A car crash caused by someone else can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, paychecks stop coming in, and insurance adjusters start calling. You may wonder whether you really need a lawyer when the crash clearly was not your fault.
In North Carolina, getting legal help is often the fastest way to protect your health, your finances, and your future, and understanding why can save you stress and money. Continue reading to learn more about what makes hiring a lawyer after your car accident a good idea.
Fault and Liability in North Carolina Crashes
North Carolina uses the strict pure contributory fault rule. Under this rule, you can lose the right to collect compensation if the insurance company proves you were even 1 percent responsible.
Insurers know this and look for small details to blame you, such as a broken taillight or a few miles over the speed limit. Because one tiny mistake can erase your claim, building strong evidence from day one is critical.
Hidden Costs After a No-Fault Crash
Even when someone else caused the wreck, you still face immediate expenses. Hospital visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, and prescription medicine can cost thousands of dollars. You might miss work for weeks or months. Your car may be totaled or need major repairs.
Future costs like ongoing pain management, surgeries, or lost earning power can be even higher. These hidden expenses quickly turn a “simple” crash into a long-term financial strain.
How Insurance Companies Handle “Not-At-Fault” Claims
Insurance adjusters often sound friendly, but their job is to save the company money. They may offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries, ask for recorded statements to twist your words, or delay payments, hoping you will give up.
Adjusters also study North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule and try to pin minimal blame on you. Without legal guidance, it is easy to accept less than you deserve.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A lawyer starts by gathering crash reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to prove the other driver’s fault. They calculate every past and future expense, including pain and suffering. Your attorney then sends a formal demand to the insurer and handles all communication, so you never talk directly with adjusters.
If negotiations stall or the other side refuses to make an adequate offer, the lawyer files a lawsuit and represents you in court. This process shifts the work and stress away from you and places pressure on the insurer to pay a fair amount.
When Hiring a Lawyer Makes the Most Sense
Legal help is especially valuable when injuries are severe, treatment lasts more than a few doctor visits, a family member is killed, or liability is unclear. It also helps if multiple vehicles are involved or a commercial truck driver caused the crash.
In these situations, the damages are high, and insurers fight harder, making professional representation essential.
North Carolina Laws That Make Legal Help Critical
You generally have only three years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years for a wrongful-death case. Important evidence, such as skid marks or surveillance footage, can disappear much sooner.
A lawyer moves quickly to preserve proof, hires accident scene experts if needed, and ensures deadlines are met. Missing even one deadline can end your claim.
Choosing the Right Lawyer and Understanding Fees
Look for a North Carolina personal injury attorney with experience handling car crashes, a record of substantial verdicts, and positive client reviews.
Good lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, meaning they get paid only if they win money for you. Typical fees range from 33 percent to 40 percent of the recovery, and they advance the costs of experts and court filings. Because the fee comes from the settlement, anyone can afford quality representation.
The Timeline of a Claim With a Lawyer
First, the lawyer investigates and sends a demand letter, usually within one to two months. Depending on medical recovery, negotiations can last a few weeks to several months. If talks fail, a lawsuit is filed, and the discovery phase begins, allowing both sides to exchange evidence.
Most car accident cases settle before trial, often within 12 to 18 months. Throughout the process, your lawyer keeps you informed and handles every legal task, allowing you to focus on healing.
Contact Our Garner Car Accident Lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A crash you did not cause should not ruin your finances or your future, yet North Carolina’s strict negligence rule and tough insurance tactics can make recovery difficult. Hiring a skilled Garner car accident lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers levels the playing field, shields you from insurer pressure, and maximizes the money you receive.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
252-397-7400
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
919-459-7855
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
919-759-6963
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-910-1860
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
252-397-0134
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-781-7980
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
336-395-5349
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
919-925-6039
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
910-387-0861
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
910-889-3926
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-396-6310
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers - Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529