Were you recently injured in a car accident in Wilmington, NC? If another party was responsible, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
We know how disruptive and traumatic a crash can be. Our award-winning attorneys at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers have nearly 200 years of combined experience helping injury victims across North Carolina get the financial recovery they need. We’ve recovered over $850 million in compensation for our clients.
Call 800-525-7111 or contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a top-rated Wilmington car accident lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Injured in Wilmington? Contact Us Today!
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Crash in Wilmington
Insurance companies are not on your side after a collision in Wilmington, North Carolina. Their priority is protecting their bottom line — not making sure you get the compensation you need for medical care and other losses. You need an experienced Wilmington car accident attorney to help you level the playing field and make insurers take you seriously.
When you choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, you’re choosing a legal team with a long track record of success. We’re known for our results — hundreds of millions of dollars and counting — and a commitment to client service. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and other prestigious legal organizations.
When our Wilmington personal injury lawyers take your case, we’ll:
- Launch an investigation into the cause of your accident
- Determine who is legally responsible for your injuries
- Gather and analyze key evidence like crash reports, surveillance video, photos, and expert opinions
- Consult with medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists to strengthen your claim
- Calculate the full extent of your financial and non-financial losses
- Handle all discussions and negotiations with the insurance company
- Fight for a fair settlement — and go to trial if necessary
We prepare every case as if it’s going to court. We put insurance companies on their heels and demand that they pay full compensation to our clients. Contact us now to learn how we can protect your rights.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Wilmington?
Car accident claims can quickly become complicated. Insurers have teams of attorneys working to limit payouts. If you don’t have legal representation, you could be taken advantage of — or pressured to make mistakes that hurt your right to compensation.
Hiring an experienced Wilmington car accident attorney gives you an advantage in your injury claim. Here’s why:
- It helps maximize your compensation. Studies show that injury victims with lawyers recover significantly more injury compensation — sometimes up to three times more — than those without legal help.
- You can avoid costly mistakes. Your lawyer will help you avoid common pitfalls, like missing deadlines, signing a medical records release, or making damaging statements to insurance adjusters.f
- You’ll have a strong case backed by significant resources. Your attorney can work with experts in many disciplines to document your injuries and losses and prove that the other party caused them.
- You’ll get time to focus on healing. Your lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal process while you focus on getting better.
Don’t try to handle your car crash alone. Let us be your advocates and show you the value of hiring an experienced legal team.
What Is My Wilmington Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim depends on many factors. Every accident is different, and no two cases result in the same damages.
Your attorney will need to evaluate a range of factors when estimating your damages, including:
- The type and extent of your injuries
- Whether you’ll need long-term or ongoing care
- The total cost of your medical treatment
- Lost wages and reduction in future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Shared fault and liability issues
- Insurance coverage limits
The best way to determine the value of your case is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Wilmington. Our legal team can give you a more accurate idea of your case’s value during a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Wilmington?
Under North Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your loved one was killed in a crash, the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is only two years from the date of death.
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to seek compensation in court. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Wilmington car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your legal team will help you comply with all filing deadlines and avoid brushes with the relevant statute of limitations.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses you can document with receipts, invoices, or expert estimates. They reflect the monetary impact of your crash, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Hold onto the documentation for these damages to support your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic losses are more subjective losses that don’t come with a price tag. They reflect your personal, non-financial losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These are reserved for cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. They punish the defendant rather than compensate you for any losses.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wilmington Car Accident Attorney?
Most car accident attorneys in North Carolina work on a contingency fee basis, which means your payment for legal representation is contingent upon the outcome of your case.
With this fee structure, you pay nothing upfront — no retainer, no hourly fees. Instead, you only pay attorney fees if your lawyer obtains a settlement or verdict in your case. Their fees will come from a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your total award — usually between 33% and 40%. Importantly, North Carolina law requires attorney fees to be reasonable.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers offers contingency fees in all car accident cases. We also offer free consultations to help you understand your rights after a crash. Contact us today to learn more about our fee arrangements.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partly At Fault for My Crash in North Carolina?
North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This standard is one of the strictest in the country. Why? If you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you could be barred from receiving compensation. In other words, an accident victim cannot bear partial responsibility for their collision and still recover compensation from the other driver.
Not surprisingly, insurance companies love this rule. They often try to shift blame onto victims, knowing that they can eliminate their payout if successful. Our car accident lawyers in Wilmington won’t let that happen to you. We know how to push back against these tactics and get you the full compensation you deserve.
Will My Wilmington Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. In fact, about 95% do not go to trial. However, there are some instances where litigation may be necessary.
Your case could go to court if:
- The insurance company denies liability.
- There are multiple at-fault parties.
