Experienced Durham Car Accident Lawyers
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
When you choose 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 an accident you were involved in, contact our Durham, North Carolina car accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Our firm only gets paid when you do. So, if there is no recovery for your case, then there is no attorney’s fee. It’s that simple. We work hard to defend your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
$9.5 Million
Truck Accident
$7.5 Million
Truck Accident
$3 Million
Car Accident
Our car accident lawyers can help you
Over 150 years of combined experience
We have been serving accident victims since 1976. If you need a car accident lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina, contact us today.
Our law firm is highly rated by our clients
You can expect to be treated like family and provided with honest and compassionate legal representation. We have helped thousands of clients just like you.
Our team is available 24 hours a day
Contact our Durham car accident attorneys day or night to get help with your case. Henson Fuerst will to stand up for your rights.
"Attorney David Mason is amazing. My car accident happened on March 6, 2020 and he came to see me in the hospital the 10th. I hadn’t even signed with the firm yet and he was there to ensure I was alright and explain what this process would look like. This was the last moment before our country “shut down”. Mr Mason knew the ins and outside of a case such as mine. He knew what to ask, look for, and investigate. In the midst of a pandemic, I was kept informed every step of the way. My case has been closed out in a reasonable time, 7 months. I would refer anyone to this firm…ask for David Mason."
Danielle P.
Car Accident
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cap on punitive damages in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, most punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 whichever is greater.
How long do most car accident cases last?
The time it takes to resolve a case depends on many factors; the most important are what happened in the wreck and what were the resulting injuries.
- 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 involving more substantial injuries, such as broken bones or surgical procedures, typically last nine to 15 months.
- Cases that involve more substantial 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.
Is the insurance company’s offer “fair”?
The answer really depends on whether you feel that the amount of money offered by the insurance company is enough to avoid the considerable 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 is can be misleading because no two cases are the same.
At HensonFuerst, when we have a “final” offer from the insurance company, we 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 personal situation.
How does a car accident lawyer negotiate my case?
Generally, before we file a lawsuit on your behalf, our North Carolina auto accident 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 of the damages and losses related to your injuries and how those damages will affect your quality of life.
Why should I hire a car accident attorney?
Our North Carolina auto accident lawyers recommend that you seek the help of a lawyer if:
- Your claim involves large 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 permanent injury that resulted in scarring, the need for surgery, or a permanent disability
What should I do after a car accident?
Immediately after an accident
Don't leave the scene. Check for injuries to determine if anyone is wounded, beginning with yourself. When it is safe, get out of your car and check the other drivers and passengers. Only leave the scene after exchanging information and receiving permission from law enforcement officers.
Get help from law enforcement
If there are any injuries, dial 911 immediately. A law enforcement officer should be present regardless of injuries. Getting help from the police can help determine if the other driver is intoxicated or uninsured. If the crash is minimal, safely relocate vehicles to the side of the road to prevent traffic delays for other motorists.
Collect insurance and personal information
Identify any drivers or witnesses who may have been involved. Collect their names and contact information. For the drivers involved, collect driver's license numbers, insurance company and policy number. Write everything down that happened before and after the accident. Take photos of damage to the car, skid marks, weather conditions. Check for traffic or security cameras and make note of their locations.
Notify Insurance and Additional Notes
Try to stay calm and watch what you say. If you are unsure who is to blame for the accident, do not admit fault. Do not lie, especially when making a statement to the police. Notify your insurance company, regardless of fault. Failure to notify your insurance company could risk your coverage. Be careful when talking to insurance adjusters or specialists, they may try to protect their own company's best interests before your own.
Related Car Accident Stories
With devotion and unwavering determination, our Durham car accident lawyers have won tremendous settlements and verdicts for clients for over four decades. As a client and friend, we’ll be here for you throughout the life of your case.
We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. If a recovery is not made, you pay us nothing.
Car accident lawyers in Durham, NC who care about protecting your rights.
What you can expect when choosing our team of Durham car accident lawyers to represent your case
The Durham 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 in order 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. Because contributory negligence makes blaming another driver for an accident more difficult, you may need the assistance of a North carolina car accident lawyer.
For over 45 years, we’ve been helping 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. We will work hard to protect your best interests and help you recover fair compensation for your accident claim.
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 that can cause the road to be slick and cause hydroplaning
We have represented thousands of clients in our 45 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.
Meet our Durham Car Accident Lawyers
Thomas Henson, Jr.
Thomas Henson, Jr. joined Henson Fuerst in 1989. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1986 and his Juris Doctorate in 1989—both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a leading car accident attorney, Thomas Henson understands how an accident injury affects the lives of the victims.
Thomas is the Past Chair of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC), advocating for brain injury victims and their families across North Carolina, and currently serves on its board. He has been a presenter at multiple conferences for victims of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their caregivers, and brain injury professionals.
David J. Mason
David Mason joined Henson Fuerst in 2018. He has spent most of his career as a car accident lawyer and personal injury litigator and trial attorney, advocating on behalf of injured people in North Carolina.
David attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and minor in Spanish. His passion for justice and helping others brought him to Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in Raleigh, where he earned his degree of Juris Doctor. During law school, David represented Campbell Law in the ABA Negotiation Competition. In addition, he completed internships at Wake County District Court, Duke Energy, and multiple Raleigh law firms.
Raleigh Office
Suite 210,
Raleigh, NC 27612
P (919) 781-1107
F (919) 781-8048