Wilmington, NC Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are common in Wilmington, whether on busy local roads like Market Street or Oleander Drive, or on major truck routes like I-40 or US-17. These accidents can change your life in an instant. Too frequently, they result from someone else’s careless actions.

The experienced Wilmington, NC, car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., have protected the rights of injured North Carolinians for three generations. In that time, we’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients just like you. If you suffered injuries in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Car Accident in Wilmington, NC?

Your actions immediately following a car accident in Wilmington can heavily impact the outcome of your case. You should take the following steps:

• • Seek prompt medical attention.
  • Report the accident to the police.
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
  • Collect witness contact information.
  • Retain and keep your medical and financial records.
  • Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., to learn about your rights and options.

Insurance adjusters may reach out to you to offer a low settlement or request a recorded statement. They want to minimize your payout. Refer them to your attorney whenever possible. If you must talk to them, never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, and don’t offer any recorded statements.

How Can a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

When you work with The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney will handle all aspects of your case, including:

• Reviewing the case for free
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Calculating your maximum compensation
• Communicating with insurers on your behalf
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Representing you in court if you do not accept a settlement offer.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. So, you will pay nothing up front and won’t owe us anything in legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents in Wilmington, NC?

As car accident lawyers, we have handled cases involving just about every imaginable kind of crash. Some of the most common auto accidents we see in the Wilmington area include:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Head-on
• Hit-and Run
• Rear-end
• Left-turn
• T-bone
• Failure to yield.

Each type of accident comes with unique legal considerations. Our attorneys will tailor their approach to your case based on the specifics of the accident.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Wilmington Car Accidents?

Even a minor accident can cause serious injuries that disrupt your daily life. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal damage.

We can work with medical experts to determine the full extent and impact of your injuries and gather the evidence needed to prove your claim.

What Compensation Could Be Available in a Car Accident Claim?

Compensation available in a car accident claim can include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage.

Recovering maximum compensation requires a careful and comprehensive assessment of the physical, emotional, and financial harm the accident caused. Your attorney will work with medical and financial professionals to determine the full value of your claim.

Is North Carolina a No-Fault Insurance State?

North Carolina is NOT a no-fault insurance state. Instead, we follow an “at-fault” system. In this system, the person who caused an accident can be held financially responsible for the harm they caused. You must file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy to seek compensation for your accident-related losses.

What Is Necessary to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault for the Accident That Caused My Injuries?

To prove fault, you must show that the other party caused the accident, link your injuries to the accident, and show how your injuries have impacted your life and finances. You must offer evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Medical and financial records
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Expert testimony.

What If I Am Partly At Fault for the Accident?

North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning anyone who is even 1% at fault for an accident could lose their right to recover compensation. Exceptions exist, including:

• Last clear chance doctrine –  If the other driver had the final opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so, you may still be able to recover compensation.
• Minors – Different standards apply to minors in car accident cases, meaning they may still recover compensation even if they contributed to the accident.
• Willful and wanton conduct – If the other driver’s behavior was reckless or intentional (e.g., they were street racing on I-40), the contributory negligence rule may not apply.

What Happens If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

Being hit by an uninsured driver can significantly complicate your case. However, North Carolina requires all motor vehicle insurance policies to provide uninsured motorist coverage. So, if you carry uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, then it may pay benefits for damage caused by an uninsured motorist.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?

Yes. Under North Carolina law, you typically have three years from your injury date to file a car accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible when pursuing your claim.

Contact a Wilmington, NC Car Accident Lawyer Near You

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the team at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., can help. You’ll have direct access to your lawyer throughout your case. We have extensive resources we can bring to bear on your case and an extensive background in motor vehicle accident cases.

We have a strong reputation for compassionate, tenacious legal representation. That reputation is backed by many heartfelt client testimonials, such as:

“Mr. Davidson Myers helped me with my car accident, and he was awesome throughout the whole process!!! He made a bad situation as painless as possible! I cannot say enough amazing things about him and the office staff; they were all great! Thank you, Mr. Myers, for everything!!” 

– Annie Mullins

When you’re ready to pursue your claim, we’re prepared to fight for your rights. Contact us today for your free consultation.