Were you hurt in a car accident in Charlotte, NC? If so, call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers at 800-525-7111 for legal guidance. You may be entitled to financial compensation, and our Charlotte car accident lawyers are ready to fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
Our legal team has 190 years of combined legal experience advocating for accident victims throughout North Carolina. We have a demonstrated record of success, having secured over $850 million for our clients. We’re dedicated to getting justice and financial relief for the individuals we represent.
If you were involved in a crash, don’t wait. Contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we understand the pressure you’re under when dealing with the overwhelming aftermath of a motor vehicle accident in North Carolina. Our team has successfully handled a wide variety of car accident cases, and we’ve recovered substantial settlements and court awards for our clients. We’re committed to dealing with every detail of your claim so that you can focus on healing.
When you hire our Charlotte personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Explain your legal rights under North Carolina law
- Conduct a full investigation to determine liability
- Gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical expenses records, and witness statements
- Work with experts to strengthen your case
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Provide honest advice about any settlement offers
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
If you’re struggling with auto accident injuries, you likely have many questions. We’re here to provide answers. Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today to discuss your case and get the guidance you need.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
A car accident lawyer in Charlotte can help you deal with an auto insurance company. They’re in the business of protecting their profits, and not looking out for your best interests, so the insurer may pressure you into accepting less money than you deserve.
With an experienced car accident attorney by your side, you have someone to:
- Level the playing field: We can protect your rights and challenge unfair insurance tactics, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Work with experts: If necessary, your lawyer will coordinate with medical specialists and accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Handle every aspect of your claim: Your attorney will handle the legal legwork while you focus on your recovery.
Car accident victims with legal representation tend to receive more compensation than those who go it alone. Let us be the advocates you need during this difficult time.
How Much Money Can I Get from a Car Accident Case?
Every auto accident claim is unique, and the value of your case will depend on several factors.
When our car accident attorneys are reviewing the details of your case, we’ll consider the following:
- The extent and severity of your injuries
- Whether you need ongoing medical care or therapy
- Time missed from work and any reductions in your earning ability
- Your pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Insurance policy limits and available coverage
Severe injuries often lead to higher settlements due to long-term impacts and needs. Our goal is to account for every loss you’ve suffered and pursue the maximum compensation available.
What Is North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits (including those involving crashes) is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit your ability to seek maximum compensation.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
Don’t lose your right to compensation over a procedural error. It’s critical to speak with a North Carolina car accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What Types of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?
Car crash victims in Charlotte may be entitled to recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the financial losses and impacts resulting from the traffic collision, such as:
- Medical bills for emergency room services, hospital stays, treatment, etc.
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs and other property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional toll of the accident, including:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Permanent disability
In specific cases, you can also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages aren't meant to compensate for your losses but rather to punish the defendant. For instance, if you suffered severe injuries due to a drunk driver, a judge might award punitive damages.
An experienced Charlotte auto accident lawyer from our team will identify every loss you've suffered and fight to ensure that you're fully compensated.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most car accident attorneys in Charlotte, including those at Riddle & Riddle, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket – and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
If we win your case, we’ll receive an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t recover anything, you will not owe us any attorney’s fees.
This no-risk arrangement ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We can thoroughly explain our contingency fee terms during your free initial consultation.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Riddle & Riddle, we represent clients in all types of motor vehicle accident cases, from minor fender-benders to devastating fatal car accidents, including the following:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents are very common and frequently result from tailgating and careless driving. Even low-speed impacts can cause serious injuries like spinal damage or whiplash. Our Charlotte rear-end crash attorneys will investigate the collision, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you need to cover medical costs and lost income.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes often occur due to reckless driving, fatigue, and impaired motorists – and the results can be catastrophic. These crashes typically lead to severe or life-threatening injuries. If you were hurt in this type of accident, our Charlotte head-on crash lawyers are ready to pursue justice and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Crashes involving multiple vehicles can be chaotic and complex, especially on busy roadways. Determining fault often requires a thorough investigation and expert analysis. Our multi-vehicle accident lawyers will work to sort through conflicting accounts, identify all liable parties, and seek compensation for your damages.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are high-risk areas for collisions. Failure to yield, red-light violations, and distracted driving are common causes of these incidents. Victims may suffer serious injuries in side-impact or T-bone crashes. Our intersection accident attorneys will gather evidence, build a strong case, and help you seek a fair financial recovery while you focus on healing.
