Car Accident Lawyer Raleigh, NC

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Raleigh, NC, securing the right legal representation is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation. At the Burton Law Firm, attorney Jason Michael Burton brings years of focused experience in personal injury law, helping clients recover financially and emotionally after serious accidents. Known for achieving multi-million dollar settlements and providing compassionate, results-driven service, the firm has built a strong reputation across North Carolina and Virginia. Our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer’s commitment to legal excellence, ethical practice, and real-world results set the foundation for every case we represent. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Understanding Car Accident Cases

Car accidents are disruptive events that often lead to physical injury, emotional distress, and unexpected financial burdens. In North Carolina, victims must prove who was at fault and demonstrate the full extent of their losses in order to be compensated. The legal process involves interpreting local traffic laws, working with insurance adjusters, gathering evidence, and following procedural requirements.

Understanding how these cases work can make a big difference in the outcome. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly for less than what is fair. Medical bills can pile up while you’re out of work. You may also deal with pain, stress, and long-term health issues. Our skilled attorney can help you put all the legal pieces together while focusing on your recovery.

Why Experience Matters in Car Accident Cases

When selecting a personal injury attorney, experience makes a meaningful difference. An attorney who has handled a variety of auto accident claims will be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges and anticipate how opposing parties may act. The right lawyer understands how to deal with insurance representatives, identify the key details in accident reports, and prepare for trial if needed.

Jason Michael Burton has built a practice centered on helping victims receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. His firm brings a results-driven mindset, backed by real-world knowledge of North Carolina’s legal system. Our team brings the following experience, skills, and knowledge to your claim:

• Represented clients in a wide range of personal injury matters, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents
• Achieved significant case results such as a $24.7 million recovery in a premises liability case
• Offers free consultations and a 24/7 live answering service so clients can receive help at any time
• Licensed in both North Carolina and Virginia, allowing for broader regional legal support
• Known for personal attention and direct communication with every client throughout the case
• Honored as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, as well as a Litigation Rising Star by North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine

Work With a Lawyer Who Puts Your Needs First

After a car accident, working with our lawyer who understands your situation and has the experience to take action is one of the most important steps you can take. Jason Michael Burton and his team provide client-focused legal services grounded in trust, experience, and professionalism. We don’t just represent your case—We represent your voice.

Our attorney stands out by combining legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping people recover what they’ve lost. Our approach is backed qualities that every client deserves when facing the aftermath of a serious accident.

To speak with our Raleigh car accident lawyer today, contact our office to schedule your free consultation.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

We provide every client with the personal attention they deserve. One of the defining features of our approach is that clients work directly with attorney Jason Michael Burton—not just paralegals or case managers. This direct communication means that your legal concerns are heard, understood, and addressed with professionalism and care. Our firm’s reputation is built on genuine client relationships and consistent case results across North Carolina and Virginia.

Here are the primary types of car accident cases our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer handles:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are some of the most frequent types of crashes, typically caused by following too closely or distracted driving. These incidents can result in whiplash, neck injuries, and chronic back problems. Determining who is responsible often involves reviewing vehicle damage patterns, traffic reports, and statements from eyewitnesses.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on impacts are often the most dangerous, with a high risk of serious or fatal injuries. These crashes can stem from reckless driving, impaired operation, or drifting into oncoming lanes. Cases involving head-on collisions often require extensive investigation and testimony from accident reconstruction experts.

T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents

Side-impact collisions, often occurring at intersections, can be extremely damaging, especially when one car strikes the side of another at high speed. These cases often involve questions of who had the right of way, traffic signal interpretation, and witness credibility.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Crashes that involve multiple vehicles can be especially complicated, as more than one party may share responsibility. Sorting through conflicting statements and insurance claims requires careful analysis and an understanding of how chain-reaction accidents unfold.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents caused by intoxicated drivers are particularly devastating because they are entirely preventable. In these cases, we pursue compensation aggressively and may also seek punitive damages. Holding the responsible party fully accountable can bring a sense of justice to victims and their families.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distraction from mobile devices, in-car systems, or other activities is a major contributor to modern traffic accidents. Proving a driver was distracted can involve gathering cell phone data, reviewing surveillance footage, or analyzing driving behavior just before the crash.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, victims may feel abandoned and overwhelmed. We help our clients work with law enforcement to track down the at-fault driver. If that’s not possible, we assist with uninsured motorist claims so that medical bills and other losses can still be covered.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

Crashes involving trucks or other commercial vehicles often involve not only the driver but also the company that owns or maintains the vehicle. These cases may include violations of safety standards, improper training, or negligent hiring practices.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Drivers have a legal duty to be alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crosswalks and shared-use roadways. When they fail to meet this responsibility, serious injuries can occur. These cases often require a detailed review of traffic laws and visibility issues.

