If you were injured in an accident in Wilmington, NC, you may be entitled to compensation. You may be facing large medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering that can make taking legal action seem virtually impossible. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are ready to fight for the money you need to rebuild your life while you focus on your health.
Our Wilmington personal injury lawyers bring over 190 years of combined experience to every case and have secured over $850 million for accident victims across North Carolina. We are proud to stand up for injured victims in our local area and take on even the most powerful insurance companies in response.
Our award-winning team is ready to help. Contact us today at 800-525-7111 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights after an accident.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers To Handle Your Personal Injury Case in Wilmington, North Carolina?
Hiring the right personal injury lawyer after an accident can make all the difference in the success of your case. Insurance companies are not on your side because their goal is to maximize their profits and settle your claim quickly for as little as possible. Without experienced legal help, you could end up with far less than you deserve.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we know how to hold insurance companies accountable. We understand how North Carolina’s laws work and have decades of experience navigating the Wilmington court system.
When you hire our Wilmington personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your accident internally
- Gather strong evidence like medical records, police reports, and witness accounts
- Consult with leading experts to strengthen your case
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court in New Hanover County if necessary
Our personal injury law firm is known for getting results and standing up to tough opposition. We will be in your corner every step of the way. Call our law offices today to get started with a free case review with a Wilmington personal injury attorney.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case in Wilmington, NC?
Many accident victims wonder whether they have a valid legal case.
In North Carolina, you may have a valid personal injury claim if:
- Someone else acted carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully
- Their actions caused you to suffer harm
- You experienced losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering
Some common examples of personal injury cases include:
- Car accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving
- Slip and fall accidents due to unsafe property conditions
- Medical mistakes and healthcare negligence
- Injuries from dangerous or defective products
If you believe someone else’s actions caused your injury, it is important to speak with a lawyer. Contact our Wilmington personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation to find out if you have a claim.
Why Should I Hire a Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyer?
Handling a personal injury case without legal help can be risky, to say the least. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their profits. Having a lawyer on your side can help you level the playing field and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Here’s how Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can make a difference:
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Without an attorney, you might be pressured into accepting a settlement that does not fully cover your losses. We will fight to make sure you are treated fairly and that all of your damages are considered.
We Will Work With Experts To Prove Your Case
Personal injury claims often require expert support to prove fault or explain the extent of injuries. We partner with respected doctors, accident reconstructionists, and financial experts to build a strong case for you.
We’ll Protect You From Being Blamed
In North Carolina, even a small amount of fault could prevent you from recovering any compensation. Our trial attorneys know how to fight back against insurance company tactics that try to place blame on injury victims.
We’ll Handle the Stress While You Focus on Healing
After an accident, your focus should be on your recovery. We will manage every part of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can concentrate on getting better.
We Handle All Types of Personal Injury Cases in Wilmington, NC
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources needed to handle nearly any type of injury claim. No matter how you were hurt, we are ready to stand up for you.
Our Wilmington personal injury practice areas include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents and auto accidents as a whole are among the leading causes of injury in Wilmington. If another driver’s negligence caused your crash, our Wilmington car accident lawyers can pursue damages for medical costs, lost income, property damage, and more.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable on the road and often suffer severe injuries. Our Wilmington motorcycle accident attorneys understand these cases and know how to demand full compensation.
Truck Accidents
Crashes involving semi-trucks and commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. Our Wilmington truck accident lawyers know how to investigate these complex cases and hold trucking companies accountable.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare providers make careless mistakes, patients suffer. Our Wilmington medical malpractice attorneys can help you seek justice if you were harmed by medical negligence.
Dog Bites
Dog attacks can cause serious injuries and emotional trauma, especially for children. If a negligent dog owner allowed their pet to injure you, our Wilmington dog bite lawyers can help you pursue a claim.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls caused by unsafe property conditions can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and other injuries. Our Wilmington slip and fall attorneys know how to prove liability and recover compensation for your losses.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are at high risk for serious injuries when drivers fail to yield or pay attention. Our Wilmington pedestrian accident attorneys fight for victims who were hit by negligent drivers.
