GET THE HELP YOU NEED
After a Wreck, Our Raleigh Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help.
Car accidents happen in a flash and can change the life of an individual or family in an instant. In the aftermath of the accident, not only will you deal with the mental anguish of recovery and the destruction of your property, but you will also ultimately be forced to deal with financial fallout that may last for years to come.
Our North Carolina personal injury lawyers understand the devastation that Raleigh car accidents can bring and have fought for accident victims just like you for over four decades. When you choose a Raleigh car accident lawyer at Henson Fuerst to represent you, you can expect to be treated like family and provided with honest and compassionate legal representation. If you have questions about a car accident you were involved in, contact our Raleigh car accident lawyers for a free consultation by calling (919) 781-1107 or submitting a free case evaluation today.
Our North Carolina personal injury lawyers understand the devastation that Raleigh car accidents can bring and have fought for accident victims just like you for over four decades. When you choose a Raleigh car accident lawyer at Henson Fuerst to represent you, you can expect to be treated like family and provided with honest and compassionate legal representation. If you have questions about a car accident you were involved in, contact our Raleigh car accident lawyers for a free consultation by calling (919) 781-1107 or submitting a free case evaluation today.
No Upfront Fees. No Hidden Costs. You Only Pay If We Win.
At our personal injury firm, our car accident lawyers believe that access to justice shouldn’t come with financial risk. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis*, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win your car accident case, you pay nothing.
Don’t wait to get the support and legal guidance you need for your car accident. Contact our North Carolina personal injury firm today to speak with a trusted Raleigh car accident lawyer for free.
Case
Results
Results
$9.5 Million
Truck Accident
$7.5 Million
Truck Accident
$3 Million
Car Accident
GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES
Record-Breaking $40 Million Drunk Driving Verdict
At Henson Fuerst, we don’t just handle personal injury claims. We make history fighting for our clients.
Thomas Henson, in collaboration with David Stradley of White & Stradley, PLLC, secured a record-breaking $40 million verdict—the largest drunk driving verdict in North Carolina history. This groundbreaking case involved a young man who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck head-on by a drunk driver.
The case highlighted the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of holding reckless drivers and negligent bar owners accountable. The jury awarded:
- $10 million in compensatory damages
- $30 million in punitive damages
This result sends a powerful message: in North Carolina, drunk driving will not be tolerated—and victims will have a voice.
Recognized for Excellence
Our commitment to excellence and client advocacy has earned Henson Fuerst recognition from some of the most respected legal organizations in the country. These honors reflect the dedication and integrity our attorneys bring to every case. Our firm has been recognized by:
- Super Lawyers – Multiple attorneys at Henson Fuerst have been selected to Super Lawyers, an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in each state, based on peer recognition and professional achievement.
- Raleigh’s Best – Named among the best law firms in Raleigh by local voters, a testament to the trust we've built in our community.
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – This invitation-only organization recognizes the most qualified civil plaintiff trial lawyers in each state, based on leadership, reputation, and results.
- NC Lawyers Weekly – Named among the Best Family-Led Law Firms in North Carolina, highlighting our strong internal dynamic and unified mission.
When you choose Henson Fuerst, you’re choosing a firm with a proven track record of results, professionalism, and compassion.
Whether you're seeking a free consultation or ready to move forward with a personal injury claim, a Raleigh car accident attorney at our North Carolina based law firm is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Address: 3110 Edwards Mill Road, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: (919) 781-1107
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
We're proud to serve the Raleigh community and are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of North Carolina injury victims. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
"My husband was in an auto accident with life threatening injuries. I called Henson Fuerst Attorneys for assistance in my husband's case. Mr. Mason and Ms. McPhatter handled all our legal needs while my husband went through extensive medical recovery and helped take stress off of us so we could focus on my husband's care. They were very attentive to our case and us personally. My husband and I are very happy with their professional services and care. I highly recommend Henson Fuerst to anyone who requires assistance with an injury case. Thank you so much for all your efforts in our case."
Cheryl S.
Car Accident
GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES
Type of Compensation Available for Accident Victims in NC
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. At Henson Fuerst, our Raleigh car accident attorneys fight to help victims recover full and fair compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity if you're unable to return to your job.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, we pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
North Carolina’s contributory negligence law can complicate claims. If you’re found even 1% at fault, your claim could be denied. That's why it’s critical to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to build a strong, evidence-based case.
Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Car accidents in Raleigh can cause a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to life-altering. At Henson Fuerst, we’ve represented clients with injuries such as:
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Whiplash and Neck Injuries
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Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
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Broken Bones and Fractures
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Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
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Burns and Scarring
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Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
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Psychological Trauma, including PTSD
Even seemingly minor crashes can result in serious, delayed-onset injuries. That’s why we always recommend seeking medical attention immediately after a crash and contacting a knowledgeable attorney to protect your legal rights.
We have represented thousands of personal injury victims for nearly 50 years.