Accidents Caused by Road Hazards or Defects

Sometimes the cause of a crash isn’t another driver but the road itself. Poor maintenance, missing signage, or construction zone mismanagement can all contribute to serious accidents. In these cases, government agencies or contractors may be held accountable, but filing deadlines are often much shorter than typical injury claims.

Finding the Right Lawyer After a Car Accident

When you’ve been injured in an accident, choosing an attorney with the right experience and a proven approach to advocacy can directly affect the outcome of your case. At the Burton Law Firm, we act quickly to preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and represent your interests from the very first call. One of the unique advantages we offer is our commitment to legal excellence through continuous education. Jason Michael Burton actively engages in advanced legal seminars and trial workshops to stay ahead of changes in laws, insurance practices, and courtroom strategies. This up-to-date knowledge benefits every client who entrusts us with their case. Let us help you protect your rights and secure your future. Our law firm is committed to your recovery.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Crash

What you do in the minutes and hours after a car accident can have a lasting impact on your health, finances, and legal rights. What sets our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer apart is our commitment to responsiveness. We provide timely support when it matters most—often within minutes of your first call. Our team is available 24/7, because we know car accidents don’t happen on a schedule, and neither should your access to legal help. This kind of real-time responsiveness is central to the way we support our clients from the very beginning of their recovery journey.

Here’s what you should do immediately following a crash to protect yourself and your potential case.

Check for Injuries

Your safety and the safety of others comes first. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, they may worsen with time. Let emergency medical responders examine you, and follow their guidance closely.

Move to a Safe Location

If the vehicles involved are creating a hazard and it’s safe to do so, move them to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles if available. Avoid standing in active traffic lanes.

Call the Police

Even in seemingly minor accidents, it’s important to have an official report. Police officers will document the scene, speak with witnesses, and file a report that can serve as valuable evidence later. Be honest, but avoid speculating or assigning blame at the scene.

Exchange Information

Collect the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all involved drivers. Also take note of the make, model, and color of the vehicles.

Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos and videos of the vehicles, the damage, any visible injuries, traffic signs, road conditions, and the overall accident scene. Visual evidence can be critical in demonstrating what happened and how it happened.

Speak to Witnesses

If there are bystanders who saw the crash, ask for their names and contact information. Witness accounts can help clarify what took place, especially in cases where liability is disputed.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not appear right away. A medical record created soon after the accident will also help support your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider, but be cautious when describing the incident. Stick to the facts, and don’t speculate about who was at fault. Avoid giving recorded statements before you’ve spoken to a lawyer.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

Sharing accident details, injuries, or updates on social media may harm your claim. Insurance adjusters and opposing counsel can use your posts out of context to challenge your case.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorney

Consulting with our attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights and allows important evidence to be preserved. Early legal guidance can make a major difference in the value and direction of your case.

Why Early Legal Support Can Protect Your Health and Your Case

What you do immediately after an accident affects not just your recovery but your legal outcome as well. Our Raleigh car accident lawyer responds quickly to new clients—often on the same day—to provide legal advice and help take pressure off your shoulders. From securing evidence to managing calls with insurers, we handle the details so you can focus on getting better. Another hallmark of our firm is our use of modern case management technology. We use secure platforms to keep clients informed and involved, with easy access to documents, case updates, and communication tools. This level of transparency and efficiency gives our clients peace of mind and keeps their cases moving forward without unnecessary delays. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need to win your claim. Call now to learn what your options are to pursue financial justice.

The Factors To Consider When Choosing A Lawyer

Our car accident attorneys understand the law and how it affects your personal injury claim, which is why it is important to choose an attorney that has experience in this area. The more knowledge and experience your personal injury attorney has, the more likely it will be that you will have a good result at the end of your case.

