Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by, Elizabeth VonCannon: Jan 28, 2026

If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the Charlotte car accident lawyers at Stewart Law Offices are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys have protected Charlotte and Mecklenburg County crash victims’ rights for over 30 years, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Insurance companies routinely attempt to minimize payouts or deny valid claims to accident victims.

Attorney Elizabeth VonCannon, a North Carolina State Bar licensed auto accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices, is deeply involved in investigating collisions, identifying liable parties, and calculating the full value of damages owed to injured clients. We’re prepared to conduct a comprehensive accident investigation, calculate your total damages, and pursue maximum compensation from all liable parties.

Our goal is simple: let you focus on medical treatment and physical recovery while we handle the legal battle. Our award-winning attorneys won’t let you bear the burden of medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost income, physical pain, and emotional distress from a collision another driver caused.

Most Car Accidents Result From Negligence, Not Chance

We often use the word “accident” to describe traffic collisions, suggesting they’re random, unavoidable events. The reality is starkly different: most crashes occur because a driver failed to exercise reasonable care on the road. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and traffic violations.

While the at-fault motorist may not have intended to cause harm, North Carolina law holds them accountable for damages resulting from their negligent actions. Whether the collision involved a rear-end impact, an intersection crash, or a multi-vehicle pileup, liability stems from the failure to meet their duty of care to other road users.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or lost a loved one in a crash, reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. If you’re unable to visit our Charlotte office, we’ll come to you—whether at home or in the hospital.

How Stewart Law Offices Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys Can Help Protect Your Rights

After a car accident in Charlotte, you have important rights under North Carolina law, but knowing those rights and enforcing them are two very different battles. Insurance companies and at-fault drivers will try to minimize their liability, leaving crash victims struggling to recover fair compensation. This is why hiring an experienced car accident lawyer from Stewart Law Offices is critical to protecting what you’re owed.

Our award-winning Charlotte car accident attorneys enforce your legal rights by:

• Investigating traffic law violations – We document whether the at-fault driver violated North Carolina requirements to stop at the scene, report the accident, and remain until police arrive, strengthening your negligence claim.
• Verifying driver information – We ensure you receive all required details (name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number) and track down missing information through police reports and DMV records.
• Calculating complete damages – We document all losses, including medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional distress, to demand full compensation. For complex cases, we consult medical experts and economic specialists who testify to your future treatment needs and lost earning capacity.
• Fighting insurance company tactics – We counter lowball settlement offers, claim denials, and NC contributory negligence arguments that insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts.
• Meeting legal deadlines – We act immediately to preserve evidence and file claims within North Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
• Handling all legal communications – We manage negotiations with insurance companies and liable parties so you can focus on medical treatment and recovery.

While you could try to handle a car accident claim independently, it is likely not in your best interest to do so. Unless you are a car accident lawyer yourself, you probably do not have the training or resources to investigate the crash, determine the total value of your losses, collect evidence establishing the other party’s liability, or file the necessary paperwork to demand compensation.

Likewise, you won’t know how to interact with a hostile insurer or what tricks they and their legal team might employ to minimize liability. An experienced car accident lawyer can handle all this complicated legal work on your behalf while you focus on your health and well-being.

What is My Charlotte Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your crash. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, time missed from work, and the long-term impact on your quality of life all play a role in determining potential compensation. Cases involving serious or permanent injuries often result in higher recoveries because of the lasting physical, financial, and emotional consequences involved.

Key factors that can impact the value of your car accident claim include:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries
  
• Current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation and ongoing care
  
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
  
• The extent of pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  
• Property damage and vehicle repair or replacement costs
  
• Whether the other driver’s negligence can be clearly proven
  
• The availability of insurance coverage and other liable parties
  
• How the accident has affected your daily life and long-term well-being
  

This is where having experienced legal guidance matters. Experienced attorneys at Stewart Law Offices carefully evaluate every detail of your case, identify all available sources of compensation, and build a strategy designed to pursue the maximum recovery you are entitled to under North Carolina law.

