After a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the injuries and financial losses you suffer can be significant. Filing a claim after such a crash should be straightforward, but it rarely is. In North Carolina, insurers use the state’s contributory negligence law to avoid paying claims. Under this rule, if you are even 1% responsible, you are barred from recovering compensation.
Because insurers rely on these tactics to reduce or deny valid claims, Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers works to counter blame-shifting from the start. Since 1995, our Charlotte car accident lawyers have been investigating crashes, preserving evidence, and building strong claims designed to withstand challenges from insurance companies.
Through our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, there are no upfront attorney fees, and our Charlotte personal injury lawyers only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Why Hire Auger & Auger’s Car Accident Attorneys In Charlotte?
Many people assume that if another driver caused a collision, the insurance company will simply do the right thing. Unfortunately, that is not always what happens. Insurers may dispute who caused the wreck or argue that some other factor contributed to the accident so they can use North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule to avoid paying you any compensation.
Having an experienced Charlotte car accident attorney on your side can level the playing field. At Auger & Auger, we believe every client deserves personal attention and compassionate guidance throughout the legal process. We take the time to understand how an accident has affected your life today and how it may continue to affect you in the future.
For 31+ years, our family-run firm has stood beside injury victims in North Carolina, recovering over $250 million while maintaining a 99.5% success rate. That experience gives us insight into the strategies insurance adjusters commonly use and how to respond effectively.
How Contributory Negligence May Impact Your Case
North Carolina’s contributory negligence system is why having an attorney in your corner is highly recommended. Since even 1% of fault could bar you from recovering any compensation at all, it is critical to have help from a team that knows how to navigate the rule and whether any exceptions apply.
For instance, North Carolina law presumes that minor children under seven are incapable of contributory negligence.
Additionally, the last clear chance doctrine may allow an injured person to recover compensation despite their own negligence if the other driver had the final opportunity to avoid the crash but failed to do so. A defendant’s gross negligence may also overcome a contributory negligence defense, depending on the circumstances.
Even if you bear no fault for the crash or qualify for an exception, insurers may still try to assign you partial responsibility or dispute whether an exception applies. Our team will investigate your accident and work to preserve your right to compensation in the face of unfair insurer tactics.
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Start Your Free Case ReviewTypes Of Car Accident Cases Our Lawyers In Charlotte Handle
Our Charlotte car crash attorneys at Auger & Auger have the experience and skill to handle your case. We can assign one of the following lawyers to work on your claim:
- Charlotte hit–and–run car accident lawyers: Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver flees the scene after causing a crash. We can work to identify the liable party or file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if they can’t be found.
- Charlotte rear–end accident lawyers: Rear-end accidents are frequently caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. We can investigate your crash to prove fault.
- Charlotte rideshare accident lawyers: Rideshare accidents can result from inexperience, distracted driving, or negligence. We can explain the complicated liability structure in these claims so you can recover the money you need.
- Charlotte rollover accident lawyers: Rollover accidents often occur when a vehicle loses control, typically due to speeding, sharp turns, or hitting uneven terrain. We can work with you to file a lawsuit against another driver, a municipality if road conditions are to blame, or the manufacturer of your vehicle.
- Charlotte distracted driving accident lawyers: Distracted driving accidents occur when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, often because of texting, eating, or using in-car technology. We work to prove that another driver’s reckless driving caused your collision.
- Charlotte intersection accident lawyers: Intersection accidents typically happen due to drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging the movement of other vehicles. If an issue with a stoplight was to blame, you might have a case against a government body.
- Charlotte DUI accident lawyers: DUI accidents are caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Punitive damages may be available when an impaired driver’s conduct meets North Carolina’s legal requirements. We investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine whether the evidence supports seeking these damages.
- Charlotte uninsured motorist accident lawyers: Uninsured motorist accidents occur when a driver without car insurance coverage causes a crash, leaving victims struggling to recover compensation. We will pursue a claim with your insurer or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Our auto wreck attorneys in Charlotte can file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve. We can explore your legal options during a free initial consultation.
Contact a Trusted Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
Time is of the essence for your injury case — and your evaluation is completely free.
