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Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Rocky Mount, NC

Car accidents in North Carolina happen suddenly, often catching the safest and most prepared drivers off guard. Before you know it, you're seriously hurt and wondering how you'll provide for your family.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is a lot to handle, especially when you're injured due to no fault of your own. Figuring out who will foot the bill for your medical expenses and monthly bills only adds to the stress. You're left trying to answer questions like, “What happens next, now that I'm injured?” “Am I going to get fired because I can't go to work?” “How will I pay for my hospital bills?”

Often, auto accident victims can't handle their responsibilities when they're hurt or recovering in Spring Arbor of Rocky Mount in Rocky Mount, NC. Without a personal injury attorney in Rocky Mount, NC, to advocate on their behalf, these same victims give official statements to law enforcement and insurance companies by mistake. As a result, many men and women hurt in car crashes accept very low settlement offers without understanding that they deserve more.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car wreck due to someone else's negligence, you're probably wondering if there's a legal way to ease your suffering. At Nagle & Associates, our car accident attorneys in North Carolina can review the facts of your case, engage your insurance company, and help get the ball rolling on your personal injury claim so you can begin to heal and get back to a normal life.

Injury-Attorney
Auto Accident and Insurance

Nagle & Associates: The Authority on North Carolina Auto Accident and Insurance Law

Trying to find the top personal injury attorney in Rocky Mount, NC, might seem difficult on the surface, but when you learn that Nage & Associates only handles serious motor vehicle accidents, the choice is easy. With more than two decades of experience only handling North Carolina motor vehicle accident cases, we've successfully recovered over $500 million in compensation for our clients.

Our firm is highly focused, with a proven track record in traumatic medicine, insurance regulations, and personal injury lawsuits. Founding attorney Carl Nagle is a former insurance claims adjuster and former insurance company lawyer. He knows exactly how to confront the insurance adjusters who are working now to oppose your claims. We also have two retired North Carolina State Troopers and four licensed NC auto insurance adjusters on staff. Our team stands ready to represent you and helping car accident victims is all we do.

We excel in employing top crash reconstruction experts, working with police to investigate collisions, preserving crucial evidence to establish fault and legal responsibility, and effectively presenting medical evidence to maximize settlements and trial outcomes. Additionally, we are skilled in managing settlements, minimizing external claims on settlement funds, and ensuring the highest tax-free payments for our clients at the conclusion of each case. Like Stonewall Manor in Rocky Mount, NC, we stand tall for our clients when they're at their lowest.

We refuse to handle all other types of legal matters because we focus exclusively on cases involving the following:

  • Uninsured Motorist Accidents
  • Unsafe Lane Change Accidents
  • Uber and Lyft Accidents
  • Door Dash Accidents
  • Rollover Accidents
  • Distracted Driving Accidents
  • Work Zone Accidents
  • Fatal Car Accidents
  • Wrongful Death Accidents
  • Uninsured Motorist Accidents
  • Unsafe Lane Change Accidents
  • Uber and Lyft Accidents
  • Door Dash Accidents
  • Rollover Accidents
  • Distracted Driving Accidents
  • Work Zone Accidents
  • Fatal Car Accidents
  • Wrongful Death Accidents
Auto Accident and Random

At Nagle & Associates, we aim to be THE authority on auto accidents and insurance law in North Carolina. We know how to respond to the aftermath of a serious accident and how to approach insurance companies to command their respect. When you choose our law firm, you can rest easy knowing we will collect the highest payment possible for our clients in every case we oversee.

Your Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Rocky Mount, NC: The Nagle & Associates Difference

What makes Nagle & Associates stand out from the crowd? As your personal injury lawyer, we're passionate about providing the highest level of support when you're facing some of the most difficult times in your life. We will help solve your problems, and our entire staff truly cares about your financial concerns and your medical recovery. We will work tirelessly to protect and enforce your rights.

Clients recommend our personal injury lawyers to their friends and family members because we provide:

Most law firms in North Carolina accept a wide range of cases. Many handle divorce, tax and business law, criminal defense law, and bankruptcy along with personal injury cases. Firms that “only” handle personal injury law typically handle vehicle injury cases along with slip and fall, premises liability, dog bites, workers compensation and many different types of injury cases.

