A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. One moment you are driving through Charlotte, and the next you are dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance process that is working against you.
It is overwhelming, and it is not fair. But you do not have to navigate it alone.
At Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, our Charlotte car accident lawyers have been fighting for injured clients for more than 40 years.
We have recovered over $70 million on behalf of the people we represent, and every attorney at our firm has been recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision, contact us today for a free consultation. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today (704-335-1500) to speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
Why Choose Brown Moore & Associates After a Car Accident in Charlotte?
The attorney you hire will have a direct impact on what you recover. You only get one opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries, so it matters that you choose a firm with the experience, resources, and results to back it up.
Over $70 Million Recovered for Injured Clients
Brown Moore & Associates has secured more than $70 million recovered for injured clients across North Carolina. Our record includes some of the most significant personal injury results in state history:
- $15,700,000 in Dixon v. CSX Transportation, the largest personal injury jury verdict in North Carolina history at the time
- $7,542,554 in Dickerson v. Morfesis and Van Fossen, the largest contested personal injury verdict in North Carolina for 2015
- $6,265,000 on behalf of the estate of a victim in a trucking accident case
- $6,130,000 in Savino v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital
- $3,500,000 in Simmons v. First Colony Group, the largest road construction settlement in North Carolina history at the time
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they do demonstrate what is possible when you have experienced trial attorneys in your corner.
Why Should I Hire a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer?
North Carolina law does not require you to hire an attorney after a car accident. But if you were injured, going without one could cost you significantly.
Insurance companies have professional adjusters and defense lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay you. From the moment you report the accident, they begin building a case to devalue your claim.
An experienced Charlotte car accident lawyer levels that playing field. At Brown Moore & Associates, we step in immediately to handle all communication with the insurer so you do not inadvertently say something that harms your claim.
We launch a prompt investigation, gathering police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and eyewitness accounts before evidence disappears. We work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts when needed to build the strongest possible case.
Perhaps most importantly, we take the time to fully understand the scope of your injuries and what your recovery will require, both now and in the future. Many clients underestimate what their case is worth. We make sure you do not.
What Is My Charlotte Car Accident Case Worth?
This is one of the first questions people ask, and it is a fair one. Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. The value of your case depends on factors specific to your situation, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- All medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages and any diminished ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage
- The strength of the available evidence
- Whether contributory negligence is alleged
If anyone tells you what your case is worth before fully understanding your injuries and circumstances, they are not doing you any favors.
An inadequate settlement cannot be undone. Contact our firm for a free case evaluation to get an honest picture of where you stand.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in North Carolina?
Economic Damages
Economic damages represent the concrete financial losses you have suffered as a result of the accident. These include:
- Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and future medical treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs such as transportation, home modifications, and medical equipment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that do not come with a clear price tag but have a profound impact on your life. These can include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and permanent disfigurement or disability.
Punitive Damages
In cases where a driver caused an accident through gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, such as drunk driving or street racing, North Carolina courts may award punitive damages. These are not designed to compensate you but to punish the defendant and discourage future reckless behavior. North Carolina does impose a cap on punitive damages in most cases under N.C.G.S. Section 1D-25.
An attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation, vehicle repairs, lost wages (both current and future), and pain and suffering.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
For most personal injury claims, North Carolina gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, as set out in N.C.G.S. Section 1-52.
Wrongful death claims carry a two-year deadline from the date of death under N.C.G.S. Section 1-53(4). Property damage claims also fall under the three-year window.
Even if time remains on your deadline, waiting is rarely a good idea. Evidence degrades. Witnesses forget details. Medical records become harder to connect to the accident. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.
There are exceptions to these deadlines, including for minors, cases where injuries were not immediately discovered, and claims involving government entities. Do not assume you know where you stand without speaking to an attorney first.
An attorney knows how to identify, preserve, and analyze this evidence before it is lost or overwritten.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Brown Moore & Associates handles all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means no retainer, no hourly rate, and no out-of-pocket costs to get started.
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of that recovery.
Case expenses such as filing fees and expert witness costs are handled separately and discussed transparently.
You take no financial risk when you consult with or hire us. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making that call.
What Happens to My Compensation if I Am Partly at Fault in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that follows pure contributory negligence.
Under N.C.G.S. Section 1-139, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies know this, and they aggressively use it to deny or reduce valid claims.
This is exactly why you should not admit fault, apologize, or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are limited exceptions that may still allow you to recover even if you were partially at fault. These include the last clear chance doctrine, cases involving gross negligence or willful and wanton conduct, and certain claims against government entities. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation and tell you where you stand.
How a Lawyer Protects You
At Brown Moore & Associates, we build cases from the ground up with contributory negligence in mind. We gather evidence that demonstrates the other party’s fault, counter any allegations that you contributed to the accident, and ensure you do not make statements that could be used against you. This is the kind of strategic thinking that can make all the difference under North Carolina law.
North Carolina Car Accident Laws You Should Know
Minimum Insurance Requirements
All drivers in North Carolina are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage under N.C.G.S. Section 20-279.21.