Start Your Free Case ReviewWhat To Do After A Car Accident In Charlotte
The hours and days after a Charlotte car accident can be confusing. You are battling injuries, and you might be worried about money. However, the steps you take during this time can make a big difference in your case.
Seek Medical Attention
You should always seek medical assistance as soon as possible after your collision. Even if you are feeling fine after a car accident, you could have sustained serious injuries with delayed symptoms, such as internal bleeding. Early medical assessment reduces the risk of an untreated injury worsening.
You also need a diagnosis from a medical professional before our team at Auger & Auger can identify and pursue the costs of an injury on an insurance claim. If you have visible injuries, pain, or limited mobility after your car accident in Charlotte, visit the closest emergency room as soon as police investigators arrive at the scene and clear you to leave.
Request an ambulance when reporting your collision if you or anyone else might be seriously injured. Do not refuse an ambulance if you think you might be seriously injured or if paramedics suggest you use medical transport. Insurers may later use your refusal as evidence that you are not as injured as you claim.
Document Your Accident
When and if you are able, begin to gather information and evidence about the scene of the accident, including weather conditions, traffic signals and signs, vehicle damage, bodily injuries, and more.
Take ample photos and videos of the scene and your vehicle, if possible, for visual evidence. If anyone witnessed the accident, gather their statements and contact information to use as additional testimony for your case. Request copies of your medical records to show the extent of your injuries.
When you hire our team at Auger & Auger, our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of our own. We will aid you in gathering necessary evidence, and then we will use our firm’s resources and extensive experience to build a persuasive claim for compensation on your behalf.
Keep Track Of Your Expenses
Save your receipts and documentation for all expenses related to your accident and injury. This could mean emergency room visits, doctors’ visits, physical therapy sessions, medications and prescriptions, and any counseling or therapy you need.
Document and keep records of lost wages, any costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle, expenses concerning your family (such as child care), and any other costs that stemmed from the crash. Your attorney can tell you how to get reimbursed for lost wages after a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina.
To support a claim for pain and suffering, you’ll also want to keep notes on how the crash has impacted you and your family’s daily lives. Our attorneys will then step in to present this information in a way that shows an insurer or court that you deserve to be compensated for every loss you’ve suffered.
Avoid Posting On Social Media
Insurance companies frequently review social media accounts during personal injury claims. Posts, photographs, or comments can sometimes be taken out of context and used to challenge an injury claim. Social media accounts have become a major part of many personal injury cases. Even private posts can be used against you.
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In addition to avoiding posting on your own accounts, you should request that friends and family not include you in any posts on their accounts. Insurers will likely run a deep online search of you and your acquaintances to find anything they can potentially use to deny or devalue your claim.
To avoid posting anything that may jeopardize your case, we encourage you to reach out to our Charlotte car accident lawyers. We are available to clients to answer questions about appropriate public-facing communications and social media content.
Contact a Trusted Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
Time is of the essence for your injury case — and your evaluation is completely free.
Take Care When Interacting With The Liable Party’s Insurer
In most cases, it is best to avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurers often attempt to get accident victims to make a recorded statement, which they then try to use to deny their claims.
Once a victim makes a statement, the insurer can use any inconsistencies or contradictions in the accident narrative to dispute the claim’s grounds. The insurer could use your statements to allege that you were partially at fault, which puts your entire claim at risk.
A personal injury attorney at Auger & Auger can communicate with the liable party and their insurer. Your lawyer acts as your advisor and can handle all interactions on your behalf, protecting you from insurance company tactics.
Why Acting Quickly After A Charlotte Car Accident Matters
The actions taken shortly after a collision can significantly affect the strength of a legal claim. North Carolina General Statutes typically provide three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under G.S. §1-52. Missing that deadline can prevent an injured person from seeking compensation through the courts.
Waiting can also make important evidence harder to obtain. Physical evidence may disappear, witnesses may forget critical details, and electronic records may no longer be available. Beginning an investigation promptly allows our attorneys to preserve information that may strengthen your case.