They don't focus purely on motor vehicle crash law. Our firm ONLY handles personal injury claims resulting from serious motor vehicle accidents. We are masters of the law in this arena and are prepared to protect your rights, establish fault, identify all at-fault parties, access all available insurance policies/coverage, and secure the maximum tax-free payment on all of your injury claims.

We only handle cases involving genuine injuries resulting from serious accidents. We're not talking about a fender bender in the parking lot of highest rated Tavern 19 Restaurant at Belmont Lake Preserve in Rocky Mount, NC. Our focus on high-value cases enables us to offer a reduced legal fee for settlements and trial verdicts. Nearly all other personal injury attorneys charge 1/3 of the settlement. If we take on your case, our fee is 1/4 of the settlement. With our more equitable fee, your share of the settlement is 75%, which is significantly more than the 66% portion that most firms allow.

Most personal injury law firms tack on additional expenses to their 1/3 legal fee. Those fees can include expenses such as postage, copy costs, administrative fees, and charges to outside vendors to collect medical bills and records. Our reduced 1/4 fee includes all case administration expenses.

Our attorney fees for cases that involve court proceedings are lower compared to what other personal injury lawyers charge. If the insurance company does not offer you fair payment, we will take legal action against all parties responsible and bring your case to trial. Other personal injury lawyers will take 40-44% of your injury claim money if a lawsuit is necessary. However, our fee for litigation is 1/3, which means that a larger portion of your personal injury compensation stays with you at the conclusion of your case.

Carl Nagle's extensive experience in both plaintiff and defense roles makes him a truly exceptional personal injury attorney in Rocky Mount, NC. He and his legal team now work only for individuals injured in vehicle accidents in North Carolina. Prior to focusing exclusively on representing crash victims, Carl Nagle spent several years working as an insurance claims adjuster in Atlanta. After graduating with top honors from the University of Georgia School of Law, Carl served as an insurance defense attorney. His firsthand experience in representing at-fault drivers and insurance companies enables him to predict and counter insurance defense tactics, and he knows how to push insurance companies to offer generous settlements in all cases.

We have seven offices spread across North Carolina, so there's likely one very close to you. Most things can be sorted out over the phone or by mail. Additionally, most cases are settled and result in payment with no court involvement, and this process can be managed without you having to leave your home. If your case needs to go to trial before a jury, we'll do this in your home county.

Associates Difference
Associates Difference

What Our Clients Say

Do You Really Need a Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Rocky Mount, NC?

You aren't obligated to hire a lawyer to settle an accident claim. However, having a lawyer represent you in negotiations with the insurance company likely will result in a larger settlement. According to a report by the Insurance Research Council, 85% of the funds disbursed for bodily injury claims went to individuals who had retained legal counsel.

Former adjuster Carl Nagle offers this warning – “Insurance adjusters work only for the insurance company, and their goal is to minimize payment in every case. They are cost-control experts and they have no legal obligation to tell you what they truly owe. Whenever possible, they will deny valid claims and pay people less than they deserve”.

NC crash victims with serious injuries legally have nothing more than a “cause of action”, which means a right to sue the at-fault driver. Insurance companies know that victims who handle their cases without a lawyer present do not intend to sue, and likely also have no idea what their case is worth. Unrepresented victims are offered less than they deserve, and many settle for pennies on the dollar.

If you hire an attorney, you pay nothing up front and your lawyer beings working for you immediately. We handle all insurance company communications, ensuring that a skilled adjuster cannot misquote you or trick you into forfeiting your rights. We handle crash investigations and the task of gathering all of your medical bills, medical records, lost wage evidence and other case proofs. This is homework you will have to handle if you don't have legal representation. We assemble the case and highlight the medical evidence which adds value to your settlement We then threaten to file a lawsuit on your behalf, and apply legal and financial leverage to push for the highest settlement offer. After settlement, we negotiate discounts on unpaid medical bills and on health insurance claims against your settlement money. All of these efforts protect your rights and result in the highest possible tax-free settlement payment landing in your pocket. And your attorney is paid only if and when we deliver money to you.

