Chapel Hill Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Lawyer Chapel Hill, NC

If you were injured in a car accident in Chapel Hill, NC, you may not know how to proceed. Medical bills arrive before you’ve even finished treatment. Insurance adjusters call requesting recorded statements and documentation while offering settlements that won’t cover half your expenses. The pain from your injuries makes it hard to focus, yet decisions you make now will affect your financial recovery for years to come.

Burton Law Firm represents injured drivers and passengers throughout Orange County and the surrounding areas. Attorney Jason Burton is a fifth-generation trial lawyer who has spent 13 years handling car accident cases across North Carolina. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Chapel Hill, NC car accident lawyer offers free consultations to accident victims ready to explore their legal options and understand what their case may be worth.

Why Choose Burton Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case in Chapel Hill, NC?

13 Years of Personal Injury Experience

Attorney Jason Burton has dedicated his career to representing accident victims in North Carolina courts. He understands how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts, and where the pressure points are in settlement negotiations. Licensed to practice in both North Carolina and Virginia, Mr. Burton brings substantial courtroom experience to every case he handles.

He knows how defense attorneys and insurers approach injury claims.When an adjuster tries to lowball your settlement or deny your claim entirely, we know exactly how to respond.

Proven Case Results

Attorney Burton has recovered millions for injured clients throughout his career. These recoveries span car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, premises liability claims, and wrongful death matters. These case results demonstrate the firm’s ability to maximize compensation across different accident types and injury severities, from soft tissue injuries to catastrophic and life-changing harm.

Recognition From Legal Organizations

Mr. Burton graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian from Elon University School of Law, where he served on both the Moot Court Board and Law Review. He holds a 10.0 Avvo Rating and maintains membership in both the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as a lifetime member since 2016. The National Trial Lawyers named him Top 10 Under 40 in 2019, and he received the North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star designation from 2017 through 2019.

Client-Focused Representation

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Jason was such a pleasure to work with! He is very professional, detail oriented, and caring! He is very thoughtful and treats you with a genuine kindness that is hard to come by these days. I am very grateful I chose Jason Burton to represent me in a car accident claim! He is by far the best and do not hesitate to use his services if you want the best of the best!” – Maryn Reichart

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile. 

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Chapel Hill

Motor vehicle collisions happen in many different ways, and each type of crash presents unique challenges for proving liability and documenting injuries. Our Chapel Hill car accident attorneys handle claims involving all of the following collision types.

• Rear-end collisions. These crashes frequently cause whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries that worsen over time without proper treatment. The driver who strikes another vehicle from behind is typically presumed negligent, though insurance companies still fight these claims aggressively. Avoiding common post-crash mistakes helps protect your claim from the start. 
• T-bone accidents. Side-impact collisions at intersections often result in severe injuries because vehicle doors provide less protection than front or rear ends. Determining which driver had the right-of-way becomes critical to establishing fault. 
• Head-on collisions. Among the most dangerous accident types, head-on crashes occur when a driver crosses the centerline or travels the wrong way. These collisions frequently cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. 
• Sideswipe accidents. When vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact, the resulting sideswipe can cause drivers to lose control. Lane-change accidents on I-40 and US-15/501 frequently fall into this category. 
• DUI-related accidents. Crashes involving impaired drivers may support claims for punitive damages beyond standard compensation. These cases require coordination between criminal proceedings and civil claims. 
• Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain-reaction crashes involving three or more vehicles create complex liability questions. Multiple insurance companies become involved, each pointing fingers at other drivers. 
• Hit-and-run accidents. When a driver flees the scene, victims may need to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage. We help clients identify hit-and-run drivers when possible and maximize recovery through available insurance policies. 
• Intersection accidents. Collisions at traffic lights and stop signs raise questions about signal timing, visibility, and which driver violated traffic laws. Witness testimony and traffic camera footage become particularly valuable in these cases. 