Our team may take steps such as:
- Obtaining crash reports and official documentation
- Gathering photographs from the accident scene
- Preserving available video footage
- Interviewing witnesses while memories remain fresh
- Reviewing medical records and treatment histories
- Consulting qualified professionals when necessary
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
Early action often creates stronger cases because evidence is easier to collect and protect.
When To Take A Settlement And When To Go To Trial
Insurance actuaries calculate settlement values using formulas after an adjuster investigates the claim. Insurance companies consider multiple factors when evaluating claims, including the evidence, the extent of your losses, and the potential cost of an unfavorable jury verdict.
Aiming to pay out as little as possible, an insurer may offer a low settlement amount that fails to account for your losses. Taking a settlement before you understand the full scope of your damages may leave you in a position where you are barred from pursuing additional compensation when you find that your losses are greater than initially anticipated.
When you hire an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC, you have an ally who knows how to handle insurance companies. At Auger & Auger, we treat every case as if it will go to court. Preparing every case for trial also strengthens our position during settlement negotiations, helping us challenge offers that fail to reflect the full extent of your losses.
The Cost Of Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer After A Collision In Charlotte
At Auger & Auger, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means we take a percentage of the award when we win a settlement or a court case. You don’t need to pay your attorney up front.
When you work with our team, you get the advantage of the A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™. That means you pay no upfront attorney fees, and we only receive an attorney fee if we recover compensation for you. We are incentivized to get you the compensation you deserve.
Damages You May Be Able To Pursue Following A Car Accident In Charlotte
To recover the full damages of a claim, accident victims must have an accurate estimate of all of their damages, past and future. Many accident victims will accept unfair settlement offers from insurance companies because they do not know that they have additional losses that could be covered.
They may also fail to account for losses they will encounter in the future, such as the diminished resale value of a vehicle that has been repaired after a major crash. Our car accident lawyers in Charlotte, NC, can review your losses and provide an accurate, full accounting of all possible damages.
Every situation is different, and it isn’t possible to predict your compensation claim without reviewing your case. Here are some of the expenses you might recover:
| Type of Damage | What It May Include |
| Past and Future Medical Bills | All necessary medical costs related to treating your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, follow-up care, and anticipated future medical treatments. |
| Past and Future Lost Wages | Income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as potential future lost earnings. Recovery may depend on the terms of the applicable insurance policy. |
| Property Damage | Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and damaged personal belongings. Property damage claims are separate from bodily injury claims. |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | Direct accident-related expenses such as prescription costs, medical devices, transportation expenses, and hospital parking fees. |
| Pain and Suffering | Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries. This is separate from medical bills. |
| Mental Anguish | Emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or psychological harm resulting from the accident. May require professional medical documentation. |
In extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are meant to punish the liable party for their actions rather than compensate you for any losses you incurred.
Your lawyer can investigate the crash to determine whether the liable party’s actions meet the threshold for considering punitive damages.
Is Hiring A Lawyer Important After A Minor Car Accident?
In many cases, it may be worth getting a lawyer for a minor car accident in North Carolina. Even when an accident seems minor, it can result in injuries that are diagnosed later.
Many people also underestimate the long-term costs of treatment. They may not fully understand the difference in income they will experience as a consequence of the injury. Our attorneys allow you to avoid these costly mistakes.
Consulting our auto accident lawyers in Charlotte, NC, reduces the risk of being required to pay out of pocket for damages that result from an accident you did not cause. We can ensure that you understand the full impact of a crash and how much your damages are truly worth.
Fatal Car Accidents And Wrongful Death Claims In Charlotte
Some motor vehicle collisions have devastating consequences that no family should ever have to experience. When a loved one loses their life because of another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have legal options under North Carolina law.
Although no lawsuit can replace someone you love, a wrongful death claim can address the financial burdens and personal losses that often follow a fatal crash.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs associated with the person’s final injury or illness
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of services, guidance, and care
- Loss of companionship
- Other damages permitted under North Carolina law
North Carolina’s Statute Of Limitations For Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one was fatally injured in an auto collision caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. In North Carolina, wrongful death claims are subject to a two–year statute of limitations under G.S. § 1-53(4). This means you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
Wrongful death claims in North Carolina must generally be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. If your loved one did not designate a personal representative, our Charlotte wrongful death lawyers can explain the process of how the court appoints one and guide you through the necessary steps to pursue a claim on behalf of surviving family members.
