Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer

An Honest Car Accident Attorney in Raleigh, NC

Driving is a daily necessity for many throughout North Carolina. When a crash occurs, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and confused about what you can do. If you were injured in a collision caused by another driver, a Raleigh car accident lawyer can handle your claim. They can work to pursue the compensation you deserve.

About the Law Office of Jacob Goad

The Law Office of Jacob Goad has committed years of dedicated legal practice to representing the people of Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and cities throughout North Carolina in their car accident cases. Our founding attorney, Jacob Goad, is bilingual in Spanish and created his practice to be client-first. He is a leader in the local legal community, serving as the former Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the Durham County Bar Association.

Car Accident Laws in North Carolina

Car accidents are a common source of injury in North Carolin. In 2024, there were 284,546 traffic crashes statewide. In the same period, Raleigh was the site of 16,799 crashes, with 6,226 people injured and 38 fatalities. Incidents can occur on any route, whether you are driving on The Beltline, Capital Boulevard, Hillsborough Street, or any neighborhood road.

Car accident claims in North Carolina are typically personal injury legal cases. These claims center on demonstrating that another party acted recklessly or negligently, which directly caused an injury-resulting accident. Examples of at-fault behavior include:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding
• Merging
• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Failing to yield while turning

Car Accident Compensation

The compensation for a car accident claim depends on how the event affected you. Economic damages are the direct financial effects, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages encompass intangible harm, including pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, or disfigurement. In cases with gross negligence, punitive damages may be applicable.

What to Do After a Car Accident

The actions you take following an accident can be a determining factor for your legal options later. The first thing you should do after a crash is check yourself and others for serious injuries. Your well-being comes before any legal case. There are several 24/7 emergency rooms across Raleigh, with one of the largest located at WakeMed’s Raleigh Campus. You should still seek medical help, even if you feel like you are not injured, as some symptoms can take days to appear.

The next step after an accident is to contact the authorities. State law requires you to report any accident resulting in an injury. Failing to do so can both harm your chances at compensation and result in criminal charges.

While awaiting law enforcement, the third action you should take is to exchange contact information with other involved drivers. Also, collect evidence from the accident site. This may involve taking photos or videos of the area and obtaining contact information from witnesses. Other central evidence to gather later includes police reports, medical records, and security footage.

Hire a Top Rated Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident cases can be hard to manage alone. Hire a car accident lawyer to assist you with your claim. A skilled Raleigh car accident attorney, like Jacob Goad, can:

• Review your case.
• Gather evidence.
• Prepare your argument.
• Negotiate with negligent parties.
• Represent you in the Wake County Courthouse.

Experienced legal counsel can advocate for you and make a positive difference in the proceedings.

FAQs

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Resolve in North Carolina?

How long your North Carolina car accident claim takes to resolve depends on the complexity of the situation, its difficulty, the court’s backlog, and whether litigation is necessary. A simple fender bender with minor whiplash and an early settlement may take a few months, while a wrongful death case that proceeds to a jury verdict could take years.

Can You Recover Compensation If You Are Partially At-Fault for a Car Accident in North Carolina?

Many Raleigh drivers wonder whether they are eligible for compensation after a car accident if they were partially at fault. Under state law, you may be barred from all damages if you contributed to causing a crash. North Carolina uses strict contributory negligence rules, meaning that being found even 1% responsible for an incident can disqualify you from payment.

Do All Car Accident Claims Require a Trial in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, not all car accident claims require a trial with a jury or a judge’s verdict. Most civil matters, including personal injury cases, are settled before reaching litigation. However, the Law Office of Jacob Goad is not afraid to proceed to litigation if your case requires it. We can discuss the likelihood of a trial during your first consultation.

What Should You Avoid Saying After a Car Accident?

Following a car accident in North Carolina, there are many things you should avoid saying to insurance companies, on social media, or to other involved parties. First, avoid implying any responsibility. Any simple apology can be used as an admission of guilt. Second, refrain from commenting on an injury’s severity. Later medical evidence can contradict speculations, which can then be seen as inconsistent statements.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?

Following a car accident, it’s important to understand the time window for pursuing legal action. In North Carolina, the standard deadline for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the crash. The time limit for a wrongful death claim is only two years from the death. This statute of limitations may be expanded if the plaintiff is a minor or the negligent party concealed crucial details.

Speak With a Highly Trusted Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, we understand the many difficulties that come after a serious car accident. Our team can use our proven record of handling claims across North Carolina to make a positive impact on your situation.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn your story and discuss strategies for obtaining justice. You may also visit our Raleigh offices, located on Haworth Drive, just off Exit 8 of The Beltline, north of Crabtree Creek, and a block east of Six Forks Road.