You Really Need

Victims of careless commercial drivers who have high-limits insurance policies and victims who suffer more severe injuries are targeted by insurance companies. Sadly, the more extensive your medical expenses and other losses resulting from a car accident, the greater the likelihood that the other motorist's insurance company will contest your claim. Victims in high-damage cases should always involve an attorney to build and present their personal injury case.

Insurance companies prioritize safeguarding their profits over fair treatment of crash victims. Attempting to navigate negotiations with insurance adjusters and company lawyers on your own puts you at a disadvantage, as insurance companies have vast experience minimizing claim payments and extensive legal teams helping them oppose your case. Hiring personal injury representation is also a wise idea when you're trying to deal with one or more of the following situations:

At-Fault Drivers

At-Fault Drivers Who Are Underinsured or Uninsured

Some motorists responsible for accidents don't have liability insurance or have only bought the lowest amount of insurance mandated by law. If you were involved in an accident caused by a driver without adequate insurance, a lawyer can assist in filing a claim with your own insurance coverage to compensate for the difference. We can often identify several policies that can be stacked together to vastly increase the pool of money available to pay your claims.

Severe Injuries

Severe Injuries

Complex injuries can necessitate costly medical treatment and long-term disability assistance. Without the guidance of a seasoned personal injury attorney, you may not be able to afford continuing care and upcoming medical expenses. Also, severe injuries often result in lasting or permanent symptoms and medical needs. Injury lawyers know how to retain VocReha experts and medical experts to develop the evidence which allows us to collect for future lost wages, future medical needs, and future pain and suffering.

Property Damage

Property Damage

A personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for the damage caused to your vehicle, and arrange for an independent assessment to determine repair costs. When a client retains us to handle their injury claims, we handle all property damage claims for free. We never charge to help with vehicle repairs, total loss claims or help securing a rental car.

Contributory Fault Rules

Contributory Fault Rules

In North Carolina, we have the “pure contributory negligence” law. In this state, if a crash victim contributes slightly to causing their accident or injuries, they have no right to present ANY claims. If you are just 1% at fault, you get nothing for your car damage or injury claims. Insurance companies always try to place blame on victims injured in car accidents. By hiring a lawyer early, we make sure you never make a statement that kills your case. We also investigate the crash early and gather evidence proving all other drivers' fault, and proving that you were innocent and could not avoid the collision.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death

Losing a family member in a car accident is horrible, but it's even more tragic when they perish due to someone else's negligence. Surviving family members have a right to claim wrongful death benefits, but insurance companies will not simply volunteer fair payment. While you grieve the loss of your loved one, your wrongful death attorney can build the strongest case to help you secure justice and cover financial losses related to the death of your family member.

Call a Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Rocky Mount, NC, if You're in One of These Car Accidents

A traffic collision, also referred to as a car accident, happens when a vehicle crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other obstructions. Vehicle collisions can lead to different levels of vehicle damage, injuries to people inside, and, in some cases, even death. Annual reports from the past few years have indicated a consistent rise in vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities in North Carolina. The state recorded over 273,000 car crashes in 2022, leading to in excess of 110,000 injuries.

If you're in one of the following types of car crashes, you should contact an auto accident lawyer ASAP:

Head-On Collisions

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision happens when two vehicles' front ends collide. This type of accident often results in very serious injuries and, sometimes, fatalities.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when the front of one automobile crashes into the back of another vehicle. This type of collision happens most often when a driver fails to pay attention or is tailgating another driver.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe Accidents

When two vehicles are moving parallel to one another and make contact – usually due to an improper lane change – a sideswipe collision happens.

T-Bone Collision

T-Bone Collision

In a side-impact collision, one automobile crashes into the side of another, creating a “T” shape. These car wrecks are known to happen at intersections and typically produce serious injuries.

Multi-Car Pileup

Multi-Car Pileup

These auto wrecks are also known as chain reaction collisions and happen when three or more automobiles collide in a series of collisions. Multi-car pileups are known to happen in dense traffic and on large roadways like the busiest interstate highway in Rocky Mount, NC.

