After an accident in North Carolina, you may be left dealing with injuries, mounting expenses, and uncertainty about how your claim will be handled. Part of that uncertainty comes from North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, which governs most personal injury claims.
This law prevents you from recovering any compensation if you are even 1% at fault for the accident (ie, you contributed to the accident).
Insurance companies may take advantage of this rule to deny or minimize payouts, leaving victims at a disadvantage. Because of this, having legal representation early can help protect your ability to recover compensation. With three decades of experience and over $100 million recovered for clients, our Huntersville personal injury lawyers can handle your claim from start to finish.
We investigate your accident and negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation. Under our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, you pay no upfront fees and no attorney fees unless we win. Call us today for a free consultation.
Why Hiring A Huntersville Personal Injury Lawyer Is Important
North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule applies to most negligence‑based claims, such as a car accident claim, wrongful death lawsuit, or a catastrophic injury claim. This rule bars recovery if you are found even 1% at fault.
Insurance companies try to use this strict rule to their advantage, attempting to assign blame to victims in order to deny legitimate claims. A Huntersville personal injury lawyer assists by conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence of negligence.
When accidents involve multiple at-fault parties, such as commercial vehicle collisions, reviewing all applicable liability policies is important. We go after the compensation that makes a real difference in your recovery.
Our Personal Injury Practice Areas
Each type of negligence-based incident presents unique challenges for victims pursuing claims. Our attorneys handle a range of negligence-based cases, including the following:
- Huntersville car accident lawyers: Auto accident claims involve unique challenges under contributory negligence laws. We conduct timely investigations to preserve evidence that demonstrates someone else caused the accident that led to your injuries.
- Huntersville truck accident lawyers: Accidents with large trucks can lead to devastating injuries and make for difficult claims. These cases may involve multiple parties, such as trucking companies or maintenance providers, and often include large insurance policies and teams of defense lawyers.
- Huntersville motorcycle accident lawyers: Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable on the road, but insurers maintain a bias when it comes to determining fault. We counter arguments that attempt to shift blame onto riders.
- Huntersville pedestrian accident lawyers: Pedestrian accident injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. We work to see these losses fairly reflected in your settlement offer.
- Huntersville bicycle accident lawyers: Bicycle collisions, like pedestrian accidents, often result from negligent drivers. We work to recover compensation that allows you to access the care you need.
- Huntersville dog bite lawyers: North Carolina’s strict liability laws only apply if the dog meets the statutory definition of a “dangerous dog.” Otherwise, liability typically requires proving negligence, such as violating leash laws or knowledge of vicious propensity.
- Huntersville wrongful death lawyers: A wrongful death claim allows families to seek compensation after losing a loved one to an avoidable accident. These cases can provide financial and emotional relief during a difficult time by addressing funeral expenses, loss of income, and other losses.
Our attorneys work with you to assess your situation, file your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, and pursue the compensation that makes a difference in your recovery.
Statute Of Limitations In North Carolina
North Carolina law sets a filing deadline for personal injury lawsuits. Most personal injury cases are subject to the three–year limit in N.C.G.S. § 1–52. The clock starts counting down from the date your injury occurred.
A wrongful death case has its own statute of limitations. According to N.C.G.S. § 1–53, the time limit is two years starting from the date of death.
The time it takes to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company does not stall the statute of limitations, either. Hiring a personal injury attorney earlier on allows them to begin working on your case and tracking your filing deadline.
Potential Damages In A Personal Injury Case
We thoroughly evaluate all potential damages so that your claim reflects the real extent of your losses. We may pursue reimbursement of immediate losses as well as future losses. Our focus is on getting you the settlement or verdict that can help you reach your maximum recovery.
The damages available depend on the specifics of your case, but often include the following:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses in personal injury claims include the costs of emergency care, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, prescribed medications, and any future medical treatment deemed necessary due to serious injuries.
Our attorney can gather your medical bills and even expert testimony, if needed, to substantiate your losses.
Lost Income
If your injuries restrict your ability to work, you may recover compensation for wages you’ve already lost as well as for any future loss of earning capacity.
Our personal injury lawyers may include time missed immediately after the accident in your claim, as well as long-term inability to return to your former job or field of work due to physical or psychological limitations.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the non-economic impact of your injuries, such as physical pain and emotional distress.
Property Damage
If your personal property was damaged as a result of an accident, such as a damaged or totaled vehicle in an auto accident, you may seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
Evidence like repair estimates, photographs, and any relevant receipts is used to substantiate these claims.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish at-fault parties for gross negligence or willful and wanton conduct, such as drunk driving or intentional harm.
Under N.C.G.S. § 1D-25, punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is greater. These damages not only deter reckless behavior but also underscore the seriousness of intentional or egregious misconduct.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Huntersville Are Here For You
Auger & Auger has brought a personalized, family-owned approach to accident victims across North Carolina since 1995.
We take pressure off you by handling the insurance claim process and seeking the settlement or verdict you deserve under North Carolina personal injury law. We fight back when insurance companies attempt to use the contributory negligence rule against you.
Call today for a free consultation and ask your questions. We stand behind the A&A Zero Fee Guarantee™, so you pay no attorney fee unless we win.