North Carolina also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at matching minimums. When the at-fault driver carries only minimum coverage and your injuries are serious, an attorney can help you identify additional sources of compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims
When a car accident claims a life, North Carolina law allows the estate representative to file a wrongful death claim under N.C.G.S. Section 28A-18-2.
Families have two years from the date of death to take legal action. Compensation can include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, loss of consortium, and grief and suffering. Our firm is committed to helping Charlotte families find answers and justice when a loved one’s death was preventable.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Charlotte?
At the Scene
- Call 911 and remain at or near the scene
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved
- Collect names and contact information from witnesses
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries
- Do not admit fault or apologize, even casually
- Get the police report number before leaving
After Leaving the Scene
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay
- Document all symptoms, injuries, and medical visits
- Notify your own insurance company of the accident
- Keep all receipts, medical bills, repair estimates, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Do not accept any settlement offer before consulting with an attorney
- Contact Brown Moore & Associates before giving any recorded statements
What NOT to Do
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer
- Do not sign anything without having it reviewed by an attorney
- Do not post about your accident or injuries on social media
- Do not delay medical treatment, as gaps in care can be used to undermine your claim
- Do not assume the first settlement offer is fair
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident?
Liability in a Charlotte car accident is not always limited to the driver who hit you. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
- The at-fault driver, for negligent behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence
- The vehicle owner, if different from the driver, under the permissive use doctrine
- An employer, if the driver was working at the time, under respondeat superior
- A government entity, if an unsafe road condition, poor signage, or defective road design contributed to the crash
- A vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier, if a defect in brakes, tires, or steering played a role
- A bar or restaurant, under dram shop liability, if they over-served a driver who then caused a crash
Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical to maximizing what you recover. Our attorneys investigate every angle.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Charlotte
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents in Charlotte, often caused by distracted driving or tailgating. Despite being frequently described as minor, they can result in serious neck and back injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs, that affect victims for years.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of crashes. They often occur when a driver crosses the center line due to impairment, fatigue, or distraction. The forces involved frequently cause catastrophic and fatal injuries.
T-Bone and Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact crashes commonly occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield. Passengers on the struck side face especially severe injury risk, as there is less vehicle structure to absorb the impact.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When the at-fault driver flees the scene, your options for compensation shift to your own uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can guide you through this process and work with law enforcement to pursue the responsible party.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk and drugged driving crashes often support claims for both compensatory and punitive damages. Our attorneys know how to build these cases and hold impaired drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause.
Other Accident Types We Handle
- Distracted driving and texting while driving crashes
- Multi-vehicle and chain-reaction pileups
- Highway accidents on I-77, I-85, and I-485
- Intersection accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe and unsafe lane change crashes
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
- Commercial vehicle and rideshare accidents
- Construction zone crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
Common Car Accident Injuries We See in Charlotte
Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of serious injury in the United States, and Charlotte is no exception. Our attorneys have represented clients with the full range of injuries, from soft tissue damage to life-altering catastrophic harm.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe damage affecting memory, personality, and function. Even a concussion deserves prompt medical attention, as symptoms can worsen without proper care. The CDC reports that TBIs contribute to a significant portion of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
Neck and Spine Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries are common in collisions of all kinds. Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing how a person lives and works. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of new spinal cord injuries each year.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures to the arms, legs, wrists, ankles, pelvis, or face often require surgery and extended rehabilitation. Orthopedic injuries can affect a victim’s ability to work and enjoy daily life for months or years.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and muscle tears may not always appear on imaging but can cause chronic pain and limit mobility. It is important that your attorney understands the medical picture fully, including injuries that may not be immediately visible.
Psychological Injuries
Car accidents can leave lasting emotional scars. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even a fear of driving are recognized consequences of serious crashes. These injuries are real and compensable under North Carolina law.
Fatal Injuries
When a car accident takes a life, our firm stands with surviving families in their pursuit of justice. We handle wrongful death claims with the care and sensitivity they deserve.
Call Now For Your Free Consultation: 704-335-1500
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charlotte
Distracted Driving
Texting while driving remains the leading distraction on the road. According to the NHTSA, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field without looking. Despite laws prohibiting it, distracted driving continues to cause devastating crashes on Charlotte roads every day.
Drunk and Drugged Driving
Impaired driving, whether from alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication, significantly slows reaction time and impairs judgment. The NHTSA reports that drunk driving kills tens of thousands of people in the U.S. every year. Beyond civil liability, drunk driving accidents often open the door to punitive damages.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and increases crash severity dramatically. Road rage, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes are particularly common on high-traffic corridors like Independence Boulevard, I-77, and I-485. According to the NHTSA, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in a recent year.
Running Red Lights and Failure to Yield
Intersection violations are a leading cause of T-bone crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that red-light running kills hundreds of people and injures tens of thousands more each year. Charlotte’s rapid growth has added significant traffic pressure to intersections throughout the city.
Fatigued Driving
Drowsy driving impairs judgment in ways similar to alcohol intoxication. The NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes annually. Truck drivers, overnight workers, and travelers on long highway stretches are at elevated risk.