Rollovers

Rollovers

When a vehicle turns over on its side or on its roof, a rollover accident occurs, which can have catastrophic consequences for the driver and also for other motorists.

Regardless of the type of car accident you're involved in, you should know that North Carolina adheres to a fault-based system for wrecks. That means the driver found responsible for causing the wreck is usually accountable for the resulting damages. However, it's important to note that North Carolina also follows the pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if a plaintiff is found even partially at fault for the accident, they might be unable to collect payment for their property damage and injury claims.

While insurance companies should provide a lump sum to cover all accident-related expenses, in many cases, the amount they are willing to offer is typically unfair and insufficient without help from an experienced auto accident lawyer like Carl Nagle.

Follow These Steps After an Auto Accident in North Carolina

Whether you're driving near Nash Community College Continuing Education and Public Safety Building in Rocky Mount, NC or taking a short ride to the store, a car crash can happen in a split second. When it does, it can leave you confused and disoriented. However, taking quick action after an accident can help preserve your rights if you're injured. Keep these steps in mind if you're ever involved in a car wreck in North Carolina:

  • Swap insurance info with other drivers involved in the accident.
  • Get treated by a doctor to diagnose injuries caused by the auto accident.
  • If you're given a treatment plan by your doctor, be sure to follow the recovery instructions.
  • If you undergo treatment or rehab for your injuries, use your health insurance to fund all medical care. This protects your credit and will increase case value.
  • Get a copy of the police report for your auto accident.
  • Save any invoices, bills, and receipts relating to medical costs you have to pay to treat yourself or to repair property damage.
  • If you're injured in a car accident and have to take time off of work, have a doctor provide a work disability note to show that you are missing work for medical reasons. Also, try to get copies of your pay stubs that reflect your pay prior to your accident.
  • Reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as you're able to do so. Even if you chose not to hire a lawyer, a consultation with a personal injury lawyer is free and can typically be accomplished with a phone call. Learn your rights before you start cooperating with the insurance adjuster who is being paid to oppose your claims.
Follow These Steps

If someone's actions or lack of action caused you harm while driving, you may have a valid personal injury claim. There are many types of physical and emotional injuries that fall into different categories. At Nagle & Associates, P.A., we'll work with you one-on-one to gather evidence that can prove your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you were in a collision involving a drunk driver, hit while walking to work, or sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, our goal is to help you collect the full amount of compensation that the law allows.

Call Your Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Rocky Mount, NC, for a Free Consultation

At Nagle & Associates, we're proud to provide clients with the highest level of support when they are facing some of the most difficult challenges imaginable. We pledge to provide them with reliable legal representation and treat them with respect, compassion, and empathy. If you're suffering from the results of a major auto accident in North Carolina, know that we're here to help in any way that we're able.

Our team of car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to help you confront and solve your most immediate problems, to build the strongest personal injury case on your behalf, and to collect the highest amount of compensation through settlement or trial. When you or your family's health and financial security are on the line, don't settle for less – choose Nagle & Associates, P.A., today.

Case Review

Latest News in Rocky Mount, NC

Rocky Mount business owners speak 1 week after tornado: 'Warnings hit different now'

Akilah Davishttps://abc11.com/post/rocky-mount-business-owners-speak-1-week-after-tornado-warnings-hit-different-now/15393760/

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friday was Alex Burgess' first time back at his business, Alpha Automotive, since a tornado sent him to the hospital. The brace he wore and the abrasions on his back paint a picture of what he experienced a week ago."I have a fractured spine, seven broken ribs, and a torn MCL in my knee," said Burgess.He ...

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friday was Alex Burgess' first time back at his business, Alpha Automotive, since a tornado sent him to the hospital. The brace he wore and the abrasions on his back paint a picture of what he experienced a week ago.

"I have a fractured spine, seven broken ribs, and a torn MCL in my knee," said Burgess.

He was working on the car that was still on the lift inside his shop when the tornado touched down. It happened so fast that Burgess and his partner didn't have time to run.

