North Carolina Car Accident Attorneys
We Stand Up For You When It Matters Most
Millions of people are injured each year in car accidents, and several thousand are killed. Motor vehicle accidents can be extremely harmful, and the resulting damage can be long-lasting, if not permanent. You might suffer fractured bones, a concussion, or a spinal injury, depending on the type of accident and severity. Additionally, if you were injured in a crash, the recovery process can be made all the more difficult if your crash was caused by someone else’s negligence or mistake. If you were wrongfully injured due to a mechanical defect, product failure, driver error, or other act of carelessness, our firm wants to hear from you.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to take legal action against the wrongdoer. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers at CR Legal Team have more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured car accident survivors and their families, and we want to do our part to help you get back on your feet.
Are you dealing with another type of accident we didn’t mention above? Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and tell us about your situation.
North Carolina Car Accident Laws
Every state has its own set of laws governing auto accidents, and North Carolina is no exception. Understanding these rules is critical to building a strong case.
- Contributory Negligence Rule: North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence doctrine. This means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This rule makes it especially important to have experienced legal representation to fight against unfair blame.
- Statute of Limitations: In North Carolina, car accident victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If a loved one is killed in a crash, families typically have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
- Reporting Requirements: Drivers must report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to law enforcement. Failing to report can complicate insurance and legal claims.
- Insurance Requirements: North Carolina requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. However, damages often exceed these minimums, which is why many victims need to pursue claims beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in countless ways, but many stem from negligence or reckless behavior. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS, or even eating behind the wheel can cause dangerous distractions.
- Speeding: Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk.
- Failure to Yield or Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and improper lane changes are frequent causes of serious crashes.
- Reckless Driving: Tailgating, weaving in traffic, and aggressive driving behaviors can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, fog, snow, or poorly maintained roads can contribute to collisions.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The force of a collision can cause serious and life-altering injuries. Some of the most frequent injuries we see in car accident cases include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can strain muscles and ligaments in the neck.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to chronic pain, herniated discs, or even paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common in severe crashes.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs from blunt force trauma can be life-threatening.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Flying debris and shattered glass often cause visible wounds.
No matter the injury, our North Carolina car accident lawyer at CR Legal Team will work to ensure you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available for Injured Motorists
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills, including surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery, as well as diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous line of work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families who lose a loved one in a crash may recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
Because of North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, insurance companies often try to argue that victims share some level of fault to avoid paying claims. Having a seasoned attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights.
Car Accident Claim FAQs
Do I need to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim?
While not legally required, having a lawyer greatly increases your chances of securing full compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working against you—our firm levels the playing field.
How long will my car accident case take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the extent of injuries, and whether a settlement can be reached out of court. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. Our attorneys can review your policy and help pursue all available avenues for compensation.
How much is my case worth?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. An attorney can provide a clearer estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, call the police, gather evidence (photos, witness names, insurance details), and avoid admitting fault. Contacting a lawyer early can help protect your claim.
Let CR Legal Team Help You
At CR Legal Team, our North Carolina car accident attorneys care about doing what’s right in our community and in the courtroom. We are committed to finding the best possible outcome for our clients and we always go the extra mile to pursue justice on behalf of the wrongfully injured. Whether you were harmed in a damaging car accident or a botched surgery, we want to be there for you when you need it most.
Call (866) 691-0607to get in touch with our North Carolina car accident lawyers. We’re all traveling the same road – let’s move forward together.
