When someone else causes an accident that turns your life upside down, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. You may suddenly face expensive medical bills, missed work, physical and emotional suffering, and aggressive insurance companies that try to pay less than you deserve. Our team understands what you’re going through and wants you to know that you’re not alone.

For over 40 years, our family-run personal injury law firm has helped countless clients pursue fair and full compensation after an accident. We have experience with a wide range of injury cases and know what steps to take to protect your rights. Contact our North Carolina personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation.  

Serving Clients Across North Carolina 

We are proud to serve the people of North Carolina and handle cases across the entire state, including in:

Many of our attorneys and staff have close family ties to the military, and we are proud to serve North Carolina’s servicemen and women, including those serving at Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Camp Lejeune, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Key Takeaways

  • If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim to recover compensation.
  • North Carolina has unique laws that affect personal injury cases. Working with a legal professional can help you navigate the complex claims process and protect you from unfair treatment.
  • What you do after an accident can impact your claim. Follow all medical advice and speak with an attorney to avoid making mistakes that might harm your case.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

Our injury attorneys in North Carolina handle different types of personal injury claims, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

If a distracted, reckless, or drunk driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses and suffering.

We have assisted clients who were injured in high-speed collisions on major North Carolina roadways, such as I-40, I-85, and I-95, as well as in urban areas like Downtown Raleigh and Charlotte’s I-485 Loop. The types of traffic crashes our team handles include:

Slip and Falls

Property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe. Slip and fall accidents happen when property owners allow or fail to fix hazardous conditions, such as:

  • Unmarked spills or wet floors
  • Damaged flooring or carpet
  • Debris or clutter in walkways
  • Broken stairs or handrails
  • Poor lighting 

These issues can lead to slip and falls in private or commercial spaces in North Carolina, including apartment complexes, local grocery stores, or busy retail areas like North Hills in Raleigh and SouthPark in Charlotte.

Workplace and Industrial Injuries

If you’re injured on the job in North Carolina, our team can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit. We have experience helping injured workers in local industries, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, and the furniture industry in the Piedmont Triad.

Medical Malpractice and Dangerous Drugs

Our team can help if you have suffered injuries due to a negligent medical professional or pharmaceutical company. The types of cases we handle include:

Unlike many states, strict liability does not apply to product liability claims in North Carolina, including defective drug cases.

Wrongful Death

We know how difficult it can be to lose a loved one in an accident. If you find yourself in this situation, our wrongful death lawyers offer compassionate support and fierce legal advocacy to families dealing with a tragic loss. We have the experience and resources to handle these sensitive cases in both Superior and District courts across North Carolina’s 100 counties.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

North Carolina follows a “one-bite” rule, which means owners are generally not liable for a first bite unless they knew the dog was aggressive. However, strict liability applies if the dog was already declared potentially dangerous or was roaming loose at night and attacked. 

Social Security Disability (SSD)

If injuries prevent you from working, you can file a Social Security Disability claim to request financial support. We can assist with federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims and help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay your benefits.

Civil Cases for Sexual Assault

No person should have to deal with the trauma of a sexual assault. Unfortunately, these incidents still happen in places where you expect to feel safe, such as North Carolina universities, workplaces, or hotels.

If you experienced a sexual assault, you may have grounds to file a civil case against the third party that allowed the abuse to happen and seek financial compensation for your suffering.

Common Causes of Personal Injuries in North Carolina

Personal injuries are typically caused by another person’s negligence or failure to act with reasonable care. Common causes include:

  • Animal attacks: Preventable dog bites and other types of animal attacks
  • Negligent driving: Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and traffic violations
  • Property owner negligence: Hazards in retail centers, apartment complexes, offices, or other types of properties that cause accidents
  • Unsafe worksites: Worksite hazards that lead to injuries, particularly in North Carolina’s growing construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors
  • Defective products: Defective products, goods, or drugs, or a lack of warnings or instructions that result in serious injuries for consumers

Signs Your Insurance Claim Is Being Undervalued

It can be difficult to know if the insurance company is being fair, especially with no prior experience of filing a claim. Here are signs that the payout amount may be less than your claim is worth:

  • The “lowball” first offer: Many insurers make a low initial offer, hoping you’ll accept it out of financial necessity. They may also pressure you to accept it quickly before you know the full extent of your medical needs.
  • Shifting the blame: In North Carolina, you cannot receive compensation if you share any blame for your injuries. When insurers suggest you are partially at fault, they may be trying to avoid paying your claim.
  • Downplaying symptoms: Minimizing your injuries is another tactic insurance companies use to protect their bottom line. They may argue your injury was pre-existing or that treatment was not medically necessary.