"He had his head cut open, hips injured and even broke his ankle," he said. "He's recovering."

Burgess said cinder blocks flew as strong winds leveled some of the buildings and shattered windows of more than a dozen of his customers' cars.

"Sometimes I feel like I let some people down," said Burgess.

It's clear by the damage it's going to take the business owners in the area a while to get back on their feet. There's no timeline on when they will reopen.

The Hing Ta Restaurant sits next door and Eduardo Luna was inside eating at the time of the storm's arrival.

"A table trapped my leg and somebody helped me get out," he said.

ALSO SEE: 5 Rocky Mount buildings deemed 'unsafe' after EF3 tornado

Luna was thankful he wasn't sitting in his car that now has a beam through the driver's seat. The front door of the restaurant was damaged and he was among many customers who had a hard time getting out.

"It was a little hole where everybody comes out. They crawled out," he said.

Valerie McClure's mom has owned the restaurant for 29 years.

"We had the structural engineer come out yesterday. We're going to present that to the city inspector to see if we can salvage any of the supplies on the inside," she said.

McClure works down the road at the Pfizer plant that was destroyed a year ago. Her family was impacted by storms two years in a row.

"Tornado warnings hit differently now," she said. "We take that very seriously."

The plan is to demo the entire dining area and add fencing around the property, but over at Alpha Automotive, the damage is far worse than the owner could imagine. It's why he started an online fundraiser: Fundraiser by Johnny Parrish: Support Alex's Recovery and Shop Rebuilding

"I'm one of those ones who don't ask for help, but the person I was renting from didn't have insurance," Burgess said.

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Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

5 Rocky Mount buildings deemed 'unsafe' after EF3 tornado

Elaina Athanshttps://abc11.com/post/rocky-mount-tornado-5-buildings-deemed-unsafe-after-ef3-tears-nash-county-city/15376106/

The National Weather Service says the powerful twister brought 140 mph winds.ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Removal started Monday on destroyed vehicles that were lodged inside a Rocky Mount business during Friday's EF3 tornado. City leaders have not yet given the green light ...

The National Weather Service says the powerful twister brought 140 mph winds.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Removal started Monday on destroyed vehicles that were lodged inside a Rocky Mount business during Friday's EF3 tornado. City leaders have not yet given the green light to clean up the debris.

Five buildings have been deemed unsafe in the wake of the twister and damage it left behind.

The City is waiting for a structural engineer to assess the buildings.

"That's the thing we worry about with damage like this is structural integrity," said Rocky Mount Plans Inspector Luis Ramirez. "There's a lot of weight involved."

City leaders said a medical supply building sustained the most damage and there are at least 100 oxygen tanks here. They are flammable and could combust.

"There are some oxygen tanks still in these vans that were set for delivery, but in the building itself, there are a large number of oxygen tanks," said Ramirez.

Rocky Mount is waiting for a company to remove the oxygen tanks.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey toured the damage and tried to assure residents that the department was there to help.

"If it's a business, and they had a commercial policy, it should be covered. If it's a homeowner and they had regular home damage, if a tree limb blows through somebody's roof, something like that, that's generally covered," said Causey.

The National Weather Service said the powerful twister brought winds of 140 mph.

K&W Cafeteria sits right next to where buildings were destroyed.

Manager Clarence Furse was working Friday. He said about 20 staff members and customers narrowly missed being hit by the tornado.

"I heard this loud pop sound and then a real booming sound, real loud. and the lights went out and you know, everybody was scared," he said.

There were no fatalities.

Ten people were rushed to UNC Health Nash after the tornado. Everyone has been treated at the hospital and released.

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Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Rocky Mount tornado survivor shares terrifying experience: 'God brought us through'

Akilah Davishttps://abc11.com/post/rocky-mount-tornado-survivor-shares-terrifying-experience-god-brought-us/15369333/

"It happened so fast. It was a matter of seconds."ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- You can tell by talking to Clarence First he's a man of faith.First is a manager at the K & W Cafeteria next to the destruction Hurricane Helene left behind."God brought us through," he said. "For that tornado to hit right in...

