Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys

As North Carolina’s biggest city (and growing), perhaps it comes as no surprise to you that Charlotte has a serious safe driving problem. Since 2018, Charlotte has ranked as the #1 city in the state based on the number of reported crashes, crash severity, and crash rates based on population.

Regardless of where your crash happened or why, you are probably experiencing confusion, pain, and justified anger in the aftermath of the wreck. On top of the physical injuries that were inflicted upon impact, crash survivors and their families often are left reeling from the intense emotional and financial consequences of another driver’s negligence. Even if you and the other driver have car insurance, often this monetary assistance is difficult to obtain and fails to compensate you fully for your accident damages.

Under North Carolina personal injury law, victims of serious car accidents can pursue further legal action against a negligent driver or another party to recover damages resulting from bodily injury and property damage, like a totaled car. These lawsuits are critical in helping struggling individuals and families pay for costly medical bills, as well as get compensated for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Unfortunately, obtaining the compensation you are owed isn’t as simple and straightforward as you might think. The legal system is full of loopholes and complexities that insurance companies and defense attorneys commonly exploit to avoid liability and leave hurting families with no compensation, no options, and no justice.

That’s where Wilder Law Group can help. Our accident lawyers are prepared to use decades of experience and knowledge to fight passionately to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. No attorney can ethically guarantee a win, but rest assured that we’ll pull out all the stops to represent your best interests should you choose to hire our team.

Have more questions? We’ve got answers. Schedule a free consultation today.

Learn More About Our Firm

Ready to take the first step?

Contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group today for a free, confidential consultation and let our experienced team guide you forward.

Best Lawyers - Wilder Pantazis Law Group

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading ...

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading ...

Top types of car crashes

Rear-end collisions. Also known as “fender benders,” rear-end car accidents are one of the most commonly misunderstood and underestimated crash types. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries like whiplash and spinal damage. Typically, the driver who crashed into the rear of another car is at fault, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Head-on crashes. When 2 vehicles crash head-on, this is one of the most deadly collisions since the force of impact is doubled because each vehicle was traveling in opposite directions. It’s common for victims of head-on crashes to suffer catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or death.
Rollover accidents. While less common than rear-end and head-on crashes, rollover accidents are no less deadly. Rollovers are more likely among large trucks, buses, SUVs, and other vehicles with high centers of gravity. They commonly occur when a driver is speeding and takes a turn too fast, or swerves to avoid an obstacle in the road. Tire blowouts and equipment failure can also cause a rollover.
Sideswipe collisions. When a driver shifts lanes and collides with the side of a vehicle traveling in the same direction, this is known as a sideswipe accident. Perhaps the other driver fell asleep at the wheel, was distracted, or was driving recklessly. Whatever the reason, negligence likely played a role, and they may be liable for damages.
Side impact (T-bone) wrecks. Side impact collisions are especially dangerous because drivers and passengers have the least amount of protection when struck from the side. Some cars come equipped with side airbags, but these aren’t as robust as front airbags. T-bone car accidents typically happen when a driver runs a red light at an intersection.
Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain reaction crashes involving more than 2 vehicles are particularly dangerous. They are also quite complicated from a liability perspective, since more than 1 person may be to blame for the accident. Multiple drivers, insurance companies, and lawyers may be involved, making an already overwhelming situation even more complex.
Single vehicle accidents. Not all car accidents involve multiple vehicles. Sometimes a single vehicle collides with a tree, pole, building, pedestrian, bicyclist, or animal. Approximately 39 percent of vehicular deaths in 2019 occurred in single-vehicle crashes.

Whichever type of accident you experienced, and whatever the cause, know that our injury attorneys are fully equipped and prepared to hold the responsible party liable for your damages.

How much is my car accident injury worth?

There are many factors at play when calculating the potential value of your car accident claim.

For instance, just a few of the factors that can affect how much you are entitled to include:

The severity and longevity of your injury
Your past medical expenses and future treatments
Past and future lost wages
The cost of emotional anguish and mental distress
Whether the at-fault driver was “grossly negligent”
What insurance coverage do both drivers have

Be wary when using the countless car accident calculators found on the internet. When it comes to calculating the potential value of your claim, understand that every case is different and there is no standard rate of compensation for all auto accident lawsuits. Without knowing the unique details and subtleties of your case and the extent of your injuries, no website or legal professional can ethically calculate how much your claim is worth.

The only way to truly determine the full value of your case is by meeting with an attorney to discuss the specifics of your injury and damages.

How long do I have to file an injury claim?

North Carolina has established a strict legal deadline—known as the “statute of limitations”—on all personal injury cases, including car accident lawsuits. Plaintiffs (accident victims) have just 3 years to submit a civil claim for personal injury and/or property damage. The clock starts ticking on the date of the accident, and there are few exceptions to this deadline.

If your loved one was killed in a fatal car accident and you wish to file a wrongful death claim, then you only have 2 years from the day of their death to file a claim.

If you are thinking that 2 or 3 years sounds like a long time, understand that building a strong case takes a lot of time and effort. What’s more, evidence and witnesses can be increasingly difficult to uncover the longer you wait. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better your chances are of securing the best possible outcome.

Why should I hire a lawyer?

Each state follows its own liability and negligence rules when it comes to determining fault for a car accident. North Carolina is one of the few states that still operates under the legal doctrine known as “contributory negligence.” This doctrine makes it more difficult for plaintiffs to seek damages for a car accident because their claim can be denied if they are found to be responsible for the crash in any capacity.

Here’s what that means: Even if you are only 1 percent liable for a crash and the other driver is 99 percent responsible, your car accident lawsuit could be denied under North Carolina’s negligence laws.

