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Injured in a Car Accident in North Carolina?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Schedule a confidential consultation to find out how we can help.

  • Talk directly with an experienced car accident attorney
  • Serving drivers and passengers across North Carolina

Take the first step. Click below to schedule your case review today.

The crash wasn’t your fault. But now you’re facing mounting medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters pressuring you to accept a quick settlement that won’t cover your long-term needs.

North Carolina’s harsh contributory negligence law means that if the insurance company can pin even 1% of the blame on you, they can deny your entire claim. One wrong statement, one misunderstood fact, or one missed deadline could cost you everything.

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our North Carolina auto accident attorneys have helped injured victims recover the full compensation they deserve after serious crashes.

Don’t let the insurance company dictate your future. You have more power than you think, and we’re here to help you use it.

How We Handle Auto Accident Cases in North Carolina

After a crash, the playing field is uneven. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers working to minimize your claim from day one. Our job is to level that field and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.

Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation

The moments after a crash are critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate. Our team springs into action to:

  • Secure the crash scene evidence before it’s lost forever
  • Obtain police reports and accident reconstructions
  • Track down and interview witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Preserve vehicle damage evidence that shows impact forces
  • Gather medical records that document your injuries
  • Collect employment records to establish lost income

We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and financial analysts to build a complete picture of how the crash has affected your life – and what compensation you’ll need to recover.

Types of Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Our North Carolina car accident lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle crashes, including:

  • Head-on collisions that often cause catastrophic injuries or death
  • Rear-end crashes resulting in whiplash and spinal injuries
  • T-bone accidents at intersections that cause severe side-impact injuries
  • Rollover accidents leading to traumatic brain injuries and crushing injuries
  • Multi-vehicle pileups with complex liability issues
  • Hit-and-run accidents requiring specialized investigation
  • Rideshare crashes involving Uber or Lyft
  • Commercial vehicle accidents with trucks, delivery vans, and company cars
  • Motorcycle crashes resulting in serious road rash, fractures, and trauma
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents causing devastating injuries

No matter the type of crash, our team is prepared to investigate your case and help you explore your legal options.

North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law and Your Case

North Carolina is one of only four states that still follows the harsh doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation.

This makes having an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer absolutely critical. Insurance companies exploit this law to deny valid claims by trying to shift even minimal blame to injured victims.

Our attorneys know exactly how to counter these tactics by:

  • Thoroughly investigating to establish the other driver’s complete fault
  • Anticipating and addressing potential contributory negligence arguments
  • Identifying all potentially liable parties beyond just the other driver
  • Utilizing legal exceptions like “last clear chance” when applicable
  • Leveraging witness testimony and expert analysis to prove your case

We’ve successfully overcome contributory negligence challenges in countless cases, helping clients receive the compensation they deserved despite insurance company attempts to shift blame.

Damages You Can Recover After a North Carolina Car Accident

The financial impact of a serious auto accident extends far beyond your immediate medical bills. Our attorneys fight for full and fair compensation for all your losses, including:

Economic Damages

  • Current and future medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, medications, and therapy
  • Lost wages from missed work during recovery
  • Lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
  • Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
  • Home modifications if your injuries require wheelchair ramps or other accessibility changes
  • Long-term care costs for serious injuries requiring ongoing assistance

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you’ve endured
  • Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, following the crash
  • Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed
  • Loss of consortium for the impact on your relationship with your spouse
  • Permanent disfigurement or disability compensation for life-altering injuries

In cases involving grossly negligent behavior like drunk driving, we may also pursue punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Don’t Make These Mistakes After a North Carolina Car Accident

The actions you take immediately after an auto accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Avoid these common mistakes that can damage your case:

1. Delaying Medical Treatment

Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying treatment not only risks your health but also gives insurance companies reason to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

2. Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may elicit responses that hurt your claim. Never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. What seems like an innocent comment could be twisted to suggest you were partially at fault.

3. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Initial settlement offers are almost always far less than what your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought or require longer treatment.

4. Posting About Your Accident on Social Media

Insurance companies routinely monitor social media accounts for evidence they can use against you. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering could be used to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed, even if you were in significant pain when the photo was taken.

5. Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney

North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for most auto accident claims. However, waiting that long can significantly damage your case as evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.

The sooner you involve an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

Contact Our North Carolina Auto Accident Lawyers Today

At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious auto accident takes on you and your family.

Our team has the experience, resources, and determination to stand up to insurance companies and their teams of lawyers. We’ll handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

Serving clients throughout Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and all of North Carolina.

FAQs

How long will it take to resolve my car accident claim?

The timeline for resolving a car accident claim varies depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the cooperation of insurance companies. While some straightforward cases may settle within a few months, more complex cases involving serious injuries might take a year or longer, especially if litigation becomes necessary. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still ensuring you receive full compensation.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?

If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options for recovery. North Carolina requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and many drivers also purchase optional underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. These coverages allow you to file a claim with your own insurance company. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers can help you with these claims and ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under your policy.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt?

Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, not wearing a seatbelt could potentially be used against you. However, the “seatbelt defense” is not automatically applied in every case. Courts often consider whether your injuries would have occurred even if you had been wearing a seatbelt. Our experienced attorneys know how to counter these arguments and fight for your right to compensation regardless of seatbelt usage.

What happens if I was partially at fault for the accident?

North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it critical to have skilled legal representation that can effectively counter any arguments that you contributed to the crash.

Cases We Handle

Areas Served

IN RALEIGH:
333 Fayetteville Street,
Suite 1513
Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Direction
(919) 833-5555
IN MOREHEAD CITY:
810 Arendell Street
Morehead City,
NC 28557 Get Direction
(252) 251-5555
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