Chapel Hill, NC Car Accident FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Chapel Hill?

We handle all car accident cases on contingency. You don’t have to pay anything up front, and you don’t have to pay any attorney fees unless we help you recover compensation. 

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently. Waiting too long can also hurt your case because it becomes harder to track down important evidence and key witnesses as time passes.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If you have underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy, it may pay for damages when the driver at fault doesn’t have enough insurance. Insurance companies in North Carolina have to offer this coverage, but drivers can choose not to get it in writing. We review all available insurance policies to maximize recovery options for our clients.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Almost never. Most of the time, the first offer you get is only a small part of what your claim is really worth. Insurance adjusters make low offers in the hopes that you’ll accept them before they know how bad your injuries and damages are. A Chapel Hill car accident lawyer can help you figure out if an offer is fair and accepting it too quickly can mean you miss out on money.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

The contributory negligence doctrine in North Carolina says that you can’t get any money back if you’re found even 1% at fault. This strict rule makes it even more important to have a lawyer. Insurance companies attempt to claim contributory negligence often, and you need a lawyer who knows how to fight back against these claims.

How much is my car accident case worth?

The value of a case depends on many things, such as how bad your injuries are, your bills, how much money was lost, the extent of pain and suffering, and how much insurance coverage is available. No lawyer can give you an accurate estimate without looking at your specific situation. We offer free consultations to evaluate your potential case.

Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident?

Yes. See a physician within 24 to 48 hours even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and waiting to get treatment can hurt your health and your legal case. Medical records that show your injuries shortly after the accident make your case much stronger.

What evidence should I gather after a car accident?

Take pictures of everything at the scene, like damage to vehicles, skid marks, traffic lights, road conditions, and injuries that are visible. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. Obtain a copy of the report from the police. Keep all of your medical records, bills, and proof that you missed work. Strong evidence greatly increases your chances of recovering a fair amount of compensation.

How long does a car accident case take to resolve?

The length of time it takes to settle a case can vary greatly depending on how serious the injury is, whether there are disputes over who is at fault, and whether litigation is needed. Cases with clear liability and not too many issues may settle in a few months. Cases that are complicated and involve serious injuries or disagreements about who is at fault can take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

Most car accident cases are settled before they go to court. But in some cases, you have to go to court when insurance companies won’t pay you fairly. Attorney Burton has experience in court and prepares every case as if it will go to court. This often makes insurers more willing to settle fairly.

What happens if the at-fault driver was working when the accident occurred?

Employers may bear liability for accidents caused by employees acting within the scope of their employment. This can significantly increase available insurance coverage. Delivery drivers, truckers, and employees running work errands may trigger employer liability.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

North Carolina’s seatbelt statute creates a rebuttable presumption of negligence, but failure to wear a seatbelt doesn’t automatically bar recovery. The defendant must prove that your injuries resulted from not wearing the seatbelt rather than from the collision itself. These cases require careful legal analysis.

What is the difference between PIP and liability coverage?

Personal injury protection covers your own medical expenses regardless of fault, while liability coverage pays for damages you cause to others. North Carolina doesn’t require PIP coverage, but it can provide valuable benefits when available.

Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?

No. Speaking to insurers without legal guidance creates risk. Insurance adjusters use recorded statements to find inconsistencies they can exploit to deny or reduce your claim. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.

What if my injuries don’t appear until days or weeks after the accident?

Injuries that don’t show up right away are common in car accidents. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage, herniated discs, and even traumatic brain injuries, may not show up for days, weeks, or even months. Getting medical help right away and keeping track of your symptoms as they get worse is good for both your health and your legal case.

North Carolina Legal Requirements for Car Accidents

The contributory negligence doctrine is one of the strictest fault standards in the country, and North Carolina follows it. This rule says that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover damages from the other driver.

The practical impact of contributory negligence cannot be overstated. Insurance companies use it as their primary weapon against valid claims. If the other driver ran a red light but the adjuster argues you were traveling 5 miles per hour over the speed limit, they’ll deny your entire claim. To fight back, you need an experienced car accident lawyer in Chapel Hill who knows how to use evidence and legal strategy to counter these claims.

North Carolina made contributory negligence a law in its General Statutes, and courts still strictly enforce it, even though legal specialists and consumer advocates have criticized it. The North Carolina Judicial Branch uses this standard in all civil cases in the state court system. 

The state’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline still stands even if negotiations for a settlement are still going on. You will not be able to get compensation if you miss it, no matter how strong your case is.

What Damages Are Recoverable After a Car Accident in Chapel Hill?

North Carolina law allows accident victims to pursue three categories of damages depending on their circumstances and the defendant’s conduct.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include actual financial losses with proof. Medical costs are the most important example, and they include visits to the emergency room, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and ongoing treatment costs. We work with doctors and economists to accurately estimate the costs of future medical care for your injuries.

Compensation for lost wages pays for the money you didn’t make while you were healing. You may also be able to claim a lower earning capacity if your injuries make it impossible for you to work. We keep records of job history, salary information, and vocational assessments to back up these claims.

Economic damages also include damage to your car and other personal property. Repair costs or fair market value for totaled vehicles, plus damaged items inside the car, can be recovered.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement fall into this category. These damages compensate for real harm that doesn’t come with a receipt. North Carolina doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though calculating them requires experience and supporting evidence.

Documenting non-economic damages involves pain journals, testimony from family members about how injuries affected your daily life, and medical records describing your physical limitations. An experienced Chapel Hill car accident attorney knows how to present this evidence persuasively.

Punitive Damages

When a driver’s conduct was willful, wanton, or grossly negligent, you may recover punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. Drunk driving cases frequently support punitive damage claims. The North Carolina Courts allow these awards in appropriate cases, though they require clear and convincing evidence rather than the lower preponderance standard.

North Carolina caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000. Proving entitlement to punitive damages requires demonstrating that the defendant acted with conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Car Accident Statistics in Chapel Hill, NC

Orange County sees hundreds of traffic collisions annually, reflecting patterns consistent with statewide data. According to the North Carolina DOT, the state recorded over 270,000 reported crashes in a recent year, resulting in more than 1,700 fatalities and tens of thousands of serious injuries statewide.

Chapel Hill’s unique mix of student drivers, commuter traffic on US-15/501, and heavy pedestrian activity near the UNC campus creates particular hazards. The town’s population swells significantly during the academic year, bringing inexperienced drivers onto roads they don’t know well. Game days add another layer of congestion and risk.

The intersection of Franklin Street and Columbia Street regularly appears in local accident reports. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard sees frequent collisions, particularly at major cross streets. The I-40 corridor connecting Chapel Hill to Durham and Raleigh experiences multi-vehicle accidents during rush hours when traffic backs up unexpectedly.

Speed remains a leading factor in serious crashes throughout North Carolina. NHTSA data shows speeding contributed to roughly 29% of all traffic fatalities nationally in recent years. Higher speeds make crashes more likely and make injuries worse.

Another significant problem is driving while distracted. The CDC’s injury division reports that about nine people die every day in crashes caused by distracted drivers across the country. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it distracts you in three ways: visually, manually, and mentally.

Even after decades of awareness campaigns, alcohol impairment is still a major cause of serious accidents. In the last few years, North Carolina has seen hundreds of deaths related to alcohol. The busy nightlife in Chapel Hill near Franklin Street makes it more likely for people to drive drunk, especially on weekends. People who are hurt in drunk driving accidents may have more legal options than just filing a negligence claim.

 

Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Chapel Hill

Immediate Actions at the Scene

If you are hurt or your property is badly damaged in a crash, call 911 right away. If an accident causes injury, death, or damage to property worth more than $1,000 in North Carolina, the law says you have to report it. Even if the injuries don’t seem serious at first, calling emergency services to the scene makes an official record and makes sure that medical help gets there quickly.

Give other drivers your insurance and contact information. Write down their name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate. But don’t apologize or admit fault in any way. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of liability later.

Document everything possible while still at the scene. Take photographs of all vehicles involved from multiple angles, capturing damage, license plates, and positions on the roadway. Photograph skid marks, traffic signals, stop signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses stopped, get their contact information before they leave.

In the Days Following the Accident

See a doctor within 24 to 48 hours even if you feel relatively fine. Adrenaline masks pain immediately after a crash, and some serious injuries don’t produce symptoms for days or weeks. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and herniated discs may not become apparent until well after the collision. Early medical documentation also strengthens your legal claim by connecting injuries to the accident.

Obtain a copy of the police report once it becomes available, typically within a few days. Review it carefully for accuracy. If you notice errors in how the accident was described, contact the reporting officer to request corrections.

Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how your injuries affect daily activities. A pain journal documenting your symptoms day by day becomes valuable evidence of your suffering. Save receipts for everything related to the accident including medical bills, prescription costs, transportation to appointments, and any equipment or modifications needed due to your injuries.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

Don’t give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to elicit responses that can be used against you. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to anyone except your own insurer.

Avoid posting anything about the accident on social media. Insurance investigators routinely search Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms looking for posts they can use to minimize or deny claims. Even innocent photos showing you smiling at a family event can be twisted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious.

Contact a Chapel Hill, NC car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. Initial offers almost always undervalue claims significantly. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back for more money even if your injuries turn out worse than expected.

Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in Chapel Hill

Several intersections and roadways see repeated collisions throughout the Chapel Hill area. Understanding where accidents frequently occur can help drivers exercise extra caution, though collisions can happen anywhere.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor from Estes Drive to Homestead Road experiences frequent accidents. This stretch combines heavy traffic volumes with multiple turn lanes, creating opportunities for confusion and collisions. The intersection at Estes Drive near the shopping centers sees particular congestion.

The US-15/501 interchange with I-40 remains hazardous due to merging traffic, speed differentials, and the complexity of the junction. Drivers unfamiliar with the area sometimes make last-second lane changes or miss their intended exits, causing accidents.

Fordham Boulevard presents challenges with its multiple driveways and shopping center entrances near Eastgate. Vehicles turning into and out of parking lots conflict with through traffic, particularly during busy shopping hours.

The Franklin Street corridor through downtown creates risks from its mix of vehicle traffic, pedestrians crossing mid-block, and cyclists sharing the roadway. On football Saturdays and during other major events, traffic patterns become even more unpredictable.

Airport Road between Chapel Hill and Carrboro sees accidents involving all road users. The corridor lacks consistent bicycle infrastructure while carrying significant vehicle volumes, creating dangerous mixing of traffic types.

Important Local Resources for Chapel Hill Accident Victims

The following resources may assist accident victims in the Chapel Hill area seeking medical care, obtaining official records, or addressing other post-accident needs.

• Chapel Hill Police Department – (919) 968-2760 – Files accident reports and coordinates collision investigations within town limits
• Orange County Sheriff’s Office – (919) 245-2900 – Handles accident reports for collisions occurring outside Chapel Hill town limits
• UNC Hospitals – Level I trauma center providing emergency care for serious accident injuries
• Orange County EMS – Emergency medical response throughout the county
• North Carolina DMV – Processes crash report requests and maintains driver records

Burton Law Firm does not endorse any particular medical provider, government agency, or service listed above. This information is provided for reference purposes only.

Contact Burton Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, our team is ready to review your case and explain your legal options. Attorney Jason Burton offers free consultations to accident victims and handles all motor vehicle claims on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Time matters in accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and the statute of limitations continues running. We respond quickly to new client inquiries because we understand the urgency of preserving your rights and building the strongest possible case.

Contact Burton Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation with a Chapel Hill car accident attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.