Our Durham Car Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help
Experienced Durham Car Accident Lawyers
A car crash can leave a lasting impact on your life, affecting your physical well-being and causing significant emotional and financial stress. In light of these challenges, our dedicated team at Henson Fuerst is committed to guiding you through this difficult process every step of the way. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. Our Durham personal injury lawyers treat each case like their own, bringing legal expertise, compassion, and understanding.
As advocates for your rights, we aim to alleviate the burdens associated with post-accident recovery. Whether negotiating with insurance companies, representing you in court, or providing guidance on the best course of action, we’re here to empower you to get back on your feet and move forward. Your well-being, now and in the future, is our priority, and we will protect and defend your rights after your collision, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
$9.5 Million
Truck Accident
$7.5 Million
Truck Accident
$3 Million
Car Accident
Our car accident lawyers can help you
Over 150 years of combined experience
Our Durham car crash lawyers have helped thousands of victims with their accident cases since 1976. Contact us for a free case review.
Our law firm is highly rated by our clients
You can expect to be treated like family and provided with honest and compassionate legal representation. We have helped thousands of clients just like you.
Our team is available 24 hours a day
Contact our Durham car accident attorneys day or night to get help with your case. Henson Fuerst will to stand up for your rights.
A Trusted Durham Personal Injury Law Firm You Can Turn To
At Henson Fuerst, our dedicated team is committed to providing expert representation with empathy for car accident victims in Durham, North Carolina. With a proven track record of successfully advocating for our clients, we prioritize your needs while we protect your rights. When you choose us, you're selecting a team that puts you first, navigating the complex insurance claims and legal processes to secure the maximum compensation you need to recover. We understand your unique challenges after a car accident and work diligently to guide you through the process every step of the way. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to be your advocates, ensuring your voice is heard, and you’re covered for your injuries, damages, losses, and more.
"Attorney David Mason is amazing. My car accident happened on March 6, 2020 and he came to see me in the hospital the 10th. I hadn’t even signed with the firm yet and he was there to ensure I was alright and explain what this process would look like. This was the last moment before our country “shut down”. Mr Mason knew the ins and outside of a case such as mine. He knew what to ask, look for, and investigate. In the midst of a pandemic, I was kept informed every step of the way. My case has been closed out in a reasonable time, 7 months. I would refer anyone to this firm…ask for David Mason."
Danielle P.
Car Accident
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cap on punitive damages in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, most punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000 whichever is greater.
How long do most car accident cases last?
The time it takes to resolve a case depends on many factors; the most important are what happened in the wreck and what were the resulting injuries.
- Cases involving soft tissue injuries that get better with treatment from an orthopedic or chiropractic doctor and physical therapy can typically be negotiated and settled without filing a lawsuit and generally last six to nine months.
- Cases involving more substantial injuries, such as broken bones or surgical procedures, typically last nine to 15 months.
- Cases that involve more substantial and permanent, life-long injuries can last one to three years, depending on the circumstances. If we file a lawsuit instead of settling out of court, it may take an additional 16 to 24 months or longer before the case is resolved.
Is the insurance company’s offer “fair”?
The answer really depends on whether you feel that the amount of money offered by the insurance company is enough to avoid the considerable hassle of going forward with litigation. Many people ask friends or family members who have had car wrecks how much they settled their cases for. In our experience, this is can be misleading because no two cases are the same.
At HensonFuerst, when we have a “final” offer from the insurance company, we meet with you and explain all of your legal options. Typically, that means you can accept the final offer or reject the offer and file a lawsuit. It’s our job to explain the risks and benefits of each option so you can make the decision that best fits your personal situation.
How does a car accident lawyer negotiate my case?
Generally, before we file a lawsuit on your behalf, our North Carolina auto accident attorneys will attempt to negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement. In the majority of cases we handle, we do not begin negotiating your case until you have healed. This way, we are aware of all of the damages and losses related to your injuries and how those damages will affect your quality of life.
Why should I hire a car accident attorney?
