Last updated 10 months ago
Many people will be involved in a car accident or workplace accident at some point in their lives. However, some accidents are more devastating than others.
What constitutes a catastrophic or serious injury? This video explores that topic and explains the need for an attorney. A serious injury is usually indicated when there is permanent damage that alters the lifestyle of the victim.
At the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood in Cary, we have experience in representing victims of car accidents, work place injuries, nursing home neglect, and much more. To schedule a consultation with an attorney, call our offices today at (919) 238-4668.
Last updated 10 months ago
Defensive driving is one way to decrease your risk of being involved in an auto accident, but it does not eliminate your risk altogether. If you have been involved in a car accident and are in need of an attorney, it is important to find someone who can advocate for you. Here are four tips on practicing defensive driving to stay safe on the road:
Distracted driving increases your risk for being involved in a car accident. Adjusting the radio, eating, tending to your children, talking on the phone, texting, and reading a map are some of the most common ways that you can be distracted. Stay focused on driving to reach your destination safely.
Even when you are in control of what is going on in your own car, there are countless other drivers around you who may be distracted. You should continuously scan the road and your mirrors to keep an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, or other road hazards. You do not know what other drivers are going to do, so don’t expect that they will allow you to merge or accommodate your lane change.
Your greatest risk for a collision is in front of you, and the safest way to avoid an accident is to follow a three- to four-second rule. This allows you to follow safely, because you will have sufficient time to stop in normal traffic and weather conditions.
It is easy to get frustrated if you are driving in heavy traffic conditions, but it is important to avoid aggressive driving. This includes keeping your speed down and leaving yourself an escape route in case you are faced with a dangerous situation.
If you have been in a car accident and are in need of an attorney, the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood in Cary is here to help. We have experience in motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, and more. Call (919) 238-4668 to schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
Last updated 10 months ago
Whether your life has been affected by a car accident, wrongful death, or workplace injury, you’ll find more relevant information in the links below. If you need a personal injury attorney in Cary, count on the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood to provide caring representation. We pride ourselves on our ability to work with clients and help them through difficult times. To schedule a consultation, call (919) 238-4668.
- For more information about wrongful death lawsuits and damages that can be awarded to surviving family members, take a look at this excerpt from the North Carolina statutes.
- Around the country, many states are passing laws to prohibit or limit cell phone use behind the wheel, including texting. Visit the Governors Highway Safety Association for details.
- For specifics about workers’ compensation in North Carolina, you can read the state’s Workers Compensation Act.
- Distractions of any kind can be dangerous when driving—not just texting. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains why.
Last updated 10 months ago
After a workplace injury, you need a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries. When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, ask the following questions to ensure that you are choosing the right attorney and to help you learn more about your claim:
How much experience do you have with workers’ compensation claims?
If a lawyer does not have sufficient experience with workers’ compensation claims, he or she may not be able to get you the full compensation you deserve. This area of the law is specialized and complex, requiring experience and skill, so don’t trust just anyone to fight for your workers’ compensation claim.
How long will it take to receive my compensation?
Workers’ compensation law is intended to provide payment for medical bills and relevant lost wages, though it may take time to accomplish this. Your attorney may be able to provide a rough timeline of when you can expect your compensation; however, keep in mind that you will not receive an exact date, as many factors play a role in determining the amount and scope of your claim.
Will my employer try to fight my claim?
Almost all on-the-job injuries are eligible to receive workers’ compensation, with a few exceptions, such as injuries sustained while committing an illegal act. To avoid paying you what you deserve, your employer may try to attribute your accident to illegal behavior or another technicality that invalidates your claim. An attorney will help you fight these tactics and obtain the necessary compensation.
Should I consider filing a third party claim?
If your accident was caused by a third party, such as a defective piece of equipment or a negligent driver, you may be able to sue for damages from this third party in addition to the workers’ compensation to which you are entitled. Consult an attorney for more information about these claims.
After an injury at work, lawyers with the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood can help you obtain the compensation you need to pay medical bills and make ends meet. For assistance with your workers’ compensation claim in the Cary area, call (919) 238-4668.
Last updated 10 months ago
Sadly, acts of negligence can lead to more than just injury. In some cases, death can result from careless behavior, leading to wrongful death lawsuits. Here is an explanation of what qualifies as wrongful death and the components of a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is a legal claim that seeks to hold a negligent party responsible for a death that could have been prevented. As in personal injury lawsuits, the negligence involved in a wrongful death claim has four parts: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and injury leading to death. For example, in the case of a death resulting from a car accident, the responsible driver had a duty to follow traffic rules to avoid injury to himself and others; by disobeying these regulations, he breached his duty of care and caused the injury—and ultimately the death—of another person.
Filing a Lawsuit
After the death of the injured party, the executor of his or her estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover related damages. Such a lawsuit can award damages for the deceased’s pain and suffering, if it can be shown to have occurred; however, the main objective is to compensate surviving relatives for their costs and losses. These can include the deceased’s medical bills and funeral costs, the income and other economic benefits the deceased would have earned, family members’ pain and suffering, and the loss of companionship and parental guidance experienced as a result of the death.
If a loved one has died as a result of another person’s negligence, your family may be entitled to financial compensation for your loss. Though nothing will bring back your loved one, the damages will allow you to live without the additional stress of uncertain finances. To discuss your situation, call (919) 238-4668 and speak with an attorney at the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood in Cary.