What Can You Do If You Are Hit By An Uninsured Driver?
If you were in an accident caused by an uninsured driver in North Carolina, the first step is always to report the accident to the police. An uninsured driver may suggest settling matters without involving the police. However, this can put you in a position where recovering fair compensation is impossible if you later discover that your losses exceeded your initial estimate.
North Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, deaths, or total property damage of $1,000 or more. Reporting the crash also creates an official record that may help support your insurance claim.
If the driver cannot provide insurance information, try to obtain their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration details. If they fail to pay for your losses, an experienced Charlotte car crash lawyer can take legal action against them to seek the money you deserve.
Liability Insurance
North Carolina requires drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages in car accidents. For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, the minimum liability limits are $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50).
Policies issued before July 1, 2025, were subject to the previous minimum limits of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). The higher limits apply when those policies are renewed. Liability insurance helps protect drivers from exposure to lawsuits. This means that if someone does not have their legally required minimum liability insurance, they can potentially be sued.
However, someone who does not carry liability insurance is likely to be economically disadvantaged, which means they will likely have little in the way of assets to repay the costs of your medical treatment and other losses.
Accessing Your Um/uim Coverage
Recovering compensation after a car accident involving an uninsured driver can be difficult. Our experienced car accident lawyers work to identify any alternative sources of compensation, such as filing a claim under any available UM/UIM coverage you have. We can explain UM/UIM car coverage and why you should have it.
Who Is Liable In A Hit-and-run Accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, no one is there to provide a statement or hand you their insurance information. A driver may flee the scene for various reasons, and they may not always be the at-fault party. It is always illegal to flee the accident scene. However, fleeing does not automatically indicate fault for the crash. As the injured party, this puts you in a tough position.
Always report a hit-and-run accident to the police. They will take down a statement, potentially including the make and model of the vehicle and any identifying traits of the driver. They will also note the conditions of the accident scene.
While the police will conduct an investigation to track down the driver, our investigative team can carry out our own inquiry. In addition to working to find the car and driver who fled the scene, we will also investigate to determine if any other party bears legal responsibility for the accident and your resulting damages.
Charlotte And Mecklenburg County Crash Risks
Several roads and intersections across Charlotte are known for higher accident rates, including:
- Independence Boulevard (US 74): This major corridor is known for high-speed traffic and frequent lane changes.
- I–77/I–277 Interchange: The high volume of commuters and merging lanes makes this a hotspot for crashes, especially during rush hour.
- Brookshire Boulevard (NC 16): Frequent accidents are reported here due to heavy traffic and speeding.
- North Tryon Street & Sugar Creek Road: This intersection is notorious for collisions, often due to drivers running red lights or failing to yield.
- University City Boulevard & W.T. Harris Boulevard: A densely traveled area prone to accidents due to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Being injured in a crash in a high-speed or high-traffic area like these examples can leave you with steep medical bills and a long road to recovery. The last thing you need is insurers to jump in and use unfair tactics to deny you the recovery you deserve, especially with the strict contributory negligence rule that threatens to bar you from recovering any compensation at all.
At Auger & Auger, we act quickly to collect evidence from traffic cameras and eyewitnesses on these busy roads so that we can build a case to show that someone else was fully at fault for your crash and injuries.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in different types and degrees of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering conditions. When our car accident attorneys in Charlotte pursue a claim, we know each injury may require different forms of medical care and compensation.
That is why we consult your doctors and other medical specialists to understand your long-term care needs when building your claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (tbis)
TBIs are among the most serious injuries caused by car accidents when a sudden impact or jolt disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms can range from headaches and memory loss to long-term cognitive and physical impairments, especially in severe cases.
Concussions
A concussion is a milder form of TBI caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking. Some symptoms, like dizziness and nausea, may resolve in days or weeks, but more severe cases can lead to persistent post-concussive syndrome, affecting daily life.
