Cases will be handled by attorneys licensed in the local jurisdiction. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
Car Wreck Death Attorney in Charlotte
Car crashes can derail your life. We've helped thousands of people recover—physically, financially, and emotionally—after an accident.
Cases will be handled by attorneys licensed in the local jurisdiction. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers
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North Carolina is one of the worst states to file a claim for compensation after an accident, especially without a lawyer. The state follows the contributory negligence legal system, which is often regarded as unfair and plaintiff-unfriendly. The good news is that you're not alone in this fight. If you fill out our case evaluation form, we will review your case for free and contact you to discuss the next steps, including the possibility of representing you in your quest to secure a settlement.
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The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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Injured and not sure what to do next? We'll guide you through everything you need to know.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
What are the first steps to take after a fatal crash in Charlotte?
In the immediate aftermath of a deadly car accident, your priorities should be safety, documentation, and support.
- Call 911: Law enforcement will document the scene, file an accident report, and begin any necessary investigations. That police report becomes crucial in building your legal case.
- Preserve Evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks. Identify witnesses and note their contact information.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurer know that the crash occurred, but avoid giving a detailed statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Request the Autopsy or Medical Examiner’s Report: This can provide vital documentation if the crash led to serious injury or death.
- Speak With an Attorney: A wrongful death lawyer can take over communication with insurers, protect your rights, and begin investigating the cause of the crash right away.
How do wrongful death claims work in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a wrongful death claim may be filed when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. The claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate; usually, a close family member.
Compensation in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income or financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence (e.g., drunk driving)
The deadline to file is two years from the date of death, not necessarily the date of the accident. If this deadline is missed, the court may dismiss your case entirely.
What is comparative negligence, and how does it work?
North Carolina follows one of the strictest negligence standards in the country: pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, if the deceased is found even 1% at fault, the claim could be barred.
That’s why early legal representation is essential. Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame, especially in deadly crashes where the victim cannot speak for themselves. Our attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and witnesses to build a clear case and protect your right to recover damages.
What should I know about crashes involving commercial or out-of-state drivers?
Charlotte is a major hub for commercial and interstate traffic. Accidents involving delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, and rideshare drivers often involve complex layers of corporate insurance. If your loved one was killed by a commercial driver, federal FMCSA rules may apply in addition to state law.
Additionally, out-of-state drivers traveling through North Carolina are still subject to North Carolina's laws regarding fault and negligence. Even if they carry insurance from another state, any lawsuit filed over a Charlotte crash must follow NC law.
What are some common car crash injuries that lead to fatalities?
Some injuries may not appear fatal at first, but worsen over time due to complications. Others are catastrophic from the start. Common fatal or life-threatening injuries in North Carolina wrecks include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Broken ribs and punctured organs
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries or amputations
In some cases, the victim may survive for hours or days after the crash before passing away in the hospital. In these instances, medical expenses and pain and suffering may also be included in a wrongful death claim.
What can I expect during a free consultation?
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Review the accident report and available evidence
- Help you understand the wrongful death process
- Answer your questions about insurance, fault, and damages
- Explain our contingency fee arrangement (no upfront cost to you)
We understand this isn’t just a case; it’s your life. You’ll never be rushed or treated like a file number.
What if I were partially at fault?
Some families worry they may not be able to file a claim if their loved one contributed in any way to the crash, for example, by speeding or not wearing a seatbelt. Unfortunately, under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, that can make recovery more difficult. But that doesn't mean you're out of options.
An attorney can often present mitigating evidence, challenge faulty conclusions in the police report, and counter unfair insurance tactics.
What types of evidence are needed to strengthen a claim?
To build a strong wrongful death case, it helps to have:
- Photos of the scene and vehicles
- Witness statements
- Medical records and autopsy reports
- Cell phone records (to prove distracted driving)
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Expert opinions (from crash reconstructionists, doctors, etc.)
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more time they’ll have to gather this evidence before it disappears.
What are the most common causes of fatal car accidents in Charlotte, North Carolina?
While every accident is unique, certain driving behaviors and environmental factors consistently contribute to fatal wrecks in and around Charlotte. Understanding these causes can help strengthen a wrongful death claim and determine liability:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, phone use, GPS navigation, eating, and other distractions pull a driver’s attention away from the road, often with deadly consequences.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact. Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Charlotte, particularly on highways such as I-85 and I-485.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, can impair judgment, coordination, and reflexes. Impaired drivers are more likely to be involved in high-impact collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Many deadly accidents occur when drivers ignore stop signs, run red lights, or fail to yield at intersections, particularly in areas such as shopping centers and residential neighborhoods.
- Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue often causes slowed reaction times and missed signals.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and excessive lane changes put everyone at risk. Road rage incidents have also been linked to deadly crashes.
- Poor Weather or Road Conditions: Rain, fog, and black ice can make even routine driving treacherous. Inexperienced or careless drivers may fail to adjust to conditions appropriately.
By thoroughly investigating the cause of the crash, your attorney can determine who was at fault and ensure they are held accountable.
How do rental cars, insurance, and financial pressure affect my accident claim?
During the legal process, you may still require transportation or assistance with bill payments. If your insurance includes rental coverage, we’ll help ensure the carrier pays what they owe. Additionally, if medical bills are still arriving, your attorney may be able to send a letter of promise to your providers, delaying collection until the claim resolves.
What should I do if insurance adjusters push back?
Insurance companies are known to:
- Delay payouts
- Make lowball offers
- Blame the victim
- Deny valid claims without explanation
We are familiar with these tactics and know how to counter them. With Morgan & Morgan’s resources behind you, you’ll never have to face insurers alone.
What’s the difference between economic and non-economic damages?
A wrongful death claim may involve two types of compensation:
- Economic damages: medical bills, funeral costs, lost wages, lost financial support
- Non-economic damages: grief, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering
Our attorneys will make sure both types of losses are fully accounted for in any settlement or trial strategy.
What legal options do passengers have after a car accident?
If you were a passenger in a fatal crash or lost a loved one who was a passenger, you may also have the right to file a claim. Even if the driver was a friend or relative, insurance may still provide compensation. In multi-vehicle collisions, more than one party may share fault, and more than one claim may be possible.
How can Morgan & Morgan help me after a fatal car accident?
For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has helped families across the country recover after tragic accidents, securing more than $25 billion in compensation for our clients. In Charlotte, our attorneys licensed to practice in North Carolina are backed by the full strength of America’s largest injury law firm.
We understand how overwhelming this process can be, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Call now or fill out a free case evaluation form to speak with a wrongful death attorney who understands what’s at stake and is ready to fight for your family.