Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Raleigh, North Carolina?

  The non-emergency contact number for the police headquarters in Raleigh is (919) 831-6311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Raleigh, North Carolina?

  You can get a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Raleigh by calling the Police Records Division at (919) 996-3325. Give your report number to a staff member, and they will help you find your incident report and send it to you via email. For crash reports, you can get them at http://crash.raleighpd.org/ for you to print out.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury suit in Raleigh?

  Personal injury lawsuits in Raleigh must be filed within three years of the date the injury occurred, according to the state's statute of limitations. However, when the "rule of discovery" applies, the claims can be brought up to 10 years after the event that caused the injury. Another exception is for product liability cases, wherein consumers have up to 12 years after purchasing a defective product to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained as a result of a defect.

• Can you sue the government of Raleigh for negligence if you have been injured on city property?

  Yes, as long as you meet the State Tort Claims Act’s deadlines and procedural requirements. The Act authorizes payments of up to $1 million to cover medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you want to sue Raleigh for personal injury, you must file a notice of claim, which will protect your legal rights. You must also be able to prove that the city breached its duty of care, which led to your accident, and that the injury is compensable.

• What will happen if you were partially at fault for a personal injury case in Raleigh?

  Raleigh follows the doctrine of "contributory negligence," which says that accident and injury victims can't get compensation if they were even a little bit to blame. In a car accident, for example, if the driver suing for damages contributed even 1% to the accident, they cannot receive compensation from the other driver, even if that driver is 99% at fault for the accident.

• How do you file a class-action lawsuit in Raleigh?

  If you and a group of people in Raleigh have been harmed by the same individual, company, or product, then you can file a lawsuit as a class action. To start, file a complaint together with one or more other plaintiffs who experienced similar negligence and losses from a single defendant. Then, go to the federal district court to declare the case as class action. After the court certifies the case, it will then proceed to discovery, pretrial motions, and settlement negotiations. The court will determine if the settlement agreement reached is fair. If the case goes to trial, the judge or jury will determine if the defendant is liable.

• How is compensation for pain and suffering calculated in Raleigh?

  There is no set way to figure out how much physical pain and mental suffering are worth. But in Raleigh, pain and suffering are taken into account after economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, or property damage have been figured out. Juries base their awards on a multiple of economic damages or a per-month payment depending on the severity of the injury. The jury might award compensation for pain and suffering for each day of the claimant's life expectancy if the injury is proven to be permanent.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.