$7.5M Settlement
A child involved in a truck accident suffered numerous brain bleeds as well as severe and permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits as a result of his Traumatic Brain Injury. The case was filed in court and settled after multiple depositions of the parties and medical experts. The settlement was collected in full.
You Need an Experienced Law Firm to Handle Your Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Our Raleigh personal injury law firm has helped thousands of clients across North Carolina financially recover after being involved in motor vehicle accidents. Whether you need help from a car accident attorney, truck accident attorney, motorcycle accident lawyer, or bicycle accident attorney, contact us today and talk to a trusted personal injury lawyer for free.
GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES
Types of Vehicle Accidents Our Firm Handles
Our Raleigh car accident lawyers at Henson Fuerst have decades of experience handling a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
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Rear-End Collisions
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Head-On Collisions
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Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents
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Multi-Vehicle Pileups
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Rollover Accidents
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Drunk or Drugged Driving Accidents
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Distracted Driving Accidents
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Hit-and-Run Crashes
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Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims
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Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents
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Motorcycle Crashes
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Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
No matter how complex your car accident case may be, we have the legal knowledge and resources to investigate thoroughly, prove fault, and fight for the compensation you need.
| Year | Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15,905 | 62 | 6,247 |
| 2021 | 15,502 | 39 | 6,448 |
| 2020 | 13,481 | 40 | 5,570 |
| 2019 | 18,995 | 35 | 7,354 |
| 2018 | 17,745 | 28 | 6,819 |
GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES
What should I do after a car accident in North Carolina?
Emotions are high after a car accident, and there is a lot of confusion on the scene. There are, however, several precautions you may take to safeguard yourself and any claim you decide to pursue in the future.
Don't Leave the Scene
You should only leave the accident area after exchanging information with others involved in the crash and receiving permission from any law enforcement officers there. You risk being charged with hit-and-run if you leave before then.
Check for Injuries & Call the Police
If there are any injuries, dial 911 immediately. Having a law enforcement officer there, regardless of any injuries, may be beneficial if it is discovered that the other driver is driving while intoxicated or without insurance.
Move Vehicles
If the crash is minimal and there are no significant injuries, try to relocate all vehicles to the road’s shoulder and away from the traffic flow. This will help avoid a larger traffic delay and make it easier for first responders to get to the accident.
Obtain Insurance and Personal Information
Identify any other drivers who may have been involved in the collision and gather their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance company and policy numbers. If there are any witnesses, you should also collect their information.
Document and Gather Evidence
When you have a chance, write down everything that happened before and after the accident as accurately as you can. Take photos of any damage to the car, skid marks, or weather conditions in the vicinity. Look around to check whether any cameras, such as traffic or security cameras, are nearby. Make a mental note of where they are in case you need a copy of the footage.
Watch What You Say
If you’re unsure if you’re to blame for the accident, don’t admit fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Regardless of who is at fault for the car accident, it is critical to contact your car insurance company as quickly as possible. Failure to notify your insurance company promptly could risk your coverage.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents
Negligence resulting in a car accident can take many different forms, and determining fault is crucial in your accident case. When you can prove that you were injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation by law. An auto accident attorney at Henson Fuerst will thoroughly investigate your accident and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Common types of negligence leading to car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: This is a significant cause of accidents and involves activities such as using your smartphone, eating or drinking, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving.
- Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions can lead to serious car accidents and severe injury. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of fatal car accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals, can lead to accidents and endanger other road users.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, and other road signs can result in collisions at intersections or other areas where right-of-way rules apply.
- Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right of way when required, such as at intersections or when merging, can lead to accidents.
- Weather-Related Negligence: Failing to adjust driving behavior to adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can contribute to accidents.
- Fatigue: Driving while fatigued or drowsy can impair a driver's alertness and reaction times, leading to car accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate driver training can contribute to poor decision-making and errors on the road.
- Defective Vehicles: Accidents can also occur due to mechanical failures or defects in a vehicle, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
- Failure to Signal: Neglecting to use turn signals or not signaling intentions properly can lead to confusion and accidents.
There are many factors to consider when determining fault in a car accident case
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies, driver error is the primary cause of automobile accidents in the United States. Accidents caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence, such as poor judgment, driving distracted or under the influence, and fatigue, fall into the category of driver error. In these cases, a specific person may be held liable for their actions. Other factors, such as road or car defects, can also lead to serious accidents. Common roadway defects that may indicate a road was not properly constructed or maintained include:
- Potholes
- Soft shoulders, meaning that the shoulder on the side of the road is made of gravel or packed dirt rather than asphalt
- Defective guardrails
- Improper drainage can cause the road to be slick and cause hydroplaning
No matter how safely you drive, your life could change in an instant due to a negligent driver. In that case, you need a team of personal injury attorneys to investigate the crash leading to your auto accident injury and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
How Contributory Negligence Laws Can Affect Your Car Accident Case
You Can Be Denied Compensation If You’re Just 1% at Fault
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means that if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the car accident, you may be completely barred from receiving any compensation. This includes money for medical expenses, car repairs, lost income, or pain and suffering, even if the other driver was 99% at fault.
