Trusted car accident lawyers with over 13 years of experience.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer can step in, take over the communication with insurers, and start building your case while you focus on your recovery. The Burton Law Firm has spent more than 13 years handling these matters across Wake County and the surrounding region. We take every car accident case on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee unless we recover for you. Call today for a free case review.
Car Accident Lawyer Raleigh, NC
A Raleigh car accident lawyer handles the parts of an injury claim that most people are not equipped to manage on their own while they’re trying to recover. We deal directly with adjusters, request and review the police report, gather medical records, identify every available insurance policy, and build the file in a way that holds up if the case ends up in front of a jury.
A car accident attorney in Raleigh, NC also serves as a buffer between you and the insurance company. Once we file a letter of representation, the carrier stops contacting our clients directly. We negotiate from a position of preparation. If the carrier refuses to pay what the case is worth, we file suit in Wake County Superior Court and try the case.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Raleigh
Wake County roads see crashes of every kind, from low-speed fender benders on Glenwood Avenue to fatal interstate wrecks. Our firm handles the full range of motor vehicle injury claims, and we adjust our approach to fit the specific facts of each one. Below are the types of cases we take on most often.
- Rear-end collisions. These crashes often look minor in photographs but cause serious neck, back, and soft tissue injuries that take weeks to fully present. We push back when adjusters try to use vehicle damage estimates to undercut the value of an injury claim.
- DUI accident cases. Drunk driving wrecks frequently involve catastrophic injuries and the possibility of punitive damages under North Carolina law. We work alongside any criminal proceedings to protect our clients’ civil claims.
- Truck accidents. Commercial vehicle collisions involve federal regulations, electronic logging data, and multiple potentially liable parties. Our firm investigates trucking companies, brokers, and maintenance providers when the facts call for it.
- Motorcycle accidents. Riders face built-in bias from insurance carriers and juries. We counter that bias with crash reconstruction, helmet use evidence, and documented medical proof.
- Pedestrian accidents. Crashes involving people on foot tend to produce severe injuries even at low speeds. Crosswalk evidence, signal timing, and driver attention all matter in these cases.
- Bicycle accidents. Cyclists hit by drivers often face contributory negligence arguments. We document the full picture of how the crash happened and what the rider was doing right.
- Failure to yield crashes. Left-turn and intersection wrecks turn on right-of-way analysis and witness statements. Our investigation usually starts at the scene itself.
- Speeding accidents. Excessive speed is a contributing factor in a large share of fatal Wake County wrecks. We use crash data, scene measurements, and the citation record to establish liability.
- Wrongful death claims. When a crash is fatal, surviving family members can pursue a claim under North Carolina’s wrongful death statute. We handle these matters with the care they require.
- Hit-and-run cases. Even when the at-fault driver flees, recovery is often possible through uninsured motorist coverage. We dig into every available policy.
Why Choose The Burton Law Firm for Car Accident Cases in Raleigh, NC?
Local Knowledge and Trial Experience
Attorney Jason Burton is a fifth-generation trial lawyer who has handled catastrophic injury and motor vehicle cases in North Carolina for 13 years. Mr. Burton graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian from Elon University School of Law, where he now serves on the Advisory Board. He is licensed in both North Carolina and Virginia and has earned an Avvo rating of 10.0, recognition as a Rising Star by North Carolina Super Lawyers, and selection to the National Trial Lawyers Top 10 Under 40. He is also a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Proven Results on Serious Injury Cases
Our Raleigh personal injury attorney has secured millions of dollars for clients across motor vehicle, premises liability, and wrongful death matters. Because Mr. Burton’s father spent his career as an insurance defense attorney, our firm understands how carriers evaluate, reserve, and ultimately pay these claims. That insight shapes how we build files, time demands, and prepare cases for litigation.
We work on contingency. There is no hourly rate, no retainer, and no fee unless we recover money for you.
Understanding Car Accident Cases in North Carolina
Damages, Liability, and Compensation
In a North Carolina car accident claim, recoverable damages generally fall into a few categories. The specifics vary based on the severity of injuries and the available insurance coverage.
- Past and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity for serious or permanent injuries
- Pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional toll of the crash
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal items
- Punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving or other egregious conduct
If the injured driver is found even one percent at fault, recovery can be barred entirely. That is why preserving evidence and framing the facts correctly from day one matters so much in our state.
Important Aspects in Your Car Accident Case
A few things tend to drive the outcome of a Wake County car accident claim. Some are obvious. Others surprise people.
- Prompt medical treatment and consistent follow-up care
- Preservation of vehicle damage, photographs, and dashcam footage
- Identification of every available insurance policy, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Witness statements taken close in time to the crash
- Avoiding recorded statements with the at-fault carrier before talking to a lawyer
Car Accident Case Timeline
Every case is different. That said, most Raleigh car accident matters move through a fairly predictable arc.
- Initial consultation and investigation in the first 30 days
- Medical treatment and recovery, often three to twelve months
- Demand package preparation and submission to the insurer
- Negotiation and possible settlement
- Filing suit and discovery, if a fair settlement is not offered
- Mediation, trial, or final resolution
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims have their own two-year window. Missing those deadlines usually ends the case.
What to Bring to Your Car Accident Consultation
To make the first meeting productive, gather what you have. Don’t worry if some items are missing.
- The crash report or incident number from the responding agency
- Photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries
- Names and contact info for witnesses, if available
- Your auto insurance declarations page and any health insurance information
- Medical records, bills, and any out-of-pocket receipts so far
The consultation itself is free, and there is no pressure to sign anything that day. We walk through the facts, give an honest read on the case, and answer your questions in plain language.
North Carolina Legal Resources for Car Accident Cases
For drivers who want to understand the rules that apply to their case, these resources are useful starting points.
- North Carolina General Statutes, including Chapter 20 on motor vehicles and Chapter 1 on statutes of limitations
- NCDOT crash data for understanding state and county traffic safety trends
- North Carolina Department of Insurance for information on auto insurance requirements and consumer rights
- NHTSA crash data for federal-level statistics on motor vehicle crashes and injuries
- CDC Motor Vehicle Safety for public health data on traffic injuries
North Carolina applies a contributory negligence standard, meaning the rules around fault are stricter here than in most other states. Damages in a personal injury case can include both economic and non-economic losses. Statutes of limitations generally run from the date of the crash, with limited exceptions.
Reach Out to The Burton Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation
If you or someone you love was hurt in a Raleigh car wreck, our firm is ready to help. The consultation is free, and we work on contingency, so there is no fee unless we recover for you. Contact us today to schedule a time to talk.