You also want to retain an attorney who can evaluate your medical needs so they can better understand how the injury has changed your life. A lawyer should also be interested in you both as a person and a client. You should not have to wait for long periods of time to speak with your personal injury attorney regarding your car accident case. 

Plus, they should also have experience with cases that are similar to your car accident case. After working on the same cases for a while, a skilled attorney will begin to notice patterns. These patterns will help to develop a case strategy that will benefit you and protect you from making common mistakes in your car accident claim. 

Also, a lawyer is supposed to zealously represent clients. This means that your attorney should stand up and fight for you without backing down or giving in to manipulative techniques used by insurance companies or other powerful corporations. 

Lastly, you should retain an attorney who has experience negotiating settlements and conducting trials. If your case does proceed to trial, your personal injury attorney should advance all the costs of the trial and you should not have to pay any fees unless you receive a settlement check.

 

North Carolina Car Accident Laws

As our esteemed personal injury lawyer understands, the complicated car accident laws in North Carolina can seem daunting. However, having a clear grasp of these regulations is imperative for anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident in the state. Whether you are a driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian, these laws affect your rights and responsibilities following an accident.

Determining Fault

One of the primary components of North Carolina’s car accident laws is the principle of contributory negligence. Unlike many other states that follow a comparative negligence system, North Carolina is one of the few that operates under a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if a person is found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages. It’s a stringent rule, and it underscores the importance of having our experienced car accident attorney to represent your interests.

Statute Of Limitations

Timing is of the essence when it comes to car accident claims in North Carolina. The state imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Generally, victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years to file for property damage. Missing this window can result in your loss of rights to seek compensation. Thus, it’s essential to act promptly and consult with our motor vehicle accident lawyer so that your claim is filed within the stipulated timeframe.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

North Carolina law encourages all drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This provision protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or lacks adequate coverage. An uninsured drivers policy allows you to seek compensation for your injuries and damages through your own insurance policy. Underinsured motorist coverage, although not mandatory, is also highly recommended as it can bridge the gap when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your losses after a crash.

Duty To Report Accidents

If you’re involved in an accident in North Carolina, the law requires you to report it to the local police or the state Highway Patrol if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This report plays a vital role in the claims process, serving as an official record of the incident. Retaining our Raleigh auto accident lawyer can help streamline the reporting process, so that all relevant details are accurately captured.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Distracted Driving

When operating a motor vehicle, a driver’s attention should be on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers find it difficult not to avert their attention to other things when behind the wheel. Cell phones are a major contributor to accidents caused by distracted driving. Texting, talking, checking notifications, and using apps can all contribute to a dangerous driving environment.

The dangers of distracted driving include running red lights, failing to stop or yield, traveling over the line, and more. However, there are other sources of potential distraction that often lead to accidents. Interacting with passengers and other vehicles, adjusting the radio, eating, and grooming are all common activities that people engage in when their full attention should be on the road. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact our competent Raleigh car accident lawyer.

Impaired Driving

This category includes driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, as well as driving when tired. Drowsy driving contributes to a large number of accidents every year – an estimated 100,000 of them. Even when tired drivers manage to stay awake behind the wheel, a lack of sleep can cause many impairments that make driving safely next to impossible. Slowed reaction time, decreased concentration, and impaired decision-making are all symptoms of sleep deprivation.

Reckless Driving

Failing to follow traffic laws is not only illegal, but it can also lead to collisions that cause catastrophic injuries. Reckless driving is a classification of major moving traffic violations that indicate a disregard for safety. Speeding, road rage, running red lights, failing to yield the right-of-way, and changing lanes improperly are all examples of behaviors that are often considered reckless driving. Any one of these on their own is dangerous, but many times reckless drivers commit multiple offenses prior to causing a crash.

Safe driving should be every driver’s default operating mode. Unfortunately, some people exhibit carelessness for the lives of others when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle. If you’ve been injured and want the at-fault driver to be held responsible for the damage they’ve caused, our car accident attorney can provide clarification on what your options are.

Raleigh Car Accident Infographic

Raleigh Car Accident Statistics

There are many causes of car accidents such as distracted driving, reckless driving, and road construction. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were over 7,000 car crashes in 2019 in construction work zones alone. North Carolina is a fault or tort-based state which means that if you are hurt in a car accident, you can recover damages from the driver that caused the accident or is considered to be at fault.