Why Personal Injury Cases Are Different in North Carolina

Every state has different laws that can affect a victim’s ability to receive compensation after an accident. Here are key North Carolina laws and why it’s essential to work with an experienced injury lawyer.

The Strict Three-Year Statute of Limitations

North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injuries gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. If you miss the deadline, you may forfeit your right to recover damages.

While three years may sound like a long time, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve important evidence. In only a few months, witness memories may fade, surveillance footage from businesses in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Goldsboro may be deleted, or other evidence may be lost forever.

Overcoming North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws

North Carolina is one of the few states to use a contributory negligence system, which bars victims from recovering compensation if they share even 1% of the fault. Without legal representation, powerful insurance companies may use their resources to unfairly blame you for the accident, leaving you in a very difficult position.

To protect our clients, we assign a dedicated legal team to handle every case. These teams are supported by experienced investigators and case managers, including former law enforcement officers and insurance adjusters. We focus on careful case development and preparation that helps us negotiate the maximum compensation available.

Proving Your Case: The Burden of Evidence

Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful personal injury claim. Our team gathers and preserves important evidence that puts you in the best position to recover fair compensation, including:

  • Physical evidence: Photos or video of the scene, property damage, and the dangerous condition that caused the accident
  • Medical documentation: Medical records and treatment notes that show the extent of your injuries
  • Expert testimony: Testimony from vocational experts, medical specialists, and economists to establish the impact of your injury

What Clients Should Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you decide to take legal action after an accident, there are steps you can take to protect your right to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance adjusters without legal guidance. Insurers may try to use the statement against you.
  • Be careful about what you post on social media. Discussing your accident, injuries, or activities while your claim is active can harm your case.
  • Follow through with all medical treatments and your doctor’s advice. Gaps in medical care could make your injury appear less severe.

The value of a claim is closely tied to the medical assessment of a person’s injuries. See a health care provider, complete treatment, and keep records of your care to show that you did everything you could to prioritize your health.

What Our Clients Are Saying

The attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are proud of what our former clients have to say about their experience working with our firm.

  • “They turned a heartbreaking situation completely around.” -Tonya T.
  • “Every time I’ve needed them, they were there for me.” –Tyronnie T.
  • “[Riddle & Riddle] increased my final settlement payment by 33 percent.” -Charles H.
  • “It was nice to see Riddle & Riddle put me and my needs first. I would strongly recommend contacting this firm to handle your needs.” -R. Colley
  • “I would recommend them to anyone. They fought hard for me.” -Christine W.

Our Record of Results

With over 171 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys of Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are extremely proud of the success we have achieved in representing our clients. In more than 40 years of serving the people of North Carolina, our personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation (see disclaimer below), including:

  • $9,450,000 | Truck Accident & Wrongful Death– In this case, our trial attorneys represented the relatives of a deceased family of four after a tractor-trailer slammed into the back of them. Our legal team filed multiple lawsuits and reached substantial settlements with all responsible parties prior to the respective trials.
  • $7,850,000 | Chemical Spill & Premise Liability – After a chemical spill occurred in Apex, North Carolina, attorney Donald Dunn helped residents file a class action lawsuit. This resulted in a $7,850,000 settlement.
  • $5,000,000 | Constitutional Rights Violation & Cruel and Unusual Punishment – Attorney Gene Riddle represented five female inmates who were forced to sexually engage with a sheriff’s deputy. On behalf of these five women, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers brought a civil suit against the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. We obtained a verdict of $1.5 million in actual damages and $3.5 million in punitive damages. It is important to note that not all of the verdict was received because there wasn’t enough insurance coverage.
  • $ 1,000,000 | Dog Bite – Attorneys Adam Smith and Gene Riddle litigated a dog bite claim for their 74-year-old client, who was attacked by a neighbor’s dogs on her own property. We successfully litigated this claim and obtained a $1 million verdict. Prior to trial, we discovered that the defendant had no insurance. However, our firm believes everyone deserves justice, so we decided to litigate the claim. Even though we did not collect any attorney fees, Gene Riddle asserts that procuring this judgment is one of his proudest moments as an attorney. Our hope for our client is that she received some justice from the money judgment against the defendant.
  • $450,000 | Burning Accident – During a church-sponsored cookout, a child was severely burned from hot coals dumped on the playground. These injuries resulted in second and third-degree burns. Attorney Gene Riddle filed suit; however, a settlement was reached before the trial began.

Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyers

Since founding the firm in 1985, attorney Gene Riddle has been recognized by many prestigious organizations (see disclaimer below) for his experience and results. These include:

  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers
  • The National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Attorney Riddle is also the recipient of the 2014 Litigator Award and maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, representing the organization’s top rating for attorneys (see disclaimer below).

Many of our other attorneys have also been recognized for their experience and accomplishments.

At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we help you navigate the paperwork so you can access the resources you need to heal.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

At Riddle & Riddle, we take even the toughest cases because we are committed to justice for the people of North Carolina and visitors to our great state. We believe ALL people deserve justice, no matter what.

Our firm strives to treat every client like family. When you hire Riddle & Riddle’s personal injury lawyers, you’ll not only be represented by an experienced attorney, but you’ll also be supported by an entire team of paralegals, investigators, and case managers, all dedicated to your success.

“They handled my case very professionally, with respect from beginning to end.”

–Joseph P., Riddle & Riddle client

How Riddle & Riddle Can Help You

Injury cases can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming. At Riddle & Riddle, our goal is to make the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

An NC injury attorney at Riddle & Riddle can handle all aspects of your personal injury case from beginning to end, including:

  • Investigating the accident scene
  • Recovering and preserving important evidence
  • Identifying and interviewing potential witnesses
  • Hiring outside experts like accident reconstructionists and truck safety experts
  • Obtaining the official accident report
  • Obtaining video footage, such as dash cam and security camera video
  • Referring you to trusted medical providers
  • Negotiating with the insurance company and defense counsel
  • Preparing you for statements to the insurance company
  • Filing a lawsuit if necessary
  • Representing you in court hearings
  • Representing you in mediation and/or arbitration proceedings
  • Drafting legal briefs and other court documents
  • Conducting depositions
  • Representing you at trial
  • Helping negotiate your medical liens
  • Setting up trusts and guardianships for long-term care
  • And much, much more…

We even have experienced investigators on staff to assist with accident scene investigations and routinely bring in outside experts to help prove liability. In one recent case, we even subpoenaed traffic data from Google Maps in order to prove fault.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Our personal injury lawyers understand the law in this state and know how to handle tough negotiations with insurance companies. We know the tricks that insurance companies often use to try and deny your claim, and we fight tirelessly for maximum compensation for our deserving clients.

Local Resources for North Carolina Injury Victims

After a serious accident, these North Carolina resources can help you move forward and start to rebuild:

Medical Care

State and Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident in North Carolina?

After an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the type of accident, you can report the incident to the police, your employer, or the property owner or manager. You can also speak with an injury lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in NC?

Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we win. There is no upfront cost to hire our team, and we only get paid when we secure compensation for your case.

Can I Still File a Claim if the Accident Was Months Ago?

Yes, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, acting quickly may help to preserve evidence that your lawyer can use to build your case.

Speak With a Local North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

Led by father-daughter attorney partners, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers is proud to serve the communities of North Carolina. For more than four decades, we’ve personalized our strategies to our clients’ needs, treating each client with the same care and respect we would give our own family.

We have a track record of successful case results, recovering over $900 million since 2000. To make quality legal representation more accessible, there are no upfront fees to work with our team. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay us nothing unless you receive compensation for your claim.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our North Carolina personal injury lawyers.