Insurance Companies Use It to Avoid Paying Claims
Insurance adjusters know that contributory negligence in a car accident gives them a powerful tool to deny your claim. They will investigate every detail of the accident to find any possible mistake you made, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to signal, and use that to argue that you share some fault, no matter how minor.
1
Step 1
You Bear the Burden of Proving the Other Driver Was 100% at Fault
Because the law requires zero fault on your part to recover damages, the burden falls on you (and your legal team) to prove the other party was completely responsible. This requires substantial evidence, including photos, witness statements, police reports, and sometimes expert analysis.
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Step 2
You May Be Pressured Into Accepting a Low Settlement Offer
Knowing they can deny your claim if they prove any fault on your part, insurance companies often use contributory negligence as a negotiation tactic. They may offer you a low settlement and warn that you could walk away with nothing if you pursue the case further—especially without legal representation.
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Step 3
Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer is Essential
Given how harsh this law is, having an attorney well-versed in North Carolina's contributory negligence law is critical. A lawyer can:
- Challenge the insurance company’s fault claims
- Protect you from saying something that could be used against you
- Gather strong evidence to prove the other driver’s full responsibility
- Negotiate for the maximum compensation possible for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering
We have represented thousands of personal injury victims for nearly 50 years.
$7.5M Settlement
A child involved in a truck accident suffered numerous brain bleeds as well as severe and permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits as a result of his Traumatic Brain Injury. The case was filed in court and settled after multiple depositions of the parties and medical experts. The settlement was collected in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
In North Carolina, most punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 – whichever is greater.
The time it takes to resolve a car accident case depends on many factors. The most important aspect is the details of the wreck and the resulting injuries. For example, cases involving soft tissue injuries that get better with treatment from an orthopedic or chiropractic doctor and physical therapy can typically be negotiated and settled without filing a lawsuit and generally last six to nine months. Cases that involve more substantial injuries, such as broken bones or surgical procedures, typically last nine to 15 months. Finally, cases that involve more significant and permanent, life-long injuries can last one to three years, depending on the circumstances. If we file a lawsuit instead of settling out of court, it may take an additional 16 to 24 months or longer before the case is resolved. However, these are averages and each car accident case is different. A personal injury lawyer can assess the specific circumstances of your case to provide a more accurate timeline.
The answer depends on whether you feel that the amount of money offered by the insurance company is enough to avoid the hassle of going forward with litigation. Many people ask friends or family members who have had car wrecks how much they settled their cases for. In our experience, this can be misleading because no two cases are the same. At Henson Fuerst, when we have a “final” offer from the insurance company, our personal injury lawyers meet with you and explain all of your legal options. Typically, that means you can accept the final offer or reject the offer and file a lawsuit. It’s our job to explain the risks and benefits of each option so you can make the decision that best fits your situation.
Generally, before we file a car accident lawsuit on your behalf, our North Carolina personal injury attorneys will attempt to negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement. In the majority of cases we handle, we do not begin negotiating your case until you have healed. This way, we are aware of all the damages and losses related to your injuries and how those damages will affect your quality of life.
Our North Carolina car accident lawyers recommend that you seek the help of a lawyer if:
- Your claim involves extensive injuries
- You had (or continue to have) substantial medical treatment (treatment that extends beyond more than a few visits to a doctor)
- You have suffered a permanent injury that resulted in scarring, the need for surgery, or a permanent disability
There is no limit to how much compensation you can seek in a car accident lawsuit. The car accident compensation sought is based on what injuries were sustained and their severity. This could be anywhere between thousands of dollars and millions.
The statute of limitations to file a car accident injury claim in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. However, for your best chance at maximum compensation, you should speak with a reputable car accident lawyer and file a personal injury claim as soon as possible.
Our Raleigh car accident attorneys care about protecting your rights and getting help for your injuries
What you can expect when hiring a personal injury lawyer at Henson Fuerst to represent you
The Raleigh car accident attorneys at Henson Fuerst understand how difficult it may be to get compensation after a car wreck, especially given North Carolina’s contributory fault rules. This implies that to get compensation, the sufferer must be completely blameless in the accident. You may be able to recover medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering if it can be shown that you were entirely free of fault in your car accident. Because contributory negligence makes blaming another driver for a car accident more difficult, you may need the assistance of a Raleigh car accident lawyer.
For over 45 years, our personal injury law firm has helped car accident victims throughout North Carolina fight for the full and fair compensation they need. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, our attorneys will advocate for you throughout the settlement process. Insurance claims adjusters are tasked with safeguarding the interests of their employers, which may or may not coincide with your needs. Our car accident lawyers will work hard to protect your best interests and help you recover fair compensation for your accident claim. Contact us today by calling (919) 781-1107 or submitting a free consultation form online.
Speak With a Trusted Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are not alone, and the car accident lawyers at Henson Fuerst are here to help. Speak with us for free today.
Contact us today by submitting a form below or calling our office at (919) 781-1107 for a free case evaluation.
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