Insurance companies and defense lawyers know this rule favors them, and make no mistake that they will seek to use it to have your claim dismissed outright. In fact, insurers with deep pockets pay entire teams of corporate attorneys for this very purpose. For this reason, it’s vital that you obtain experienced legal counsel of your own to determine how to overcome this significant legal obstacle.

How can Wilder Pantazis Law Group help me?

Following a car accident where someone was seriously hurt or even killed, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and lost in a sea of despair. Our Charlotte car accident attorneys have decades of experience helping accident survivors and the families of those killed in fatal crashes get full and fair compensation for their losses. While money cannot heal all wounds, it can help you and your family stay afloat through this difficult time.

We are fully prepared to help protect your rights by:

Ensuring you receive proper care for your accident injuries
Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident to determine fault
Properly calculating your damages, including pain and suffering
Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring that deadlines are met
Talking to insurance companies on your behalf
Negotiating with the at-fault driver to secure the best possible outcome
Skillfully representing you in court, if it comes to that

What you need to know

Get clear, straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us

What are some of the most dangerous roads in the Charlotte area?

According to government statistics, some of the most deadly and dangerous roads, highways, and interstates in the Charlotte metro area and Mecklenburg County between 2015 and 2019 were:

I-85
NC-160
NC-27
US-29
I-485
I-77
NC-51
I-277
Fairview Road
Central Avenue

Should I give a recorded statement after a car accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, especially one involving complex situations caused by brake checking, rear-end collisions, or multi-vehicle pileups, you may be asked to give a recorded statement.

While it may seem like a straightforward request, there are critical considerations to keep in mind. Before agreeing to provide any statement, it’s essential to understand how your words could potentially be used and what impact they may have on your case.

Unless your attorney advises you otherwise, you should only give a recorded statement in the presence of your attorney.

Even after a serious accident, the adjuster may try to get a recorded statement from you the same day as your accident, sometimes within only a few hours.

But don’t be fooled. Adjusters know you might not be in the right state of mind to give a recorded statement after your car accident. Their job is to get your claim processed as quickly and cheaply as possible. Most adjusters will look for reasons to deny your claim and will use your recorded statement to help them do this.

Here is how your recorded statement can hurt you:

It can be used by defense counsel to cross-examine you at trial or during deposition. This may not seem problematic, but many times, victims do not recall exactly what they said to the adjuster shortly after the accident. This may lead to some inconsistencies in your testimony, which defense counsel can use to try to convince the jury that you are not honest and should not be believed.
The adjuster may use confusing language to try to trap you during your statement. Even an honest “I don’t know” response could be used against you.

Ultimately, the safest route is to ask your car accident attorney before making any statement to the insurance company.

What are some common causes of car accidents?

Drunk driving accidents. Across the state, alcohol-related crashes accounted for more than 1 in 4 accident deaths between 2015 and 2019. In Mecklenburg County alone, nearly 1,000 people are killed in alcohol-related crashes each year, despite the fact that drunk driving is a criminal offense.
Distracted driving. Even though North Carolina law prohibits drivers under age 18 from talking on a cell phone while driving, over 18 percent of crashes in the state involved a distracted driver (according to NCDOT). The most common and dangerous distraction is a cell phone, though there are many other ways drivers can be distracted behind the wheel.
Teen drivers. On average, more than 6,000 teen drivers (between the ages of 15 and 19) are involved in car crashes in Mecklenburg County each year. Many teens are seriously hurt or killed, as are the unsuspecting victims who are hit by teen drivers. Lack of driver experience is commonly to blame for these tragic accidents.
Reckless driving. Reckless and aggressive driving encompasses a large swatch of dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, road rage, and cutting off other vehicles. In 2020, speeding was a contributing factor in approximately 7 percent of all reportable motor vehicle crashes in North Carolina. Over 400 people were killed in speed-related crashes, and nearly 9,000 people were injured.
Drowsy driving. The federal government estimates that around 50,000 people were injured and nearly 800 killed in drowsy driving car accidents in 2017. Driver fatigue is a serious problem in Charlotte, too, despite the fact that it is commonly overshadowed by distracted driving and drunk driving.
Bad weather. A statewide study of fog-related crashes in North Carolina found that there were 19,188 car accidents caused by fog between 2003 and 2012. Heavy fog was the major contributing factor in a 95‐vehicle pileup on March 31, 2013, that left 3 people dead and injured 25 others. Other weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding can lead to serious crashes and injuries.
Road conditions. Potholes, improper signage, and road construction are just a few examples of potentially dangerous and deadly road conditions that frequently cause accidents. As Charlotte grows, the rate of accidents caused by road conditions and construction zones continues to rise.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

The cost of retaining professional legal representation will ultimately depend on the agreement between you and the law firm you hire. Rather than charging an hourly flat fee, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—meaning that their fee is contingent upon winning your case. In other words, you will only have to pay them if you are awarded compensation through a pre-trial settlement or court verdict.

Personal injury lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis typically take a percentage of the final award in the range of 25 to 40 percent, depending on the firm and the specific nature of your case.

Generally, people who are represented by a qualified attorney earn higher settlements and awards during negotiation or litigation, so this added expense may be more than covered in the end. So when determining whether or not you can afford to hire a lawyer, consider if you can afford not to.

Will my case go to court?

It’s certainly possible that your legal dispute will eventually lead to court litigation before a judge and jury. However, it’s far more common for car accident and personal injury cases to be resolved before going to court through pretrial negotiations such as mediation and arbitration.

Only a small fraction of personal injury cases go to court.

Insurance companies are often more willing to settle out of court to avoid a costly and prolonged legal battle, not to mention the bad press. That said, it’s important to hire an attorney with a strong reputation as a fierce litigator in order to show that you are prepared and willing to take your case to court. This will only strengthen your position in negotiations.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us