The North Carolina Legislature is considering a bill that make speed limits on many roadways throughout North Carolina 75 miles per hour versus the current 65 limit.  This is certainly a topic to get people up and arms about driver safety on the roads often traveled.

You’ve heard old adage, “Opinions…everybody’s got ’em.” Well, it makes sense with an issue like this.  Lead foots love the idea, parents of young children are somewhat skiddish about it because of safety concerns from the lead foots.  Gas station operators love it because higher speeds mean that vehicles burn more fuel and more frequent fill up is required.  Business owners on alternate roads such as Providence, Tryon, and Lawyers Road don’t like it, because it encourages people to travel the interstate and use the alternate routes less which means less foot traffic in their businesses. 

As the North Carolina Department of Transportation investigates the data on higher speed limits and driver safety we will learn more about the pros and cons from a safety standpoint.  Could it cause more congestion because of more auto accidents on the roads?  Could it free up the interstate for less smaller commute times because the interstate becomes a “get on and get off” option?  I have heard good arguments from each side.  Surprisingly, I have heard that there may be fewer accidents because people are on the road less and a higher speed naturally causes people to pay closer attention while on the road. 

As one of the largest and most renowned personal injury law firms, the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo will be paying close attention to the status of this legislation. Particularly, aspects of it we will watch is legislation regarding tractor-trailers on the road, the likelihood of fewer accidenets, with an increase of higher fatalities from higher impact auto accidents when they do occur, and additional safety measures that may need to be implemented to ensure safety on the roads.  If you have thoughts or concerns as it relates to your auto accident give us a call at 704-333-1000 or check out our website. 

One of the first things I hear out of a prospective client’s mouth is that the insurance adjuster has already contacted them about an auto accident.  Right after that accident, in the most distasteful scenarios, an insurance adjuster may visit you in a hospital–and I promise you–they’re not bringing flowers.  It seems like news of your accident gets to the adjuster faster than news of three-legged calf travels in Waxhaw, but I guarantee you it’s because the adjuster wants to make sure you’re doing okay.  Okay–well maybe, but only as news of your health matters to the company’s bottom line.  Insurance adjusters need to get information about your condition as quickly as possible to do a few things. 

Obviously, they need to know what the company is facing as far as possible payouts, but also, to get information about your condition in an effort to cut off future liability.  Right after an accident, you’re still in shock, living on adrenaline, and unsure of all injuries from the accident. 

If you give a statement to the adjuster that your pain is only in your neck, but three days after the accident the pain shifts to your back–which is not at all uncommon–the insurance adjuster can point to your statement to show that the back pain is not from the incident.  Is it fair?  No, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.  Why else would an adjuster be prepared to talk with you at the drop of a hat when you’re not even their client. 

Have you ever tried to contact an adjuster? So you know that urgency is not their thing.  Make sure you protect yourself.  Recognize that the insurance adjuster is not your friend.  You need to make sure that you are protected.  Check out our website and pay close attention to testimonials and insurance adjusters to find out how we’ve helped people avoid the headache that is life after an auto accident. If you’re like me and just wanna talk to someone, give us a call at 704-333-1000.

It looks like insurance companies have done it again.  They have found another way to take advantage of people who are injured in auto accidents.  The economy has been tough for everyone and insurance companies recognize that.  There has been a new trend for insurance adjusters to offer a very low settlement to injured individuals almost immediately after an accident. 

I know what you’re thinking.  An insurance company ready to hand out money no questions asked? Well, you may call it money, but others call it a slap in the face.  The benefit for the insurance company to throw a few dollars at you to settle a claim is this releases them of all liability for your injuries before you even have a chance to find out the extent of your injuries.  The insurance company knows how difficult times are for people and a few dollars will make someone think about settling and then dealing with the injuries–sometimes long-term and life altering injuries later.

If you’ve been in an auto accident in North Carolina and the at-fault vehicle’s insurance company is trying to get your to settle a claim before you even know all of your injuries your inner voice should scream to you–This doesn’t sound right! Insurance company wants me to take a check now?

You need to contact an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney today to find out what the insurance company is not telling you.  Contact lawyer Michael A DeMayo today at 704-333-1000.  Think you should call, but not sure if you have a case?  Still call.  We’ll be honest and straight forward with you.  I guarantee that’s way more than you will get going up against the insurance adjuster by yourself. 

If you’ve been in an auto accident in North Carolina then you know all too well, they’re no fun.  You’re rolling along, minding your business and boom!  If you’re blessed, there are no injuries and you can pick up the pieces somewhat easily.  If you aren’t so lucky, it may take more time to get back to your pre-accident position, but it is still possible.

Now, think back to the same accident and add pounds upon pounds of weight and fourteen more wheels and whatever the tractor trailer is carrying.  Wowsa! The impact of  this type of accident is terrible to even think about.  Even if the accident is a low impact one, for you in a four wheel vehicle it’s not so low impact.  Politicians know that these large 18-wheelers can cause far more damage when involved in an auto accident in North Carolina than those that involve two standard vehicles.  For this reason North Carolina as well as the federal government impose additional regulations for tractor trailers on North Carolina roads.

In theory, with the additional guidelines come additional safety.  In reality, the additional regulations most likely increase costs requiring truck drivers to increase revenue to cover additional expenses and maintain a profit margin.  How does this play out? Well, it means more hours on the road, fewer breaks in between long hauls, sometimes a speeding ticket here or there is worth getting to ensure meeting a delivery deadline. 

If you are in an accident in North Carolina than you need to call us, but if your accident involves a tractor trailer you need a North Carolina trucking accident lawyer yesterday.  You need to contact someone immediately before insurance adjusters come out of every corner to talk to you and mitigate liability of their insured truck driver as best they can.  Contact a Charlotte truck accident lawyer today at DeMayo Law today.  There are people ready to take your call even on weekends at 704-333-1000.

Well it’s here again.  If you haven’t noticed, over the past week getting around Charlotte would be easier in a boat than a car.  We’ve received so much rain in such a short period of time our waterways are full and ready for summer fun, but with that causes additional concern for our roadways.  It’s no suprise that dangerous road conditions–such as heavy rainfall–may aggravate driving conditions and require additional safety precautions while on the road.

In addition to the obvious ways to stay safe like following speed limits and maintaining proper equipment on your vehicle there are other things that may keep you safer while on the roads.

Hurricane season is upon us and that means that you need to be extra careful while traveling.  In particular, only travel when you absolutely have to.  So, no additional “riding the road” or driving an extra twelve miles to save a dime on a carton of milk.  Also, pay close attention to the times that you decide to be on the road.  It’s important to be cautious of weather conditions and expected weather conditions that may effect you when you plan to be on the road.  The main thing to remember is if you are involved in an auto accident in North Carolina during this hurricane season, it may be a more severe incident than it may have been during a different time.  When the roads are wet, your safety while on the roads is at the hands of other drivers and how well they maintain their vehicles.

If you are one of the unlucky ones this hurricane season you need to contact a North Carolina auto accident attorney to make sure that you are taken care of as you navigate the turbulent waters after an auto accident in North Carolina.  Call the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo for a free case evaluation to ensure that you are protected.