Charlotte Car Accident Claims Statute of Limitations

Under North Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Charlotte. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are.

Although three years may seem like ample time, preparing a strong claim can take months, especially when injuries are severe or liability is disputed. Insurance companies often delay the process, and critical evidence can disappear. That’s why it’s important to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible, so your case can be evaluated early, deadlines are properly managed, and your rights are fully protected from the start.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC?

North Carolina law permits car accident victims to pursue compensation for two categories of damages: economic damages, which address financial losses, and non-economic damages, which account for pain, suffering, and other non-financial harms. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and how the accident has affected your life.

Economic Damages 

Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the direct financial costs of a car accident. Both current and future expenses can be documented with records and expert analysis.

• Medical expenses
  This includes all accident-related healthcare costs such as emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, specialist visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescription medications. These damages cover care you have already received as well as bills you are expected to incur.
  
• Future medical care
  Serious injuries often require ongoing treatment long after a settlement or verdict. Future medical damages may include follow-up surgeries, long-term physical therapy, pain management, home health care, assistive devices, and medical equipment necessary to manage permanent or chronic conditions.
  
• Lost wages
  If your injuries forced you to miss work, you may recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period. This includes hourly wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and sick or vacation time used while you were unable to work.
  
• Loss of earning capacity
  When injuries prevent you from returning to your prior occupation or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, you may seek compensation for diminished earning potential. This accounts for long-term or permanent limitations that affect your career path and financial stability.
  
• Property damage
  You may recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, along with compensation for damage to personal property inside the car, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages (Personal Losses)

Non-economic damages address the personal, emotional, and quality-of-life impacts of a car accident. Even though these losses cannot be easily measured, severely injured accident victims may still receive compensation for them.

• Physical pain and suffering
  This includes the physical discomfort, pain, and limitations caused by your injuries, both during recovery and into the future. Chronic pain and long-term impairment are key considerations when valuing this damage.
  
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
  Car accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional trauma. Compensation may be available for the psychological toll the accident has taken on your well-being.
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, social activities, family responsibilities, or other aspects of daily life you once enjoyed, you may recover damages for this diminished quality of life.
  
• Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
  Injuries that result in lasting impairment, visible scars, or permanent physical limitations can significantly affect your confidence, independence, and future opportunities, increasing the value of your claim.
  
• Loss of consortium
  When injuries interfere with your ability to maintain a normal relationship with your spouse, including companionship, intimacy, and emotional support, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for these losses.

How are Punitive Damages calculated in Charlotte Accident Cases?

In limited situations, North Carolina law allows punitive damages to punish a defendant for especially reckless or egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim for losses.

Punitive damages may be available when a car accident is caused by conduct such as drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, excessive speeding, or intentional or willful misconduct. These damages are awarded only in rare cases and must meet specific legal standards under North Carolina law.

Visit Our Auto Injury Attorneys in Charlotte, NC

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Hiring an auto accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.

Our contingency fee typically ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of your case and the expenses involved. We believe in complete transparency, and all fee details are clearly explained and discussed with you before you hire our firm. For more details, you can contact us.

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can come as a shock to many accident victims. Under this law, if you are found to be even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation, even when the other driver was 99% responsible.

Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and often use it to their advantage by looking for any reason to shift partial blame onto you in order to deny or reduce your claim. That’s why having an experienced car accident attorney is so important. A lawyer can protect you from unfair blame, handle communications with insurers, and work to preserve your right to compensation.

Understanding NC’s Contributory Negligence Rule

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most car accident cases in Charlotte settle without ever going to trial. Insurance companies typically prefer to negotiate settlements rather than risk a jury verdict that could award you even more compensation. Our goal is always to secure maximum compensation through settlement negotiations whenever possible, saving you time and stress.

However, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Some cases do go to trial when insurers deny liability, dispute the severity of your injuries, or make lowball offers that don’t cover your actual damages.

