losing your chance at meaningful compensation.
Don’t let this happen to you. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure your case is managed well from the start, so your rights and interests remain protected.
Here are some advantages of working with our firm:
- Legal Experience: We have extensive knowledge and experience in handling personal injury cases. We understand the complexities of North Carolina's laws and can navigate them effectively to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations into your case, gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and working with experts if necessary. This helps us build a solid foundation for your claim.
- Case Preparation and Strategy: Our team is skilled in preparing cases for negotiation or trial. We develop comprehensive strategies tailored to the specifics of your situation, aiming to maximize your compensation.
- Negotiation Skills: We're adept at negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved. Our goal is to achieve a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses without the need for a lengthy trial.
- Courtroom Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, we're ready to represent you in trial. We advocate vigorously for your rights, presenting your case convincingly to a judge and jury.
- Handling Legal Processes and Paperwork: Dealing with legal procedures and paperwork can be overwhelming. We take care of these tasks for you, ensuring that all documents are filed correctly and within the required deadlines.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our aim is to maximize the compensation you receive. This includes damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you've incurred due to the injury.
- Peace of Mind: Engaging our services allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. You can have peace of mind knowing that a dedicated team is working tirelessly on your behalf.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we secure compensation for you. This arrangement allows access to quality legal representation without upfront costs.
- Personal Support: Beyond legal guidance, we offer personal support and understanding throughout the process. We're here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide support during a challenging time.
If you have been injured in an accident in North Carolina, Pittman Agner is here to help. Our experienced Goldsboro personal injury attorneys know how to handle your case effectively and efficiently.
At Pittman Agner, we have fielded many questions posed to us by our clients. In the area of personal injury law, recurring themes and common questions arise that we hear frequently. Contact us today at (919) 893-0090 to learn more.