If you are hurt in a car crash in North Carolina, you can receive compensation for your injuries from your insurance carrier, the at-fault driver by filing a lawsuit, or the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. Deciding who is at fault is not always clear, because it is not always the driver of the other car. A key responsibility of our accident attorney is establishing negligence and proving liability.

Raleigh Car Accident FAQs

At our firm, your recovery—both physical and financial—is our priority. We strive for a fair settlement that covers all your needs, so you can focus on healing without the burden of legal claims and financial worries. Here, our Raleigh car accident attorney answers some commonly asked questions:

What Should I Do After An Automobile Accident?

If you have been in a crash, there are several essential steps to take after a car accident in North Carolina. Automobile accidents occur unexpectedly and the physical impact can come from any angle. You should get medical help immediately after suffering personal injury during an automobile accident. Provide emergency responders with information regarding the accident and how it happened. 

Also, contact the police after the car accident and collect any evidence available to you. Do not, under any circumstances, admit liability to anyone. Do not communicate with any insurance company until you speak with our personal injury attorney. You should also take detailed notes so you can remember the accident exactly how it occurred.

Motor vehicle collisions can cause a range of trauma including whiplash, brain and spinal cord injuries, and physical disabilities. If you have been catastrophically injured, it is important to discuss your case with one of our specialized personal injury attorneys.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Our car accident attorney is a type of personal injury lawyer who helps people who have been injured in a car crash. We handle claims arising from all types of accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. 

Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons, from distracted driving to drunk driving. If you are injured, you may need the help of our lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. Our legal team can help you file a lawsuit against the other driver involved in the accident. This means that you could receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Is An Accident Lawyer Needed?

Accidents can cause serious injuries and damage to your vehicle, so you need someone on your side who knows the law and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer is yes. Here are three reasons why. First, dealing with the insurance company can be frustrating and confusing. Our auto accident lawyer will handle all the communication with insurance companies and make sure you get the settlement you deserve. Second, accidents often lead to serious injuries. Our attorney can help make sure you get the care you need while gathering medical records that could be pivotal for your case. Third, car accidents can be expensive. Our legal team can help you avoid paying for damages out of pocket by holding the at-fault party accountable for your damages.

What Should I Do if My Accident Was Minor?

Don’t assume too quickly that the car accident was minor. If, after taking time to assess any injuries to you or anyone else and the damage to any vehicles involved, you realize it is truly a minor accident, exchange your information (name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance company) with the other driver or put it in writing and slip it under a windshield wiper. It might make sense to take a picture so you can verify to the police that you did notify the other party. However, it is a best practice to report all collisions to the authorities.

What Does It Mean That North Carolina Is A Tort Or Fault-based State For Car Accidents?

Basically, a fault or tort-based negligence law means that if you’re injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you have the right to collect damages from that person, including from their insurance. On the other hand, if you were at fault, the injured party may be able to collect damages from your car insurance company.

Car accidents can range from no damage to significant property damage and catastrophic injury, to wrongful death. The purpose of these policies is to hold the person who is at fault liable for the injuries they caused.

Burton Law Firm, Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer

219 N. Boylan Ave. Raleigh, NC 27603

Contact Our Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer Today

At the Burton Law Firm, we don’t treat car accident cases like numbers on a docket—we treat them like the life-changing events they are. Led by attorney Jason Michael Burton, our firm brings real-world experience, legal knowledge, and a client-first philosophy to every case. We’ve successfully handled a wide range of car accident claims, including a recent recovery where we secured a seven-figure settlement for a client who suffered life-altering injuries in a highway collision. That result wasn’t just about money—it was about accountability and helping a family rebuild.

Clients choose us because we respond quickly, explain every step, and fight for full and fair compensation. We work directly with you from day one and use the latest legal strategies to build strong, well-documented cases that hold up in negotiations or in court. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina, contact our Raleigh car accident lawyer today. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and let us focus on your case—so you can focus on healing.

Client Review

“Mr. Burton is a very knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney. He gave me honest feedback on my case in a professional and friendly manner. I would absolutely refer him to anyone who needs a good attorney to help you through the court system, he will be by your side from beginning to end!”
Megan Halloran

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