Whiplash And Neck Or Spine Injuries
Whiplash, which can become a chronic condition, occurs when the neck gets forcefully jerked back and forth. This can cause severe neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures, may also result, requiring prolonged treatment or surgery.
Broken Bones
Broken ribs, arms, legs, and other fractures are often caused by the force of a collision. While some fractures heal with minimal intervention, others may require surgery, metal implants, and long-term rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries And Bleeding
Internal bleeding and organ damage to the lungs, liver, or kidneys can follow the blunt force trauma from the impact of the collision. Symptoms may not immediately manifest with internal injuries, and prompt medical assessment is important to prevent life-altering complications.
Paralysis
Spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, dramatically affecting a victim’s quality of life, requiring long-term care, home modifications, and assistive devices.
Lacerations And Soft Tissue Injuries
Glass from broken windshields and windows can cause deep cuts or lacerations for auto accident victims. These injuries often require stitches, and severe cases may lead to permanent scarring and an increased risk of infection.
Common Negligence-based Causes Of Charlotte Car Accidents
Negligent driving occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, putting others’ safety at risk. These actions violate traffic laws or a basic duty of care, leading to preventable accidents. Common negligence-based causes of car accidents that can give rise to a personal injury claim include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Impaired driving is a direct violation of North Carolina law and constitutes reckless behavior. Intoxicated drivers have reduced reaction times and poor coordination, leading to entirely preventable crashes.
- Distracted driving: Distractions take a driver’s focus away from the road. Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car technology while driving violate the duty to remain alert and attentive behind the wheel.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely breaches the duty to maintain a safe distance and creates an increased risk of accidents. Tailgating reduces reaction time, especially during sudden stops or when traffic conditions change.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers have a legal responsibility to check blind spots, use turn signals, and safely merge into traffic. On high-speed roads like I-485 or I-77, this seemingly minor mistake can have severe consequences.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions disregards traffic laws and increases crash severity. High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to obstacles or sudden movements by other vehicles.
- Fatigued driving: Fatigued driving is considered negligence because it impairs a driver’s ability to focus, react, and make sound decisions. Falling asleep at the wheel or zoning out is avoidable if the driver chooses to rest when they’re too tired to drive safely. Drivers who cause accidents due to fatigue can be held accountable for their failure to ensure they were fit to drive.
- Running red lights: Disregarding traffic signals or stop signs directly violates road safety laws, making it a clear instance of negligence. Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield at intersections go beyond committing traffic infractions and put everyone around them at risk of preventable accidents.
Knowing the cause of an accident is a critical step in our investigative process at Auger & Auger. When we determine what negligent behavior led to a crash, we can then use that information to show how a duty of care was violated and prove that another party should be liable for your losses.
Our Car Accident Case Results
At Auger & Auger, we are proud of the results we’ve achieved for car accident victims. With over $250 million recovered for our clients and a 99.5% success rate since our founding in 1995, we have built a strong reputation for securing the compensation our clients deserve. Below are just a few examples of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- Failure to yield accident – $325,000 recovered: After another driver failed to yield the right of way, our client sustained multiple fractures to her hands, requiring surgical intervention. Our attorneys secured $325,000 to cover her medical expenses and losses.
- Stop sign accident – $400,000 recovered: While riding as a passenger in her son’s car, our client suffered life-threatening injuries when another driver ignored a stop sign and caused a severe head-on collision. Thanks to our detailed case preparation and negotiation efforts, we recovered $400,000 for our client’s recovery and ongoing medical needs.
- Improper turn accident – $500,000 recovered: Our client sustained multiple orthopedic injuries, including damage to her lower right leg that required surgery, after another driver failed to yield when turning left. We successfully recovered $500,000.
Our Car Accident Lawyers In Charlotte Are Ready To Take Action Today
For more than three decades, Auger & Auger has used our extensive legal knowledge to pursue compensation for victims after accidents caused by another person’s negligence. We provide compassionate guidance, personal attention, and experienced representation from the beginning of a case through its resolution.
Our team handles the legal responsibilities involved in your claim so you can focus on your health and your loved ones. Under our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you pay no upfront attorney fees, and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free case review with a Charlotte car accident lawyer.
