Were you or a family member involved in a car accident in Greenville, NC? If the accident was someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us at (252) 397-8620 to schedule a free consultation.
You can count on our team to help you get the results you need. Our attorneys have over 171 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We’ve recovered over $900 million in settlements and verdicts (see disclaimer below). If you choose us to handle your legal representation, we’re confident we can help you recover the maximum compensation available.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Greenville Car Accident
Even when liability for a crash in Greenville, North Carolina seems straightforward, victims don’t automatically receive fair compensation. The insurance company will likely play a significant role in your case. Dealing with a profit-driven insurance adjuster is anything but easy. After all, their goal is to keep their payouts as low as possible.
You don’t have to let them take advantage of you. An experienced Greenville personal injury attorney can help. Our attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers have nearly two centuries of legal experience between us. We’ve successfully handled countless personal injury claims. Moreover, members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and other prestigious legal organizations.
When you hire our Greenville car accident attorneys, our legal team will assist you by:
- Handling the investigation for your case
- Locating any evidence that can be used to establish liability
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Collaborating with leading experts who can strengthen your case
- Identifying all parties who are legally responsible for your damages
- Fiercely defending against allegations that you were responsible for the crash
- Handling all necessary paperwork and insurance details
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to secure a fair settlement
- Taking your case to trial and fighting before a judge and jury if necessary
We have garnered a strong reputation in the Greenville legal community. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can assist you with your case. As always, your consultation is completely free of charge.
Why To Hire Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer is ultimately about recovering the full compensation you deserve after a crash. Even after considering attorneys’ fees, you’re likely to walk away with much more money if you have an experienced attorney.
It’s important to remember that:
- Insurance companies have teams of experts and defense attorneys on their side. Your attorney can hire experts and specialists when their knowledge is necessary to prove complicated or contested elements of your case
- An experienced lawyer will have the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash and gather evidence to support your case
- You may be unfairly blamed for causing the crash, which can jeopardize your right to compensation. Your attorney will know how to fend off unfair allegations that you were responsible
- Injuries can make life really difficult. When you hire an experienced lawyer, you can take the time to focus fully on your recovery
While hiring an attorney isn’t necessary in every case, it’s always a good idea to consult an experienced lawyer. They can listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Key Factors That Affect the Value of a Car Accident Claim
Car accident claims can vary significantly in value. Some personal injury cases are worth a few thousand dollars, while others can be worth millions.
Some key considerations when evaluating your case value include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Your financial expenses, including medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs
- The value of any lost income
- Damage to your future quality of life
- Your ability to return to work at the same earning capacity
- Whether you will suffer a permanent disability
- The strength of the evidence
- The strength of any allegations that you share fault
Accurately assessing the value of a car accident claim can be difficult, especially if the injuries are severe. It’s always a good idea to consult an experienced attorney who has handled cases like yours before.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Greenville?
You only have a limited timeframe in which to take legal action after a car accident. The statute of limitations in North Carolina is typically three years for personal injury cases. Failing to file a lawsuit within three years of the accident means you’ll lose your right to damages.
In fatal accident cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Some factors can influence the amount of time you have to sue for damages. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a lawyer sooner rather than later.
Types of Damages Available in North Carolina Car Accident Cases
Car accident victims in North Carolina can seek compensation for two primary types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may be available in rare cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your financial expenses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Other types of economic damages may be available depending on the circumstances and the specific losses you have suffered.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for subjective and personal losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Victims can suffer a range of personal losses in serious car accidents. These damages aren’t easy to prove. An attorney can help you demonstrate the ways your life has changed due to the accident and injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are available in rare cases involving a defendant’s especially shocking and reckless behavior. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant and deter others from committing similar actions.
Under North Carolina law, punitive damages are typically capped at (1) three times the amount of compensatory damages or (2) $250,000, whichever is greater (see disclaimer below). The cap does not apply in drunk driving cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The moments right after a crash can be chaotic. If you are physically able, here are the steps you should try to take to protect your health and your future legal case:
– First, ensure that you and anyone in your car are okay. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid being hit again.
– Always call the police, even for a minor fender-bender. A police report is vital evidence for your insurance claim.
– Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate number. Do not say “sorry” or admit fault, even if you think you might be to blame.
– Use your phone to take photos of the scene. Get pictures of the damage to all cars, traffic signs, skid marks, and any injuries you have.
– Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, see a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Remember, you are only required to speak with your own insurance company. Refer any calls from the other driver’s insurer to your lawyer. You should also consult a lawyer before agreeing to anything or signing any forms. Following these steps can significantly help your case as you move forward.
Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. Unlike lawyers who bill by the hour or charge a flat fee, your personal injury lawyer only gets paid if they win.
When you choose your lawyer, you’ll sign a contingency fee agreement with the details. Most law firms charge between 30% and 40% of your settlement or verdict. However, you won’t have to pay any attorneys’ fees if they don’t recover any compensation.
The bottom line is that you can afford quality legal representation even if you don’t have the money to cover upfront fees.
In North Carolina, the general rule is that you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court.
This three-year deadline sounds like a long time, but it can pass quickly, especially if you are focusing on recovering from serious injuries. Also, waiting too long can hurt your case because evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade.