When Cases Might Go to Trial:

• The insurance company denies your claim entirely
• They’re blaming you for the accident (contributory negligence disputes)
• There’s significant disagreement about the value of your injuries
• Multiple parties are involved, and liability is contested
• The settlement offer is unreasonably low

What to Do After a Car Accident in Charlotte

Taking the proper precautions after a car accident can make it easier to assemble a solid claim. Here is what you need to do after a crash to protect your rights:

1. Check for injuries and call 911 – Your safety comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, get emergency responders to the scene. North Carolina law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

2. Stay at the scene – Never leave the accident scene before police arrive. North Carolina law requires drivers involved in crashes to remain at the scene until officers complete their investigation. Leaving early could result in criminal charges and automatically hurt your injury claim.

3. Exchange information with the other driver – Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Take photos of their license and insurance card with your phone. Also, photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.

4. Don’t admit fault or apologize – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted by insurance companies to suggest you were at fault. Stick to the facts when talking to police, but don’t speculate about what caused the crash or accept any blame.

5. See a doctor immediately – Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Prompt medical care creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is critical for your claim. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies an excuse to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.

6. Keep all medical records and receipts – Save every document related to your injuries and accident expenses. This includes hospital bills, prescription receipts, physical therapy records, medical equipment costs, and mileage to doctor appointments. These records prove your damages and justify your compensation demand.

7. Get your accident report – The police officer at the scene files an official accident report documenting what happened. This report is crucial evidence for your claim. Unfortunately, most North Carolina accident reports aren’t available online, but you can request yours through:

• Call: (919) 861-3098
• Visit: NCDMV Headquarters at 1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC
• Mail: Complete form TR-67A and send to NCDOT-DMV Traffic Records Section, 3106 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3106
• Note: North Carolina Highway Patrol accident reports are available online

8. Stay off social media – Don’t post anything about your accident, injuries, or daily activities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other platform. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use your posts against you. A photo of you smiling at a family dinner can be twisted to claim you’re not really injured. Just stay off social media entirely until your case is resolved.

9. Don’t talk to insurance companies without a lawyer – The other driver’s insurance company will call you quickly, often within hours or days. They sound friendly and concerned, but their goal is to get you to say something that hurts your claim or accept a lowball settlement before you know what your case is worth. Politely tell them you’ve hired an attorney who will be in contact. Don’t give recorded statements, don’t discuss the accident, and definitely don’t accept any settlement offers.

10. Contact a Charlotte car accident lawyer immediately – The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner we can start investigating your crash, preserving evidence, and building your case. We handle all communications with insurance companies, calculate your full damages, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.

Stewart Law Offices Discuss What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Types of Car Accident Cases Stewart Law Offices Handles

Stewart Law Offices represents victims of all types of car accidents throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Our experienced attorneys understand that each type of crash presents unique challenges and requires specific legal strategies. We handle cases involving:

• DUI Accidents 

When a drunk or impaired driver causes a crash, they should be held fully accountable. We pursue maximum compensation from intoxicated drivers and can help you recover punitive damages in addition to your injury compensation.

• Uber and Lyft Accidents

 Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance issues with multiple potential liable parties. We determine whether the rideshare company’s insurance applies and fight to maximize your recovery from all available sources.

• Intersection Crashes

Accidents at traffic lights and stop signs often result from drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal turns. Our Charlotte intersection crashes lawyers investigate traffic camera footage and witness statements to prove fault at Charlotte’s busiest and most dangerous intersections.

• Uninsured Motorist Accidents

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you’re not out of options. We help you pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage and explore other avenues for recovery.

• Distracted Driving Accidents 

Texting, phone calls, and other distractions cause thousands of crashes in Charlotte each year, particularly on high-traffic routes like Independence Boulevard and Wilkinson Boulevard. We obtain cell phone records and other evidence to prove the other driver wasn’t paying attention.

• Hit and Run Accidents

Even if the other driver fled the scene, our Charlotte hit and run accidents lawyers work with the police to identify them and pursue your uninsured motorist coverage if they’re never found.

• Rear-End Crashes

The rear driver is almost always at fault in these collisions. Our Charlotte rear-end crash lawyers fight back when insurance companies try to blame you for stopping suddenly or claim your injuries aren’t real.