Our North Carolina auto accident lawyers recommend that you seek the help of a lawyer if:
- Your claim involves large injuries
- you had (or continue to have) substantial medical treatment (treatment that extends beyond more than a few visits to a doctor)
- You have suffered permanent injury that resulted in scarring, the need for surgery, or a permanent disability
What is contributory negligence?
North Carolina is one of four states who follow the contributory negligence rule, which prohibits a plaintiff from collecting damages if they were found to be as little as 1% at fault.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Durham, North Carolina
The scene is often chaotic and confusing in the aftermath of a car crash and emotions run high. Nonetheless, there are various precautions you should take to protect both yourself and any potential claims you might pursue in the future. After an accident, it is critical that you remain calm and take the following steps:
Stay at the scene
Only after exchanging information with others involved in the collision and receiving permission from police officers (if they're there) should you leave the accident scene.
Check for injuries
Evaluate any injuries you sustained from the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor to check for any injuries that could manifest later is crucial.
Call the police
After an accident, call 911 immediately and file a police report. Having a law enforcement officer there will ensure you have evidence of your accident. They could also help identify if the other driver was driving while intoxicated or distracted.
Relocate vehicles
If the crash is minor without any substantial injuries, try to move all vehicles to the shoulder of the road and away from traffic. This will help offset a significant traffic delay and make it easier for first responders to arrive at the scene.
Secure insurance coverage and personal details
Ensure identification of all other drivers involved in the collision and obtain their names, contact details, driver’s license information, and insurance company particulars, including policy numbers. Additionally, gather information from any potential witnesses to the incident.
Record and collect supporting evidence
Take the opportunity to document the events preceding and following the accident precisely. Capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, or prevailing weather conditions. Be attentive to the presence of surveillance cameras, such as traffic or security cameras, and note their locations for potential footage retrieval.
Be mindful of your statements
In cases where the fault is uncertain, avoid admitting guilt or blame. You should also avoid apologizing, as this may be held against you. It is crucial not to provide false information, especially when providing a statement to law enforcement.
Inform your insurance provider
Prompt communication with your car insurance provider is mandatory regardless of the determined fault. Failing to report the incident promptly may jeopardize your insurance coverage.
Once you have left the accident scene and contacted your insurance company, consider contacting an auto accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. Car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that you pay no fee unless they win your case. Contact our legal team at Henson Fuerst for a free, no-obligation legal consultation. We won’t get paid until you do.
When to Hire a Durham Car Accident Attorney
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and witnesses and evidence may only be around for a short time. Legal representation early in the process can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our experienced team at Henson Fuerst is ready to assess your situation and discuss the best course of action during a free consultation.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Durham, North Carolina
To file a car wreck claim in NC, contact your insurance provider first. If the other driver was at fault for your accident, you may be asked to communicate with their insurance company. However, you must be cautious and stay informed. Understanding the process of filing a car accident claim is crucial for complete coverage of medical expenses, time off work, repairs, and more. Our Durham car accident attorneys will guide you through the necessary steps, ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and filed within the mandatory deadlines. We are here to streamline the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Do I Need to Speak with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
Typically, you are under no legal obligation to communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You are required to cooperate only with the other driver in your accident, your insurance provider, and the police officer who arrived at the scene. However, if you do speak with the other driver’s insurance company, you must watch what you say.
Dealing with the other driver's insurance provider can be risky, and whatever you say could be used against you. It is essential to refrain from signing any release forms and to decline providing any recorded statements to the insurance adjuster. Instead, you should consult with a Durham auto accident attorney before engaging in any discussions. Our experienced attorneys will handle communications with the insurance company, protecting your rights and ensuring you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.
Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina
North Carolina has specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing car accident claims. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in North Carolina is three years from the accident date. It's crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation. Contacting our Durham Car Accident Lawyers as soon as possible will ensure that you meet these deadlines and have the best chance at a successful recovery.
Durham Car Accident Statistics
- Between the years of 2018-2020, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recorded a total of 40,553 crashes in Durham, North Carolina. Within this figure, 7,291 crashes resulted in injuries and, tragically, 77 resulted in deaths.