Even if you need help with a different type of case, such as a workers’ compensation claim, product liability case, or intentional tort claim (such as an assault), we are ready to help. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free case evaluation and find out how we can assist you.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina?
You might worry about how much it costs to hire a lawyer after an accident. The good news is that most Wilmington personal injury lawyers, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you do not have to pay anything upfront to hire our attorneys. There are no hourly fees or flat rates. Instead, we only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court award.
If we do not win compensation for your case, you owe us nothing for attorney’s fees. During your free consultation, we will explain in detail how the contingency fee agreement works so there are no surprises.
What Damages Are Available to Wilmington Accident Victims?
In a personal injury case, damages are meant to help compensate you for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you have suffered.
There are two main types of compensatory damages available:
Economic Damages
Economic (special) damages cover financial losses that are easy to calculate, such as:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you missed time from work
- Future loss of earning ability if you cannot return to the same type of work
- Property damage, including repairs to your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
An experienced personal injury team can evaluate the extent of your financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic (general) damages account for personal losses that do not have a specific dollar amount, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or support
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
In rare cases that go to trial, punitive damages might also be awarded. However, these damages require stronger evidence, and the opposing party must have acted with “fraud,” “malice,” or “willful or wanton conduct.”
Our Wilmington personal injury attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to ensure that all your economic and non-economic damages are properly documented and included in your claim.
How Much Is My Wilmington Personal Injury Case Worth?
Every case is different, so the value of your claim will depend on a number of important factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care and treatment
- How much income you have lost, and whether you can return to work
- How the injury impacts your daily life and activities
- Whether you are left with permanent injuries or scarring
- The strength of the evidence proving fault and damages
- How much insurance coverage is available
Severe injuries that result in permanent disabilities usually lead to larger settlements or verdicts. However, even injuries that seem less serious can have a significant impact on your life and deserve fair compensation.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we will work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to accurately calculate the full value of your case. We are committed to making sure you are not left with unpaid bills or uncovered losses.
What if I Am Partially at Fault for My Wilmington Personal Injury Accident?
North Carolina follows one of the strictest rules regarding shared fault, called contributory negligence. Under this law, if you are found even one percent at fault for causing the accident, you could be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule against injury victims. They may argue that you were partly to blame for your injuries to avoid paying your claim.
Our experienced Wilmington personal injury lawyers know how to fight back. We will gather strong evidence, present clear arguments, and protect your right to recover the money you need.
Personal Injury FAQs
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in North Carolina?
North Carolina law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have just three years from the date of your accident to take legal action.
If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Some cases, such as those involving government entities or wrongful death claims, may have different time limits.
To protect your rights, it is important to speak with a Wilmington personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. We can help you file your claim on time and preserve crucial evidence while it is still available.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence is the legal basis for most personal injury claims. In simple terms, negligence means that someone failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have used under the same circumstances.
To win a negligence claim, you must prove four elements:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a legal duty to act reasonably and safely.
- Breach of duty: They violated that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation: Their actions caused your injuries. Two forms of causation must be established, direct and proximate.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses, like medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Our Wilmington personal injury lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to prove each part of your claim. We will use police reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness testimony to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Will My Personal Injury Case in Wilmington Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going all the way to trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle when they see that a strong case has been prepared against them.
However, some cases do end up in court when the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. If that happens, our trial-tested attorneys are ready to represent you aggressively in the courtroom.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach shows insurance companies that we are serious, and it often leads to better settlement offers for our clients. Contact our personal injury attorneys in North Carolina today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
How Long Will My Wilmington Personal Injury Case Take?
The timeline for a personal injury case depends on many factors, including:
- How long your medical treatment lasts
- The complexity of your case
- How willing the insurance company is to negotiate
- Whether the case goes to trial
Cases involving minor injuries may settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries could take a year or longer.
We understand that waiting for a resolution can be stressful. That is why we work efficiently and keep you informed throughout the process. We will always prioritize getting you the best possible outcome, even if it takes a little longer.
Contact Our Experienced Wilmington Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. If you were hurt because someone else was careless, you deserve experienced legal representation to fight for your rights.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have 190 years of combined experience standing up for accident victims in Wilmington and throughout North Carolina. We have recovered over $850 million for our clients, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you.