"It happened so fast. It was a matter of seconds."

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- You can tell by talking to Clarence First he's a man of faith.

First is a manager at the K & W Cafeteria next to the destruction Hurricane Helene left behind.

"God brought us through," he said. "For that tornado to hit right in back of us and not hit this building, I thank him for covering us."

First walked Eyewitness News through the terrifying moments a tornado touched down within steps of where he works. He was standing at the buffet line with a few employees demanding all customers take cover in the restrooms.

"It happened so fast. It was a matter of seconds. I heard this loud popping sound ..booming sound and the lights went out," he said. "One of the customers started praying. Employees were hollering. A lot of people were crying."

According to First, power in the area was out for nearly 24 hours. He showed off a light dangling from the entrance of K & W that was minor damage compared to the devastation behind the restaurant.

ALSO SEE: Helene blamed for 3 deaths in North Carolina, historic flooding and at least 4 tornadoes

Clarence First

The storm system tore through Rocky Mount's business district along Tiffany Boulevard, which remains shut down. Some of the damage includes windows blown out of cars, dumpsters flipped over, a roof collapse and a medical supply store completely wiped out.

"When I saw it yesterday, I was like wow. I was praying nobody was in the building that I knew," said Robert Green.

He used to shop at the medical supply store and drove from Whitakers to get a closer look at the damage. Green took pictures so he could add them to his collection at home.

"This is going to go up. even when it came through Dortches and hit the pharmaceutical plant. It's pictures like that I take," he said.

According to the City of Rocky Mount, "police will monitor the properties to ensure the safety and security of the area." Rebuilding could likely take months.

The aftermath of Helene is also felt and seen from eastern to western North Carolina. Federal agencies have advice for residents.

"When it's safe to do so, document whatever damage you may have. Take pictures and report that to your insurance," said Erik Hooks Deputy Administrator with FEMA.

RELATED: At least 56 dead and millions without power after Helene's deadly march across southeastern US

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Cleanup is underway in Rocky Mount after EF-3 tornado leaves trail of damage

ABC11 Raleigh-Durhamhttps://abc11.com/post/nc-tornado-rocky-mount-begins-cleanup-after-stemmed-helene-left-trail-damage-injuries/15367427/

Rocky Mount Mayor C. Saunders Roberson, Jr. declared a state of emergency, and it will be in place until 5 p.m. on Sunday.ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- The effects of Helene touched all parts of our state.The most severe impact we saw in our area is in Rocky Mount after...

Rocky Mount Mayor C. Saunders Roberson, Jr. declared a state of emergency, and it will be in place until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- The effects of Helene touched all parts of our state.

The most severe impact we saw in our area is in Rocky Mount after a tornado ripped through Friday. ABC11 crews are on the scene as cleanup is underway.

The 100-yard-wide tornado was an EF-3 with 140 mph winds and traveled for a quarter-mile, according to the National Weather Service.

An automotive repair shop and a restaurant were among 14 buildings on Tiffany Boulevard that sustained heavy damage, with some having roofs and walls torn away. Several vehicles were also damaged.

Crews on the ground for cleanup and assessments. Rocky Mount Mayor C. Saunders (Sandy) Roberson, Jr. declared a state of emergency, and it will be in place until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

WATCH | Cleanup crews on ground after Rocky Mount tornado

The tornado happened in the middle of the day with people outside and out dining with friends and family.

ABC11 spoke with witness Sonny Cardinelli Friday, who was inside the Hing Ta restaurant when the tornado moved through.

Cardinelli said he got as many people as he could under the table. He could hear items and debris falling on the table and around him.

"We were sitting there, we kept getting the tornado alerts, and then some of my family members told me that there was a tornado in the area," he said. "So, me and my granddaughter and a friend of hers ... sitting at the table, and I went to get my plate and when I seen the chimes going around and everything started spinning, so I ran to them and grabbed everyone I could and we went under the table. We were lucky."

Keisha Justice was inside her store, Pretty Essentials Women's Boutique, in the shopping center when the tornado struck.

"The front is completely gone," Justice said Friday of her business, which services cancer patients.

Rocky Mount Fire Chief Darvin Moore said 15 people were injured, four seriously, related to the tornado.

There was also at least one other confirmed tornado in Sampson County. It packed winds of 95 mph and traveled more than 3 miles, snapping trees and knocking down power poles on Helltown Road near Garland.

Three deaths in North Carolina are among the dozens of storm-related deaths nationwide.

The storm, now a post-tropical cyclone, is expected to hover over the Tennessee Valley into the weekend, the National Storm Center said. Several flood and flash flood warnings remain in effect in parts of the south and central Appalachians. High wind warnings are also issued in parts of Tennessee and Ohio.

Cleanup Resources & More

Crisis Cleanup has issued a number available for folks to call for assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene: (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but not guaranteed. The hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11.

Crisis Cleanup has issued the phone number available for folks to call for assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene. Call (844) 965-1386.All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11, 2024. pic.twitter.com/8VauFN02C9

— NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) September 28, 2024

You can report a power outage at 57801, use the Duke Energy app or their website.

You can check for road closures due to the storm.

'Terrible' Helene leaves western NC with major flooding, all roads declared closed

Lake Lure Dam no longer at risk of breaching following inspection, emergency officials say

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Copyright © 2024 ABC11-WTVD-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved - The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Rocky Mount residents thankful tornado wasn't worse: 'It was scary'

Bianca Holmanhttps://abc11.com/post/helene-rocky-mount-residents-thankful-tornado-wasnt-worse-was-scary/15365793/

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- This tornado showed no mercy, picking up cars like toys and tossing them hundreds of yards. Rocky Mount residents are thankful that the tornado was not fatal.Sonny Caridnale recalled the moments the twister touched down. It was just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, as he was out to eat with his family along North Wesleyan Boule...

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- This tornado showed no mercy, picking up cars like toys and tossing them hundreds of yards. Rocky Mount residents are thankful that the tornado was not fatal.

Sonny Caridnale recalled the moments the twister touched down. It was just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, as he was out to eat with his family along North Wesleyan Boulevard.

"Everything was spinning inside the room. Bricks. Everything was going around in circles in there. And we just all grabbed and went up under the tables," said Sonny Cardinale. "There was still stuff hitting us, in the back and on top of us."

According to Rocky Mount Emergency Management, 15 people were hurt, four of whom had serious injuries, and 14 buildings were damaged, 11 extensively. Cardinale and others helped to pull out one man pinned under the debris. On the other side of the shopping center, Keisha Justice who serves cancer patients shared a similar account.

I heard someone screaming. There was people that were in that building. And with that, all I heard was help, help.- Keisha Justice

"I heard those sounds and I told him I was like, let's, let's run it, let's take cover. And so we went to the bathroom, which is what we knew was the safest place to be," said Justice of Pretty Essentials Women's Boutique.

When Justice looked out her doors seconds later, she saw a medical supply business demolished.

"I heard someone screaming. There was people that were in that building. And with that, all I heard was help, help," Justice said. "She was covered with bricks, and the only thing I could do at that point was call 911 because I was too afraid to come out. I didn't know if the tornado was circled back around or if it was done."

Justice described the view as a war zone. Vehicles tossed across the parking lot; windows busted; signs ripped like paper; and light posts strung like yarn.

Hair stylist Demetrius Barnes was thankful she was able to keep a young client calm.

"It's amazing what a storm can do. And we were just spared. It could've been worse," said Barnes.

People living in the nearby Tiffany Park Apartments were also affected. Metal siding and large branches were scattered across the parking lot, making it difficult to drive.

Kaishaun Brown and Jordan Auston, had frightening moments during their day off from school, with a large tree limb breaking a window.

"It fell on my dresser, on the TV stand, near my Xbox, glass, the whole part on the window is on the floor," said Kaishaun.

"It was scary. I was hoping everyone was OK," said Jordan.

Rocky Mount residents and emergency crews will continue to assess the damage and clean up into the weekend.

A State of Emergency has been declared by Mayor Sandy Roberson. It is in place till 5 p.m. Sunday.

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