- In 2020 alone, the City of Durham experienced 7,073 crashes. Of these crashes, there were 29 fatalities and 2,902 injuries reported. 226 of the reported accidents were deemed alcohol-related. This particular subset of incidents had severe consequences, with 12 resulting in fatalities and 149 causing injuries.
- Understanding and addressing the patterns these statistics reveal is vital to fostering a safer road environment for all residents. The data serves as a call to action, prompting community members and authorities to work together on implementing strategies and policies to reduce the frequency and severity of car accidents in Durham.
Related Car Accident Stories
With devotion and unwavering determination, our Durham personal injury lawyers have won tremendous settlements and verdicts for clients for over four decades. As a client and friend, we’ll be here for you throughout the life of your case.
We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. If a recovery is not made, you pay us nothing.
Car accident lawyers in Durham, NC who care about protecting your rights.
Understanding Your Rights as a Car Accident Victim
As an auto accident victim, it is essential to understand to understand your legal rights to protect your interests. This includes the minimum car insurance requirement in North Carolina. The insurance minimum is $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 for two or more injured victims, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
In addition, North Carolina is an at-fault, or tort-based, state. This means that any car accident victim can collect compensation from the driver who is at fault for the accident. A driver may be deemed at fault for any of the following:
- Crossing the center line into oncoming traffic
- Drag racing
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly or erratically
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Not keeping a proper lookout, such as failing to check blind spots
- Failing to slow down
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Texting while driving or engaging in other distracting activities
Our experienced Durham car accident attorneys will guide you through the insurance claims process, ensuring you are fully aware of your rights and options. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their cases.
How Can a Durham Car Accident Lawyer Help With a Car Accident Claim?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. Our dedicated team of Durham car accident lawyers is here to assist you with the following:
- Investigating the accident to determine liability
- Determining the value of your claim
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursuing legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached
A Henson Fuerst Durham car crash lawyer will:
- Provide you with an in-depth understanding of car accident and personal injury laws in North Carolina
- Engage in negotiations with insurance companies to attain maximum compensation
- Conduct a comprehensive examination of your accident and collection of evidence
- Represent you in court should your case proceed to trial
- Provide empathetic guidance and support throughout the entire claims process and legal proceedings
Being hurt in a car accident is an incredibly distressing experience. At Henson Fuerst, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, bringing you peace of mind as you recover. Speak with our personal injury lawyers for free today.
We have represented thousands of clients in our 45 years.
$7.5M Settlement
A child involved in a truck accident suffered numerous brain bleeds as well as severe and permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits as a result of his Traumatic Brain Injury. The case was filed in court and settled after multiple depositions of the parties and medical experts. The settlement was collected in full.
Durham, NC Car Accident Attorneys Who Put You First
At Henson Fuerst, our unwavering commitment to prioritizing our client's well-being is at the core of our legal practice. We understand that each car accident case is different, so our legal team approaches every situation with the utmost attention, diligence, and care that it deserves.
If you are involved in a dangerous car accident in Durham, our team of attorneys will be your advocate and guide throughout the injury claim and legal processes. We understand the importance of filing a claim as soon as possible after an accident and will get to work on your case immediately. We are readily equipped and prepared to work hard on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing your interests in court if necessary, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation by submitting the form below or calling our office at 919-781-1107.
Meet Thomas Henson, Jr., Personal Injury Lawyer
Thomas Henson, Jr.
Thomas Henson, Jr. joined Henson Fuerst in 1989. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1986 and his Juris Doctorate in 1989—both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a leading car accident attorney, Thomas Henson understands how an accident injury affects the lives of the victims.
Thomas is the Past Chair of the board of directors of the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC), advocating for brain injury victims and their families across North Carolina, and currently serves on its board. He has been a presenter at multiple conferences for victims of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their caregivers, and brain injury professionals.
Raleigh Office
Suite 210,
Raleigh, NC 27612
P (919) 781-1107
F (919) 781-8048