Our firm has helped injury victims for over 45 years. We’re here to protect your best interests and fight for the compensation you need. Contact us to speak with a Durham car accident lawyer for free today.
Our office 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 for free.
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and witnesses and evidence may only be around for a short time. Legal representation early in the process can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our experienced team at Henson Fuerst is ready to assess your situation and discuss the best course of action during a free consultation.
| Year | Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,684 | 24 | 3,312 |
| 2021 | 8,202 | 18 | 3,186 |
| 2020 | 7,073 | 29 | 2,902 |
| 2019 | 9,898 | 22 | 3,645 |
| 2018 | 9,638 | 23 | 3,619 |
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 case depends on many factors. The most important is what happened in the wreck and what were 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 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.
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, 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.
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 the damages and losses related to your injuries and how those damages will affect your quality of life.
Our North Carolina auto accident lawyers recommend that you seek the help of a lawyer if:
There is no limit to how much compensation you can seek in a car accident lawsuit. The 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 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.
Only after exchanging information with others involved in the collision and receiving permission from police officers (if they're there) should you leave the accident scene.
Evaluate any injuries you sustained from the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor to check for any injuries that could manifest later is crucial.
After an accident, call 911 immediately and file a police report. Having a law enforcement officer there will ensure you have evidence of your accident. They could also help identify if the other driver was driving while intoxicated or distracted.
If the crash is minor without any substantial injuries, try to move all vehicles to the shoulder of the road and away from traffic. This will help offset a significant traffic delay and make it easier for first responders to arrive at the scene.
Ensure identification of all other drivers involved in the collision and obtain their names, contact details, driver’s license information, and insurance company particulars, including policy numbers. Additionally, gather information from any potential witnesses to the incident.
Take the opportunity to document the events preceding and following the accident precisely. Capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, or prevailing weather conditions. Be attentive to the presence of surveillance cameras, such as traffic or security cameras, and note their locations for potential footage retrieval.
In cases where the fault is uncertain, avoid admitting guilt or blame. You should also avoid apologizing, as this may be held against you. It is crucial not to provide false information, especially when providing a statement to law enforcement.
Prompt communication with your car insurance provider is mandatory regardless of the determined fault. Failing to report the incident promptly may jeopardize your insurance coverage.
As an auto accident victim, it is essential to understand to understand your legal rights to protect your interests. This includes the minimum car insurance requirement in North Carolina. The insurance minimum is $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 for two or more injured victims, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
In addition, North Carolina is an at-fault, or tort-based, state. This means that any car accident victim can collect compensation from the driver who is at fault for the accident. A driver may be deemed at fault for any of the following:
Our experienced Durham car accident attorneys will guide you through the insurance claims process, ensuring you are fully aware of your rights and options. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their cases.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. Our dedicated team of Durham car accident lawyers is here to assist you with the following:
A Henson Fuerst Durham car crash lawyer will:
Being hurt in a car accident is an incredibly distressing experience. At Henson Fuerst, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, bringing you peace of mind as you recover. Speak with our personal injury lawyers for free today.