Even though the law gives you three years, it is vital to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be. If you miss the three-year deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to sue, no matter how strong your case is.
North Carolina has a strict contributory negligence law. You will lose your right to damages if you share any fault for the accident.
Most states allow victims to recover some compensation if they were only partly responsible for a crash. North Carolina law is much more strict. If the other side is blaming you for causing the crash, hiring a lawyer who knows how to protect you is critical.
The defendant and their insurance company have a strong incentive to blame you. If they can prove you shared even a small amount of blame, they’re off the hook and won’t have to pay your damages.
Most car accident cases don’t wind up in court. Experienced attorneys know how to negotiate a fair settlement without involving a judge and jury. That said, going to trial is a possibility.
Whether a car accident case goes to trial will depend on several factors, including:
– The evidence available to establish liability
– The willingness of the parties to negotiate
– The extent of the injuries
– The specific circumstances
Typically, victims and defendants prefer to resolve car accident claims through insurance negotiations. Parties prefer to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. Insurance companies often play a significant role in the process.
That said, when the parties cannot agree on a fair settlement or significant disputes exist, the case may proceed to trial. In these cases, a jury will evaluate the evidence to determine fau
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Our team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers has experience handling all types of car accident cases. Regardless of the type of accident involved, we’re here to fight for you.
Examples of these practice areas include:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end car accidents can be more complicated to prove than you might think. The driver in the rear isn’t automatically liable for damages. Our lawyers are prepared to help you handle any challenges you experience along the way. We’re always here to discuss your case, so call our Greenville rear-end crash lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes can be among the most severe types of car accidents. Regardless of advances in technology, victims are likely to suffer more severe injuries in a front-end impact. If you were involved in a head-on collision, having an experienced Greenville head-on collision lawyer in your corner is important.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Establishing liability can be especially challenging when multiple parties are involved. If you or a loved one were injured in a multi-vehicle accident or pileup, our Greenville multi-vehicle accident lawyers are here to help. We have the skills and resources to establish your right to compensation and help you regain your feet.
Intersection Accidents
Accidents at intersections are extremely common. They’re more likely to occur when drivers are speeding, distracted, or racing to beat a yellow light. Our experienced Greenville intersection accident attorneys can locate the evidence you need while you focus on your recovery.
Highway Accidents
Accidents on the highway can be particularly devastating. They often involve high speeds. Multiple vehicles may be involved–meaning that more than one person may have been injured. If you were involved in an accident on the highway, call our Greenville highway accident attorneys to explore your legal rights and options today.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in North Carolina. Texting, talking on the phone, and even changing the radio station all make accidents much more likely. Contact our experienced Greenville distracted driving accident lawyers if you were injured in an accident. We’re prepared to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys in Greenville also handle cases involving:
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Left-turn collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Red and yellow light crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Fatal car accidents
Call us today if you need legal assistance or have questions about your right to compensation after an auto accident. We have the skills and experience to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability After a Car Accident
Under North Carolina law, various parties can be held liable for car accident injuries, including:
- The at-fault driver
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defective vehicle or part contributed to the crash
- Employers of negligent parties who were working when they caused a crash
- Government authorities responsible for road maintenance, if hazardous road conditions contributed to the crash
It’s important to identify all responsible parties after a car accident. Proving negligence, which is a failure to exercise reasonable caution given the circumstances, is typically challenging. Speeding, distracted driving, and ignoring traffic laws are all examples of negligent driving behavior.
In legal terms, negligence requires proof of four elements:
- The defendant’s legal duty of care
- Some type of breach of that duty
- Causation, meaning that the breach of duty directly caused the accident
- The damages that the victim suffered due to the crash
Your lawyer can help you locate the evidence you need to establish liability. Accident reports, medical records, video footage, and statements from witnesses can all be used to prove negligence. Our experienced lawyers will dig deep and locate any piece of evidence that can be used to prove your case.
Identifying the Causes of Your Greenville Car Accident
Car accidents in Greenville happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding why the accident occurred is key to holding the at-fault party responsible.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Drunk driving
- Lane departures
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving while under the influence of drugs
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Improperly maintained vehicles
- Road hazards
A combination of factors can lead to a car accident. Our lawyers can help you identify all the factors that played a role in your crash so that you can hold all responsible parties accountable.
Greenville Car Accident Statistics
The North Carolina Department of Transportation publishes statistics on traffic crashes each year. According to their most recent report, 284,546 motor vehicle accidents occurred statewide in 2024.
At least 113,602 people were injured in those accidents. Another 1,732 traffic accidents claimed the lives of victims. 2,496 car accident injuries and 28 fatalities were reported in Pitt County during 2024 alone.
1,553 car accident injuries and 6 traffic fatalities were reported within the city of Greenville itself during 2024.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
Car accidents can be dramatic and traumatizing. Victims are often left in a state of shock–after all, accidents happen before you can do anything to prevent them. If you or a family member were injured in a car accident, an experienced Greenville car accident attorney should be among your first calls.
Our team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers will do everything possible to recover the maximum compensation you deserve after a crash. We have decades of experience advocating for personal injury victims like you. We’re prepared to put our proven track record of success to work in your case.
To get started, all you have to do is call our law office in Greenville to arrange a free case review today.