Highway Accidents
Highway crashes in and around the city frequently involve high speeds and serious consequences. These collisions can include rollovers, jackknife accidents, and pileups. Our highway accident lawyers will investigate the cause, handle the insurance battle, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to under North Carolina law.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted drivers are a leading cause of collisions across North Carolina. Texting, adjusting a GPS, or even eating behind the wheel can result in devastating accidents in seconds. Our Charlotte distracted driving accident lawyers will work to prove negligence and secure fair compensation for you.
We also handle:
- Hit and run accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- And more
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car wrecks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Chest injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Degloving injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Eye injuries
- Leg injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Ankle or wrist injuries
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents?
Car crashes often result from careless or reckless driving behaviors. Most accidents could be avoided with proper attention, adherence to traffic laws, and responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
Some of the most frequent causes of auto accidents include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Texting or using a phone
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield or obey right-of-way rules
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Road rage
Other factors – like defective auto parts, poor road maintenance, or inclement weather – can also play a role. Identifying what caused your crash is essential to building a strong case for compensation. Our attorneys will conduct a full investigation to determine liability and protect your rights.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The steps you take after a car crash can have a lasting impact on your health and any future insurance claims.
Here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
- Call 911 to report the accident. Request medical help if needed.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and contact details.
- Document the crash scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, debris, and traffic signs. Ask any eyewitnesses for their information, as well.
- Avoid admitting fault. Even seemingly casual statements can be used against you later. Let investigators determine what happened.
- Seek prompt medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. You may be unaware of underlying injuries, or your symptoms may be delayed. Your medical record will help prove that your injuries resulted from the collision.
- Contact a car crash lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.
Our legal team can step in immediately to protect your rights, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and begin building your case.
Can I Get Compensation If I Was Partly At-Fault for My Car Accident?
North Carolina follows a strict pure contributory negligence rule. That means if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the auto accident, you could be barred from recovering compensation from the other party.
Because of this harsh standard, insurance companies may try to shift even minimal blame onto you. That’s why it’s vital to have a knowledgeable lawyer by your side.
Our North Carolina personal injury lawyers will push back against unfair accusations and present solid evidence proving the other party’s liability.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Your chances of winning an auto accident lawsuit largely depend on the facts of your case. If liability is clear and your damages are well-supported, your likelihood of success increases.
Having an experienced auto accident attorney on your side can also make a big difference in your outcome. They will gather key evidence, deal with insurance companies, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Every case is unique, so a legal evaluation is the best way to understand the strength of your claim.
Car Accident FAQ
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
Proving liability in your personal injury case will depend on the circumstances of the traffic accident. Any driver or party who caused or contributed to the crash could share financial responsibility.
Potentially liable parties might include:
- Negligent drivers
- Trucking companies, suppliers, or truckers
- Motorcycle riders or bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Delivery companies
- Government agencies (e.g., for road hazards or poor signage)
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers (e.g., if defective brakes led to the crash)
- Employers of negligent drivers
Identifying who is accountable for your car accident injuries isn’t always easy. We’ll conduct a detailed investigation and pursue claims against all responsible parties.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident claims in North Carolina (around 95%) settle before ever reaching a courtroom. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to give our clients the best possible outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation.
We may need to take your case to court if:
- The insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement
- Fault for the crash is disputed
- You suffered significant or catastrophic injuries
- There are multiple liable parties
If you hire our respected trial attorneys, the other side will be more willing to take your personal injury claim seriously. We have the experience to fight for your rights, no matter what path your case takes.
Charlotte Car Accident Statistics
According to the most recent car accident statistics from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were 284,157 traffic crashes reported in 2023. This represented a 3.8% increase from the prior year.
The city of Charlotte experienced 32,932 crashes in 2023. Sadly, they resulted in 16,066 injuries and 105 fatalities.
Additionally, the city reported:
- 866 alcohol-related crashes
- 381 pedestrian accidents
- 96 bicycle accidents
Unsurprisingly, Charlotte had the most car accidents of any city in North Carolina. It accounted for around 12% of the state’s crashes in 2023.
Call Our Charlotte Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, Riddle & Riddle is here to support you. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face medical bills, lost wages, and aggressive insurance adjusters while trying to recover from your injuries.
Understanding who the at-fault party is and holding them accountable is central to a successful personal injury accident claim. That's why we offer a free legal consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Our Charlotte car accident attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call our law office today for a free case review to learn more about the legal process.
Car Accident Resources
- Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
- Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions