Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Lawyer Raleigh, NC

If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck in Raleigh, NC, you’re likely facing a difficult situation. Medical bills are piling up. You might be missing work. And the insurance company is already asking questions, requesting documents, making lowball offers.

At Burton Law Firm, our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer has spent 13 years fighting for injured people throughout Wake County. Attorney Jason Burton, a fifth-generation trial lawyer, understands how insurance companies think—and he uses that knowledge to fight for maximum compensation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us for a free consultation.

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

A Fifth-Generation Trial Lawyer Who Knows the Insurance Industry

Jason Burton grew up watching his father work as an insurance defense attorney. That background matters. He understands exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, what tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts, and how carriers build their defense strategies. Now he uses that knowledge against them.

After graduating valedictorian and summa cum laude from Elon University School of Law, Jason has dedicated his career to representing plaintiffs as a personal injury lawyer in Raleigh, NC. He’s earned recognition from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, been named a North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star, and received a 10.0 Avvo Rating. When you need a car accident attorney in Raleigh who will fight for you, Jason Burton delivers results.

Proven Results for Raleigh Accident Victims

Our firm has recovered millions for injured clients, including significant settlements in car accident, DUI collision, and truck accident cases. These outcomes reflect our commitment to maximizing compensation for every client we represent.

A Client-Centered Approach

“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.

We believe every client deserves direct communication with their attorney. Attorney Jason Burton personally handles car accident cases and keeps clients informed at every stage of the legal process.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Raleigh

Car crashes happen in countless ways, and each type presents unique challenges when pursuing compensation. Our Raleigh auto accident lawyers handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims throughout Wake County.

Rear-end collisions. These crashes often cause whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries that may not appear immediately. We investigate following distance, distracted driving, and brake failure issues to establish liability.
Truck accidents. Collisions with commercial vehicles involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries. These complex cases require thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy.
Motorcycle accidents. Riders face severe injuries and often encounter bias from insurance adjusters. Our firm fights to overcome these obstacles and secure fair compensation.
DUI accidents. When a drunk driver causes your injuries, you may be entitled to punitive damages beyond standard compensation.
Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians struck by vehicles suffer devastating injuries. We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Bicycle accidents. Cyclists have the same rights as motorists on North Carolina roads. We help injured riders recover fair compensation.
Speeding accidents. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. We gather evidence to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence.
Failure to yield accidents. Drivers who ignore traffic signals and yield signs cause serious intersection collisions.

Raleigh, NC Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

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

North Carolina law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. Miss it, and you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts. However, you should contact a North Carolina car accident attorney much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays against you.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Raleigh?

Call 911 and request that police respond to the scene. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Exchange information with the other driver. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Report the accident to your own insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer. Knowing the right steps after a collision can protect your claim from the start.

How much is my Raleigh car accident case worth?

Every case is different. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and the impact on your daily life. Cases involving spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability typically result in higher settlements. Several factors affect car accident settlements, including the strength of your evidence and the severity of your injuries. An experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer can evaluate your claim and provide a realistic assessment.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

Most car accident claims settle before trial. Insurance companies generally prefer to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation. However, some cases require filing a lawsuit to pressure the insurer into offering fair compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer what your case is worth, we’re prepared to take your case to court.

What is North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule?

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence standard. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes evidence collection and legal strategy critical. Insurance companies aggressively look for ways to blame victims. Understanding contributory negligence is essential for anyone pursuing a claim in this state. A skilled car accident attorney in Raleigh, NC can help protect you from these tactics.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

Your health insurance or MedPay coverage (if you have it) can cover medical expenses while your case is ongoing. Some medical providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case resolves. We help clients navigate these options so they can get necessary treatment without paying out of pocket. Many clients wonder who pays medical bills while their case is pending, and the answer depends on your available coverage.

What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may still have options. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, your own policy can provide compensation. North Carolina requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, though drivers can reject it in writing. We investigate all available insurance policies to maximize recovery. Being injured by an uninsured driver doesn’t mean you’re without recourse.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Almost never. Initial settlement offers are typically far below what your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and cheaply. Once you accept an offer, you cannot go back and ask for more money if you discover additional injuries or expenses later. Accepting the first settlement is one of the most common mistakes accident victims make.

Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes, but the defense may argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had been buckled. This doesn’t automatically bar recovery, but it can affect your damages. A Raleigh NC auto accident lawyer can help minimize the impact of seatbelt non-use on your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a Raleigh car accident case?

You may be entitled to economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. You can also pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving drunk driving or particularly reckless conduct, punitive damages may be available.

How long does a car accident case take to resolve?

Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take a year or longer. We move cases forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Do I really need a lawyer for my car accident claim?

You’re not required to hire an attorney, but insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. Studies consistently show that accident victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more than those who handle claims themselves—even after attorney fees. There are situations when hiring a lawyer makes a significant difference in your outcome.

What information should I bring to my free consultation?

Bring the police report, photos from the accident scene, insurance information, medical records and bills, documentation of lost wages, and any correspondence from insurance companies. If you don’t have all of these, that’s okay. We can help you obtain them. Knowing how to prepare for your consultation helps us evaluate your case more effectively.

Will I have to go to court?

Probably not. The vast majority of car accident cases settle during negotiations or mediation. But having a car accident lawyer in Raleigh who is willing and prepared to go to trial often results in better settlement offers. Insurance companies know which lawyers will actually take cases to verdict.

