Experienced Car Wreck Lawyer in Raleigh, NC
We understand the devastation that car accidents can bring and have fought for accident victims just like you for over four decades. 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 Raleigh car accident lawyers for a free consultation by calling 866-677-0420 or submitting a free case evaluation today.
You need an experienced law firm to handle your motor vehicle accident claim

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$7.5 Million
$3 Million
North Carolina is a Contributory Negligence State

Cheryl S.
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. A skilled auto accident attorney at Henson Fuerst will thoroughly investigate your accident and hold the at-fault driver accountable for your experience.
Common types of negligence leading to car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: This is a major 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.
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 |
We have represented thousands of personal injury victims for over 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.
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 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:
- 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
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.

What should I do after a car accident?

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
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.
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 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 number, and insurance company and policy number. 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. Also, don’t lie, especially if you’re making a police statement.
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 in a timely manner could risk your coverage.
We have represented thousands of personal injury victims for over 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.
Our Raleigh Car Accident Attorneys care about protecting your rights and getting help for your injuries
What you can expect when choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent your case
For over 45 years, our law firm has helped 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. Contact us today by calling 866-677-0420 or submitting a free consultation form online.
There are many factors to consider when determining fault in a car accident case
- 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