- There are disputes about how the accident occurred.
- You’re being blamed for contributing to the crash.
- The insurer offers less than what your claim is worth.
In these cases, a trial may be the only way to get the full range of compensation to which you are entitled. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. We’re always ready to fight for you in court if needed.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle in North Carolina
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our Wilmington car accident attorneys represent victims injured in all kinds of motor vehicle collisions. Whether your crash involved one vehicle or several, we’re here to help you fight for the full compensation you’re owed.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are often caused by distracted drivers who fail to maintain a safe following distance. These crashes can cause serious injuries like whiplash, spinal damage, and head trauma. A skilled Wilmington rear-end collision lawyer can help you hold the negligent driver accountable.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of accidents, frequently resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Our Wilmington head-on crash lawyers will investigate your case and work to identify who was at fault so you can seek justice.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Determining liability can be challenging when multiple vehicles are involved in a crash. Our Wilmington multi-vehicle accident lawyers have the experience to untangle complex accident scenes and pursue every responsible party who owes you compensation.
Intersection Accidents
Crashes at intersections often occur when drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or make illegal turns. If you were injured in a busy intersection, our Wilmington intersection accident attorneys can build a strong case using traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and more.
Highway Collisions
High-speed wrecks can be dangerous due to the force of impact and oncoming traffic. If you or a loved one was hurt in a highway accident, our Wilmington highway accident attorneys will fight to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, eating, or using GPS behind the wheel can lead to preventable wrecks. Our Wilmington distracted driving accident lawyers are ready to prove distraction played a role in your crash and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in any type of car accident in Wilmington or New Hanover County, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We have extensive experience handling all types of crash cases.
Who May Be Liable for My Car Accident in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, anyone who contributes to a crash can be held financially accountable for the resulting damages.
Liable parties in crash cases typically include:
- Negligent drivers
- Passengers
- Pedestrians or bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Uber, Lyft, or delivery drivers
- Trucking companies
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Auto manufacturers (for defective vehicles or parts)
- Government entities or contractors (for unsafe roads)
Identifying the liable party in an accident is one of the first steps to seeking justice and fair financial compensation. We’ll investigate thoroughly to determine who’s responsible for your injuries and what percentage of fault they bear.
What Are Some Common Injuries in Wilmington Car Accidents?
Auto accidents can cause almost every injury imaginable, ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to paralyzing spinal cord injuries.
We help clients recover full compensation for all types of car accident injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and TBIs
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Nerve damage
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Facial injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
If you experienced these or other injuries, you deserve a financial award to help you get back on your feet. Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, we’re ready to advocate for you.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in North Carolina?
Most car crashes happen due to driver error or negligence. That means that many collisions are preventable.
Common causes of car accidents in Wilmington include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Poor road conditions or maintenance
- Vehicle defects
Sometimes, accidents have more than one cause. That’s why our firm investigates every possible cause to build the strongest case. Let us help you identify how and why your collision happened.
Car Accident Statistics in Wilmington, NC
As a coastal city with heavy traffic and tourism, Wilmington sees its fair share of crashes. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, New Hanover County recorded:
- Over 5,800 reportable traffic crashes in 2023
- Nearly 2,200 injuries
- 19 fatalities
Wilmington was responsible for nearly 3,800 of those collisions and over half of the fatalities. Many of these crashes occurred on major routes like US-17, US-421, and I-140.
Dangerous Intersections in Wilmington
Certain intersections in Wilmington are known for having a risk of accidents. These include:
- Market Street & Kerr Avenue
- South College Road & Oleander Drive
- Carolina Beach Road & Shipyard Boulevard
- Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway & North 23rd Street
- Eastwood Road & Military Cutoff Road
If your crash happened at one of these locations or anywhere else in the city, call our firm for help. You could be entitled to significant compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Wilmington
Do you know what to do after a motor vehicle accident in North Carolina? Taking certain steps can help you protect your health and your injury claim.
Here are the steps you should take after a crash:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical treatment — waiting could worsen your injuries or result in failure to mitigate accusations.
- Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Avoid making statements about fault.
- Notify your insurance company.
You should also contact an experienced car accident lawyer right away. An attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options for recovering damages for accident-related losses. They can take over communications with the insurance company and help you avoid mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering an injury award.
Your actions after a crash can affect your case. Reach out to us right away so we can guide you through the steps to take after your collision.
Contact a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
You don’t have to take on the insurance company alone. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our skilled Wilmington personal injury lawyers will fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
We’ve recovered over $850 million for clients like you and are ready to put our track record and experience behind your case.
Call now to schedule your free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 and only get paid if we win your case. Our Wilmington car accident attorneys are ready to take the burden off your shoulders and take the fight to the insurance company.