How do contingency fees work?

We don’t charge any upfront fees. Our payment comes as a percentage of your recovery if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. This arrangement allows injured people to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Understanding the cost of hiring an attorney helps you make an informed decision about representation.

North Carolina Legal Requirements for Car Accidents

North Carolina operates under a fault-based insurance system. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. This means you must prove the other driver’s negligence to recover compensation.

Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must stop at the scene, provide assistance, and report the crash to law enforcement. Hit-and-run drivers face criminal charges and civil liability.

North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, codified in state common law and discussed by the North Carolina Courts, creates a high bar for plaintiffs. Any fault on your part—running a yellow light, driving slightly over the speed limit, failing to signal—can be used against you. Insurance companies exploit this rule aggressively. That’s why having an experienced Raleigh auto accident attorney matters so much in this state.

The state requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21. These minimums are often insufficient to cover serious injuries. A Wake County car accident lawyer can help identify all available sources of compensation.

What Damages Are Recoverable After a Car Accident in Raleigh?

Car crash victims in North Carolina can pursue several categories of compensation.

Economic Damages

These cover your measurable financial losses: emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care. You can also recover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, including loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous occupation. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings is included as well.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical discomfort and emotional trauma caused by your injuries. This includes chronic pain, scarring and disfigurement, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships and daily activities. North Carolina does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Calculating pain and suffering involves evaluating both the severity and duration of your injuries.

Punitive Damages

When the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly egregious—such as driving drunk or engaging in road rage—you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish wrongdoing and deter similar behavior. According to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1D-25, punitive damages are capped at three times compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is greater.

North Carolina law requires clear and convincing evidence of fraud, malice, or willful or wanton conduct to award punitive damages.

Car Accident Statistics in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh’s roads see thousands of crashes each year. According to NC DOT crash data, Wake County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for total motor vehicle accidents.

NHTSA traffic safety facts show that distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving remain leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide. North Carolina data mirrors these trends. In recent years, the state has seen increases in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities as urban areas grow.

Wake County’s population growth has intensified traffic congestion on major corridors. Interstate 40, I-440 (the Beltline), Capital Boulevard, and Glenwood Avenue see regular accidents during rush hour. Construction zones throughout the Triangle create additional hazards.

CDC injury prevention data indicates that motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death and disability for Americans aged 1 to 54. Young drivers and those over 65 face elevated risks. Distracted driving has become increasingly prevalent as smartphone use continues to rise.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Raleigh

Immediately After the Crash

Safety comes first. Move to a safe location if possible. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even seemingly minor crashes should be documented by police—you’ll need that report for your insurance claim.

Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Document the scene with photographs. Capture damage to all vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.

Get contact information from witnesses. Their statements can prove invaluable if liability is disputed.

In the Days Following

Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries—including concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage—don’t produce immediate symptoms. Medical records documenting your injuries create essential evidence for your claim.

Report the accident to your insurance company. Stick to basic facts. Do not speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries.

Do not give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or establish contributory negligence. There are several common mistakes after an accident that can hurt your case.

Building Your Case

Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your accident. Document your symptoms and limitations in a journal. Save evidence of lost wages, including pay stubs and letters from your employer.

Avoid posting about your accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor these accounts and will use your posts against you. Understanding what to know before speaking to insurers can help protect your claim.

Contact a Raleigh, NC car accident attorney as soon as possible. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protects your rights during the claims process.

Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in Raleigh

Certain Raleigh intersections and roadways see disproportionate numbers of collisions.

Capital Boulevard remains one of the most dangerous corridors in the city. The mix of high speeds, frequent driveway access, and heavy commercial traffic creates constant hazards. Multiple fatal pedestrian accidents have occurred along this stretch.

The I-440 Beltline experiences regular accidents, particularly at interchanges with I-40, Glenwood Avenue, and Wake Forest Road. Merging traffic and sudden slowdowns lead to rear-end crashes and multi-vehicle pileups.

Glenwood Avenue from downtown to Crabtree Valley sees heavy congestion and frequent accidents. The mix of retail destinations, restaurants, and office buildings creates unpredictable traffic patterns.

New Bern Avenue, particularly near Raleigh Boulevard and Trawick Road, has a history of serious crashes. The corridor’s design and traffic volume contribute to intersection collisions.

Six Forks Road and Falls of Neuse Road in North Raleigh experience regular accidents as suburban growth outpaces road capacity.

Important Local Resources for Raleigh Accident Victims

Raleigh Police Department Six Forks District Station — (919) 996-3335 Downtown District Station — (919) 996-3795 For accident reports, contact the Records Division.

WakeMed Raleigh Campus — 3000 New Bern Avenue — (919) 350-8000 Level I Trauma Center serving Wake County.

Duke Raleigh Hospital — 3400 Wake Forest Road — (919) 954-3000 Full-service hospital with emergency department.

UNC REX Healthcare — 4420 Lake Boone Trail — (919) 784-3100 Comprehensive medical services including trauma care.

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles For accident report requests: NCDMV Crash Reports

*Burton Law Firm does not endorse any particular medical provider or service. This information is provided for convenience only.

Contact Burton Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in Raleigh or anywhere in Wake County, we’re ready to help. Attorney Jason Burton will review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is free.