North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer
Our team understands what you’re going through when someone else causes an accident that turns your life upside down, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. 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 – this is frustrating and overwhelming, but our team is here to help.
Why Injured North Carolinians Choose Riddle & Riddle
- Helping Injured North Carolinians Since 1985: Riddle & Riddle has represented injury victims across North Carolina for decades, with deep experience handling accident claims throughout the state.
- Over $900 Million Recovered Since 2000 Alone: Our firm has recovered over $900 million for clients since 2000 alone, including cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, and long-term losses.
- Over 171 Years of Combined Legal Experience: Our legal team brings more than 171 years of combined experience, including multiple attorneys with more than 40 years of experience each.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- Help Dealing With Insurance Companies: We handle communication with adjusters, review settlement offers, and push back when the insurance company tries to minimize your injuries or blame you for what happened.
- Thorough Investigation and Case Preparation: We gather evidence, review reports, collect medical records, identify available insurance coverage, and document the full impact of your injuries.
- Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Experience: Our attorneys handle cases involving permanent injuries, catastrophic harm, disputed liability, commercial insurance coverage, and fatal accidents.
- Trial-Ready Representation: If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, our attorneys are prepared to file a lawsuit and move the case forward.
- Focused on the Full Value of Your Claim: We pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, future care, permanent injury, property damage, and other accident-related losses.
Serving Clients Across North Carolina
Want to make sure you are talking with the office closest to you? Riddle & Riddle serves clients across North Carolina, and you can contact the location nearest you directly for help with your personal injury case.
Our team is proud to serve communities across North Carolina. Many of our attorneys and staff were born and raised here, and we understand the roads, cities, courts, and local issues that affect injury victims throughout the state.
Understanding the Legal Services We Provide Across NC
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers represents clients across North Carolina in personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability, and product liability matters. The right legal path depends on how you were injured, who was responsible, and what insurance or benefit programs apply.
Car Accidents
Our North Carolina car accident lawyers represent people injured by distracted, impaired, speeding, and otherwise negligent drivers. We investigate the crash, identify available insurance coverage, document your losses, and challenge attempts to unfairly blame you for the collision.
Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicle claims frequently involve serious injuries, multiple responsible parties, and complex insurance policies. Our North Carolina truck accident lawyers investigate trucking companies, drivers, maintenance providers, cargo companies, and other parties that may have contributed to the crash.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists can suffer life-changing injuries even in collisions that occur at relatively low speeds. Our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers help injured riders pursue compensation while pushing back against unfair assumptions about motorcyclist behavior.
Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accident claims can become complicated because insurance coverage may depend on what the driver was doing in the app when the crash occurred. Our North Carolina Uber and Lyft accident lawyers determine which personal, commercial, or rideshare insurance policies may apply.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists have the right to safely share North Carolina’s roads. Our North Carolina bicycle accident lawyers handle claims involving unsafe passing, distracted driving, failure to yield, dooring incidents, and other forms of driver negligence.
Pedestrian Accidents
People walking near roads, intersections, parking lots, and commercial properties have little protection when struck by a vehicle. Our North Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers investigate fault and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Bus Accidents
Bus accident cases may involve school districts, government agencies, private transportation companies, drivers, or maintenance providers. Our North Carolina bus accident lawyers investigate these claims and identify every party that may be responsible.
Workers’ Compensation
Employees injured while performing their jobs may qualify for medical treatment, wage-replacement benefits, and disability compensation. Our North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers help workers file claims, address benefit disputes, and appeal denials.
Wrongful Death
A preventable death can leave a family facing profound emotional and financial consequences. Our North Carolina wrongful death lawyers provide compassionate representation while pursuing accountability and compensation from those responsible.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites contain heavy machinery, elevated work areas, electrical hazards, and other serious risks. Our North Carolina construction accident lawyers evaluate workers’ compensation benefits and potential claims against negligent third parties.
Social Security Disability (SSD)
A serious injury or medical condition may prevent someone from maintaining regular employment. Our North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyers assist with SSDI and SSI applications, appeals, and hearings.
Veterans Disability
Veterans with medical conditions connected to their military service may qualify for disability compensation and related benefits. Our North Carolina Veterans Disability lawyers assist with denied benefits and ratings that do not accurately reflect a veteran’s condition.
Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury can affect a person’s memory, concentration, behavior, mobility, and ability to work. Our North Carolina brain injury lawyers pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, future treatment, diminished quality of life, and other long-term consequences.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage can result in chronic pain, impaired mobility, paralysis, and the need for lifelong assistance. Our North Carolina spinal cord injury lawyers pursue compensation that accounts for immediate losses and future medical and personal-care needs.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Wet floors, damaged walkways, poor lighting, and broken stairs can cause serious falls. Our North Carolina slip-and-fall lawyers gather evidence showing how the hazard developed and whether the property owner had an opportunity to correct it.
Premises Liability
Property owners and businesses may be responsible when inadequate security, structural defects, or other dangerous conditions cause an injury. Our North Carolina premises liability lawyers investigate what the property owner knew and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect visitors.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma. Our North Carolina dog bite lawyers investigate the animal’s history and determine whether its owner or another party may be responsible.
Sexual Assault Civil Claims
Survivors may have the right to bring a civil claim against an assailant or a negligent institution, employer, property owner, or other third party. Our North Carolina sexual assault lawyers provide confidential and compassionate guidance while helping survivors understand their legal options.
Product Liability
Unsafe consumer products, vehicles, machinery, and medical devices can cause catastrophic injuries. Our North Carolina product liability lawyers handle claims involving defective designs, manufacturing defects, and inadequate safety warnings.
Dangerous Drugs
Drug manufacturers may be responsible when medications cause preventable harm because of a defect or inadequate warning. Our dangerous drug lawyers evaluate claims involving harmful prescription and over-the-counter medications.
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
Working with an experienced injury lawyer is key to overcoming North Carolina’s 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.
How Our Legal Team Supports Your Case
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.
Free Case Review
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. Riddle & Riddle provides the support you need to seek a fair outcome.
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.