Experienced Chapel Hill Car Accident Lawyers
Providing Compassionate Guidance After a Car Crash
Recovering from car accidents often comes with a pile of stressors: medical appointments, repair bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance adjusters who want to limit what they pay. Our Chapel Hill, North Carolina, car accident injury lawyers know how difficult this period can be, which is why we offer free, no-obligation consultations. During your case review, we’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and help you determine the best next steps.
No Fees Unless Our Experienced Attorneys Win Your Case
We believe justice shouldn’t depend on your financial situation. Our personal injury firm operates on a contingency-fee structure, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover money for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Reach out today to get the support and legal guidance you need after your Chapel Hill car accident.
After a Crash, Our Chapel Hill Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help
A collision in Chapel Hill can reshape your life in seconds. Beyond property damage and physical injuries, many victims face long-term financial hardship caused by medical bills, lost income, and ongoing treatment. For decades, we’ve stood beside injured people throughout North Carolina, fighting for those whose lives have been upended by someone else’s negligence.
When you choose a Chapel Hill car accident attorney at Henson Fuerst, you become part of our family. You’ll receive honest, compassionate representation and the full support of a legal team that has been advocating for accident victims for more than 45 years. If you have questions about your accident, we’re here to help. Call (919) 781-1107 or send us a free case evaluation form anytime.
Case
Results
Results
$9.5 Million
Truck Accident
$7.5 Million
Truck Accident
$3 Million
Car Accident
GET COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES
Why You Need an Experienced Law Firm
Our firm has helped thousands of people across North Carolina recover after being hurt in motor vehicle accidents. Whether your injuries resulted from a car crash, truck collision, motorcycle accident, or bicycle wreck, our Chapel Hill personal injury team is here to stand up for your rights.
A Reputation for Excellence
Henson Fuerst has earned recognition from respected legal organizations and the North Carolina community, including:
- Super Lawyers – honoring the top 5% of attorneys statewide
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – celebrating leadership, skill, and results
- NC Lawyers Weekly – Best Family-Led Law Firms in North Carolina
When you work with our firm, you get a team known for professionalism, compassion, and proven results.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
3110 Edwards Mill Rd # 100,
Raleigh, NC 27612
Fax (919) 781-8048
Rocky Mount, NORTH CAROLINA
2317 Sunset Ave,
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Fax (252) 443-9429
"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
Understanding North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws
North Carolina follows one of the strictest negligence systems in the country. Under NC’s contributory negligence laws, if you are found even 1% at fault, you could lose your right to recover any compensation at all. Insurance companies frequently use this harsh rule to deny claims, making legal representation important.
How Contributory Negligence Can Affect Your Case
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You can be barred from compensation entirely. Even a minor mistake, such as failing to signal, driving slightly over the speed limit, or reacting too slowly, could be used to claim you share fault.
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Insurers use it as leverage. Adjusters often search aggressively for any detail that can shift blame onto you, then use that to push low settlement offers.
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You must prove the other driver was 100% at fault. Substantial evidence, such as photos, witness accounts, and expert opinions, is crucial.
If you’re filing a claim and have questions about proving fault or NC’s contributory negligence laws, contact Henson Fuerst. We know how to challenge unfair fault claims and build the strongest case possible so you have the best chance at full compensation.
Our Chapel Hill Car Accident Lawyers fight to get you the maximum compensation necessary for your recovery.
Notable Case Result: $7.5 Million Settlement
Our firm secured a $7.5 million settlement for a child who sustained multiple brain bleeds and lifelong cognitive and physical challenges after a serious truck accident. The case settled after extensive depositions and expert testimony, and the full amount was collected.
Compensation Available to North Carolina Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Depending on the severity of the crash and its impact on your life, recoverable damages may include:
Common Injuries From Chapel Hill Car Accidents
Our law firm has represented clients suffering from injuries such as:
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Whiplash and neck injuries
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Spinal injuries and paralysis
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Broken bones
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Severe lacerations
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Burns and permanent scarring
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Internal injuries
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Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Even minor accidents can lead to long-term complications. Medical evaluation and legal guidance should be sought as soon as possible.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Our Chapel Hill auto accident attorneys represent clients involved in:
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Rear-end collisions
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Head-on crashes
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T-bone accidents
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Multi-car pileups
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Rollover crashes
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Drunk driving accidents
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Distracted driving crashes
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Hit-and-run accidents
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
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Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
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Motorcycle accidents
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Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
No matter how complex your case is, we have the resources to investigate thoroughly and pursue maximum compensation.
Leading Causes of Car Crashes
Negligence can take many forms. Our attorneys conduct detailed investigations to pinpoint the cause and identify all liable parties. Common causes include:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Drunk or drug-impaired driving
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Reckless or aggressive driving
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Ignoring traffic signals
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Failing to yield
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Hazardous weather conditions
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Driver fatigue
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Inexperienced drivers
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Mechanical failures or defective vehicle parts
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Failing to use turn signals
Frequently Asked Questions
Most punitive damages are capped at the greater of $250,000 or three times compensatory damages.
- Minor injury cases: ~6–9 months
- Moderate injury cases: ~9–15 months
- Severe or permanent injury cases: 1–3 years
- Lawsuits can add 16–24 months or more.
Every case is unique, and the only way to know whether an offer is truly fair is to review the details of your situation. We can walk through everything with you during an initial consultation and help you understand what your claim may actually be worth. If you have already received an offer from the insurance company, we strongly recommend running it by an attorney before accepting anything.
Our attorneys would handle the entire process for you. This includes gathering medical records, documenting damages, and presenting a demand once your condition stabilizes. If negotiations fail, we can file a lawsuit.
You should consider hiring an attorney if you suffered serious or long-lasting injuries, required significant medical treatment, or may be facing permanent limitations. In these situations, legal representation is especially important because an attorney can fully identify and document the scope of damages you’re entitled to recover, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
The statute of limitations to file an injury claim in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. However, for your best chance at maximum compensation, you must speak with a reputable car accident lawyer and file a claim as soon as possible.
In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The scene is often chaotic and confusing in the aftermath of a car crash and emotions run high. Nonetheless, there are various precautions you should take to protect both yourself and any potential claims you might pursue in the future. After an accident, it is critical that you remain calm and take the following steps:
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Step 1
Stay at the scene
Leaving early can lead to hit-and-run charges.
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Step 2
Check for injuries
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
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Step 3
Call the Police
A police report is crucial evidence.
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Step 4
Move your vehicle if it's safe to do so
Prevent further collisions and allow emergency responders access.
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Step 5
Exchange information
Gather driver and witness details.
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Step 6
Document everything
Take photos and note any cameras nearby.
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Step 7
Avoid admitting fault
Even casual statements can be used against you.
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Step 8
Notify your insurer quickly
Delays can affect your coverage.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident in Chapel Hill
North Carolina’s contributory negligence system makes it extremely difficult for injured individuals to recover compensation without strong legal representation. To be eligible for compensation, you must be completely free of fault, which is something insurance companies will aggressively challenge.
For more than 45 years, Henson Fuerst has guided crash victims through this complicated process, advocating for them against insurers who prioritize profits over people.
Talk to a Chapel Hill Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. If you or a loved one was injured because of another driver’s negligence, our experienced car accident attorneys at Henson Fuerst are ready to put you first. Call us at (919) 781-1107 or submit a free case evaluation form to get started.
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