• Head-On Collisions

These devastating crashes often cause severe injuries or fatalities. Our Charlotte head-on collision lawyers handle wrongful death claims and catastrophic injury cases with the sensitivity and expertise they require.

• Accidents on Charlotte’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Interstates such as I-77, I-85, and I-485 see frequent crashes due to high speeds, heavy traffic, and aggressive driving. Busy routes like Independence Boulevard and Wilkinson Boulevard are also known for serious accidents and dangerous intersections. We know these high-risk areas and understand how to build strong cases involving crashes on Charlotte’s most dangerous roads and intersections.

• Airbag Injuries

While airbags save lives, they can also cause serious injuries like burns, fractures, and eye damage. We determine if defective airbags contributed to your injuries and pursue product liability claims when appropriate.

• Parking Lot Accidents

 Just because crashes happen at low speeds doesn’t mean they’re not serious. We help victims of parking lot collisions recover compensation for their injuries and vehicle damage. And also T-Bone Accident, Sideswipe Accidents, Chain Reaction Accidents, etc.

No matter what type of car accident caused your injuries—whether on I-77, I-85, I-485, or anywhere else in Charlotte—Stewart Law Offices has the experience and resources to handle your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Determining Car Accident Liability in a Charlotte Car Wreck

In the context of a car accident claim, negligence means that someone failed to take reasonable steps to avoid causing a crash and injuring another person. Broadly speaking, a driver whose carelessness, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws caused a collision could be considered negligent.

Parties other than those directly involved in a collision can also be at fault. For example, a company that manufactured a defective tire or a mechanic who failed to replace brake pads properly could be liable for a crash resulting from that negligence.

In some instances, more than one party may be responsible for a crash. A knowledgeable Charlotte car accident attorney can tell you more about who may be liable for your injuries.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soreness to life-altering conditions. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may take hours or even days to fully appear. Seeking medical attention right away is critical, not only for your health but also for protecting your legal claim.

At Stewart Law Offices, we stand with car accident victims who are dealing with serious injuries, including:

Common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back injuries and herniated discs
• Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions
• Broken bones and fractures, such as arms, legs, ribs, hips, and facial bones
• Soft tissue injuries, including muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding
• Cuts, lacerations, and deep bruising
• Burn injuries from fires, explosions, or hot vehicle components
• Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
• Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or chronic pain
• Psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Wrongful death injuries suffered by surviving family members

If you have suffered any of these injuries in a car accident, our Charlotte car accident attorneys, including Christian Gerencir, a North Carolina Bar licensed attorney, can help ensure the full extent of your injuries is properly documented, accurately valued, and aggressively pursued as part of your claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charlotte?

Some of the most common causes and contributing factors of Charlotte car accidents include:

• Intoxicated driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Aggressive driving
• Tailgating
• Running a red light
• Unsafe passage
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Mechanical defects

Statistics on Car Accidents in Charlotte

Car crashes continue to change lives across North Carolina, and the numbers from 2023 and 2024 show just how real the danger remains. In 2023, the state recorded 284,157 reportable crashes, which rose slightly to 284,546 in 2024. The following graphic breaks down these trends, including changes in fatalities and injuries that continue to affect North Carolina families.

In Charlotte, these risks are especially visible. The city reported 32,476 total crashes, resulting in 140 fatalities and 15,388 injuries. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 778 incidents, leading to 39 deaths and 635 injuries, highlighting the ongoing consequences of impaired driving.

Pedestrians were involved in 418 crashes, which caused 38 fatalities and 422 injuries, while bicycle-related crashes totaled 108, resulting in 4 deaths and 109 injuries.

These figures show how statewide traffic safety issues take a concentrated toll on Charlotte’s roads and communities.

Contact Our Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys to Start Your Claim

Victims of car accidents in Charlotte deserve experienced representation. At Stewart Law Offices, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. With 30 years of local experience, we have successfully handled numerous car accident cases and understand how to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us online or at (704) 521-5000 for a free consultation.

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