Defective Vehicles and Road Hazards
Not every accident is the fault of a driver. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects can make a vehicle impossible to control. Potholes, poor road design, and inadequate signage can also contribute to serious crashes. Vehicle defects that lead to recalls are tracked by the NHTSA’s safety defect database, and road condition liability may fall on government entities.
Car Accident Statistics in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte’s roads see a significant volume of serious crashes each year. According to NC Vision Zero data, approximately 82 car accidents occur in the city every single day. In a recent year, nearly 33,000 traffic crashes were recorded in Charlotte, and nearly half involved an injury or fatality. Statewide, the NC DMV Crash Facts report recorded 276,026 traffic crashes in 2021 resulting in 1,783 deaths and over 114,000 injuries.
As Charlotte’s population continues to grow, more vehicles on the road mean greater risk for everyone. If you have been hurt in a crash, these numbers reflect a larger pattern of preventable harm that our firm fights to hold accountable, one case at a time.
Will My Charlotte Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases settle before they ever reach a courtroom. Settlement tends to be faster, more predictable, and often in the client’s best interest.
That said, insurance companies know which law firms try cases and which ones do not. A firm with a genuine trial record gets better results at the negotiating table because insurers understand the risk of going in front of a jury.
At Brown Moore & Associates, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If an insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we do not hesitate to file a lawsuit and see it through.
Factors that make trial more likely include disputed liability, serious injuries with high damage values, and insurance companies acting in bad faith. Whatever path your case takes, we will be with you every step of the way.
How Brown Moore & Associates Handles Your Case from Start to Finish
Step 1: Free Consultation
We begin with a no-obligation case review. You tell us what happened, and we give you an honest assessment of your situation and your options. There is no cost and no pressure.
Step 2: Investigation
We move quickly to gather and preserve evidence before it disappears. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, black box data, and accident reconstruction analysis when warranted.
Step 3: Medical Treatment Coordination
We help ensure our clients get the care they need to recover. Documenting your injuries thoroughly and allowing time to reach maximum medical improvement is essential to placing an accurate value on your claim.
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
Once we have a complete picture of your damages, we submit a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Our goal is always to maximize what you recover without unnecessary delay.
Step 5: Litigation, if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to deal fairly, we file suit. Our trial attorneys handle discovery, depositions, pre-trial motions, and courtroom representation with the same commitment to results that has defined our firm for four decades.
Meet the Charlotte Car Accident Lawyers at Brown Moore & Associates
Jon R. Moore, Managing Partner
Jon graduated from Northwestern University before earning his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where he also taught a practical law class to local high school students.
He has practiced in Charlotte since 2002 and has been recognized by NC Super Lawyers every year from 2012 through 2024.
Jon is one of only 20 attorneys in the state named to the NC Lawyers Weekly Power List for Personal Injury Lawyers in both 2023 and 2024, and his ABOTA membership reflects his extensive trial experience. He has served in leadership roles throughout the NC Advocates for Justice and remains deeply committed to the Charlotte community.
R. Kent Brown, Founding Partner
Kent has been practicing personal injury law in North Carolina for more than 40 years. He holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reserved for fewer than 5% of attorneys in the country, and has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by both the American Trial Lawyers Association and the National Trial Lawyers Association.
His case results include the largest personal injury recovery in North Carolina history in 1985, the largest personal injury jury verdict in state history in 1992, the largest road construction settlement in state history in 2002, and the largest contested personal injury verdict in the state for 2015. He currently chairs the medical malpractice division of the NC Advocates for Justice.
Every attorney at Brown Moore & Associates has been selected by North Carolina Super Lawyers as either a Super Lawyer or a Rising Star. This reflects our firm-wide commitment to legal excellence, and it is a distinction that very few Charlotte personal injury firms can honestly claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte Car Accidents
How long will my case take to settle?
Simpler cases without disputed liability or complex injuries may resolve in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries or contested fault can take a year or more. Rushing to settle before fully understanding your injuries is almost always a mistake that costs you money.
Do insurance companies give fair settlement offers?
Rarely. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their first offer is almost always designed to close your claim for as little as possible. Never accept an offer before speaking with an attorney who can evaluate whether it reflects your actual damages.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, even partial fault can bar your recovery entirely. Do not assume fault without legal guidance. We can evaluate the facts and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
No. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Recorded statements can be taken out of context and used to deny or reduce your claim.
What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?
North Carolina requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and your own policy may provide compensation in this situation. An attorney can help you navigate that process and ensure you are not left without options.
Can I still file a claim if I did not go to the ER right away?
Yes, but delays can complicate your case. Seek medical care as soon as possible, document everything, and let your attorney help you address any gaps in care that the insurance company may try to exploit.
What if I was a passenger?
Passengers generally have the right to pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance and, depending on the circumstances, may also have claims against other parties involved in the crash.
Contact Brown Moore & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Charlotte, time matters. Evidence disappears quickly, and North Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations is unforgiving. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.
At Brown Moore & Associates, we have been standing up for injured Charlotteans for more than 40 years.
We have recovered over $70 million for our clients, every attorney at our firm is recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers, and we take every case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today (704-335-1500) to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. We are ready to go to work for you.
