Understanding your rights and options after an accident or injury in Wake County.
When someone else's negligence causes your injury, you may have a claim for compensation. Understanding the process, timelines, and your rights helps you make informed decisions about pursuing your case.
North Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you have 3 years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Compensation includes medical bills (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Serious injuries with permanent effects are worth more. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical costs, and impact on your life.
North Carolina follows contributory negligence—if you're even 1% at fault, you may recover nothing. This makes having an attorney critical. Insurance companies know this rule and use it against injury victims.
Personal injury lawyers work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Attorney fees come from the settlement, typically 33-40%. No recovery means no fee. This makes legal representation accessible to everyone.
Get medical care immediately after injury, even if you feel okay. Delayed treatment hurts your case—insurance companies claim you weren't really hurt. Document everything and follow all doctor recommendations.
The other side's insurance company is not your friend. Recorded statements can be used against you. Never accept a quick settlement without talking to a lawyer—initial offers are usually far too low.
Crashes causing injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Commercial vehicle collisions with serious injuries.
Motorcycle crashes with significant injuries.
Injuries from hazardous property conditions.
Fatal accidents caused by negligence.
Injuries from animal attacks.
Settlement: Most cases settle in 6-18 months. Simple cases with clear liability settle faster. Complex cases or serious injuries take longer.
Trial: If settlement fails, trial adds another year or more. Less than 5% of cases actually go to trial—most settle before then.
Getting Medical Treatment: You should finish medical treatment before settling. Can't reopen a case for more money after settlement.
Hospital stays, surgery, broken bones, permanent injuries.
Insurance company denying claim or offering too little.
Other side claiming you caused the accident.
Missing work due to injuries. Long-term disability concerns.
Complex accidents involving several responsible parties.
Ongoing pain, disability, or life-changing injuries.
Confidential consultation about your injury claim