Gastonia Car Accident Statistics

Suffering a car accident in North Carolina can be one of the most frightening experiences of an individual’s life and leave them with uncertainty regarding their physical and financial health. Many individuals suffer these accidents when on their way into Charleston along Interstate 85 or jumping on Interstate 40 to venture out towards Hickory. When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, it can be helpful to understand Gastonia car accident statistics.

Additionally, while understanding the latest car accident statistics is vital, it can also be helpful to know what causes these accidents and what to do if you ever find yourself in one. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we have served the residents of Gastonia and the surrounding areas for over 40 years in personal injury accidents, including those that occur as a result of a car accident. We are ready to put our experience and skills to work for you.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gastonia, North Carolina

In 2023, the state of North Carolina saw a total of 284,157 traffic crashes, leading to an increase from the previous year of 3.8%. With so many large roadways dissecting or connecting Gastonia to other large cities in North Carolina, like I-85, it should come as no surprise that many of these accidents affect the good people of our hometown.

There are many causes for car accidents to occur in Gastonia, including the following:

• Speeding: When an individual drives at excessive speeds, it can make it easier for them to be involved in an accident due to decreased reaction time. Speeding can also increase the force of an accident, leading to more horrific injuries. This is especially true in bad weather, such as the stormy season we see in October.
• Distracted driving: One of the main causes of car accidents in Gastonia is distracted driving. This can occur when a driver takes part in any action that takes their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel. This can include activities like eating or drinking, texting, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers.
• Drunk driving: Not only is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs illegal in Gastonia, but it can also cause terrible accidents, injuries, and even deaths. Alcohol and drugs alike can decrease reaction time and impair a driver’s judgment.
• Wreckless driving: This form of driving can include behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and taking part in road rage or aggressive maneuvers that can put other drivers at risk.
• Weather conditions: Gastonia is no stranger to bad weather. From June 1st to November 30th, it is technically considered to be hurricane season, and even though Gastonia is further inland, it can still experience gale-force winds and heavy rain. This can lead to reduced visibility and decreased traction on the roadways, leading to accidents.
• Fatigue: When a driver operates their vehicle while tired, it can increase their chances of veering off the road or into the lane of oncoming traffic. This kind of driving may particularly affect cyclists sharing the road as tired drivers veer into the bike lane. Annually, North Carolina sees 20 cyclist deaths a year due to driving accidents.
• Road conditions: When a road is riddled with potholes, debris, or has an uneven surface, this can cause individuals to experience an accident due to a loss of control or a tire blowout. In these cases, you may be able to hold the local municipality liable for your injuries.
• Car failures: When your vehicle suffers a defect or malfunctions in an area such as brakes, tires, engines, or steering systems, this can lead to a loss of control and result in an accident.

What to Do Following a Gastonia Car Accident

If you find yourself in the aftermath of a Gastonia car accident, it can prove vital to know what steps to take to protect both your own health and safety and also the safety of any future personal injury claim you may wish to file. If you are involved in a Gastonia car accident, take the following steps:

• Move your vehicle out of the roadway if possible.
• Collect the contact and insurance information of the other drivers involved.
• Seek medical assistance if necessary and report the accident to the police, ensuring you do not leave the scene until the police arrive.
• Do not admit to fault.
• Collect evidence, such as eyewitness statements or photographs and videos of both the accident scene and your injuries or property damage.
• Speak with a car accident lawyer in Gastonia who can help you file your claim and seek compensation.

FAQs

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases in Gastonia?

In Gastonia, and the state of North Carolina, there is a statute of limitations on all personal injury cases, including those for car accident injuries. This statute of limitations currently stands at three years from the date of your injury, meaning that if you do not file a claim within this period, you will most likely lose out on your chances of recovering compensation.

Is North Carolina an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Yes, North Carolina is considered to be an at-fault state, upholding the fault rule when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver at fault, or the individual who caused the accident, takes on the liability for resulting damages, and you and your attorney will need to work toward proving this fault if you wish to recover compensation.

What Are the Most Common Kinds of Car Accidents?

There are several kinds of car accidents that can occur in Gastonia, North Carolina. The most common accidents include side-swipe accidents, rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, single-car accidents, multi-vehicle pile-ups, and T-bone accidents. The kind of accident you suffer may directly correlate with the severity and type of injuries you incur.

What Are the Fees and Costs Involved in Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

It can be difficult to offer exact numbers as to how much it may cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Gastonia. This is due to the fact that every attorney is different in how they structure their fees, and so is each case. There are some common factors that can impact the costs of all cases, including the skill level of your lawyer and the complexity of your case and injuries.

Speak to a Trusted Gastonia Car Accident Lawyer Today

It is wise to be aware of the statistics regarding car accidents in Gastonia, as you never know when you might find yourself on the side of the road, wondering what your options are. Let the team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. help you today. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you recover compensation.