What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in North Carolina?

Car collisions leave victims with more than physical injuries. When someone is struck by a negligent driver, they can face mounting medical bills and other financial hardships. With help from an attorney, injured victims can seek compensation for the harm they suffered. As you begin the process, you may be wondering, “What is the average car settlement in North Carolina?” Read on to learn the factors that can shape the compensation you receive.

Understanding Car Collision Stats in North Carolina

North Carolina sees serious car accidents and motor vehicle accidents every day across the state. In 2023, more than 324,000 people were injured nationwide in distracted driving crashes. The 2021 North Carolina Traffic Crash Facts show that Surf City reported 179 crashes that resulted in 71 injuries and 13 pedestrian accidents.

Nationally, drunk driving is often a factor in these collisions, contributing to about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities. A car wreck can leave victims with serious injuries, from broken bones and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and internal damage.

Recovery often requires specialized care at the WakeMed Raleigh Campus, located at 3000 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610, and the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, located at 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. Negligent drivers can be held financially liable for the harm they cause.

Factors That Can Influence the Size of Your Settlement

While no two car collisions will lead to the exact same settlement, there are common factors that shape the size of the settlement. One of the most significant factors is the severity of your injuries. Cases involving long-term medical needs, long recoveries, and ongoing treatments can lead to larger settlements than claims involving minor injuries. To back up your claim, you’ll need to work with an attorney to document the injury and future medical treatment costs.

Fault is another factor that can greatly influence the outcome of a settlement. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule that bars injured parties from receiving compensation if they contributed to the collision. Whether your case goes through an insurance carrier or the civil courts, your attorney will need to protect you from false claims that you caused or contributed to your own injury.

Lost wages also determine the size of settlements. A long recovery can lead to missed time from work and lost wages. If the injury leads to a temporary or long-term disability, future lost earnings can also be factored into a settlement. With help from a personal injury lawyer, you can factor these losses into your eventual settlement. If the case goes to court, your attorney can calculate the value of non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a serious crash, trying to manage a North Carolina car accident claim on your own can feel overwhelming. Between gathering medical records, dealing with insurance adjusters, and interpreting car accident laws, the car accident claim settlement process can quickly become a burden during an already difficult period in your life. By choosing to hire a car accident lawyer, you allow a skilled advocate to take over the complex legal work while you focus on recovering.

An experienced car accident attorney understands how to build strong claims and meet critical deadlines. They know how insurers operate and can ensure your filings contain the necessary documentation to pursue compensation. If your claim is delayed, undervalued, or denied, having a lawyer by your side can help you secure the benefits you deserve under North Carolina law. In more severe cases, such as a head-on collision, rear-end collision, or multi car pileup accident, legal representation can be especially valuable in maximizing your recovery.

FAQs

How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in a Car Accident in North Carolina?

The value of pain and suffering depends on the severity of your injury and how it affects your daily life. An attorney with experience handling injury claims can use established formulas to calculate the monetary value of the emotional pain you suffered. Non-economic damages can be sought if your case goes to court. Pain and suffering can greatly increase the value of an injury claim.

How Much of a $30,000 Settlement Will I Get?

The amount you receive from a $30,000 settlement depends on deductions for attorney’s fees and liens. For example, if you work with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis, their percentage would be removed from the settlement before you are paid. Medical providers or insurers may also be reimbursed for treatment costs. What remains after those deductions is your net recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, securing a settlement can take weeks, months, or even longer, depending on the complexity of the case. Smaller claims may resolve sooner if the insurer accepts liability and pays a fair settlement. More serious cases that involve significant injuries, disputes over fault, or litigation may take a year or longer to resolve. Cases that involve the courts generally require more time to resolve, but can lead to larger settlements.

What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that fully compensates you for medical bills, lost income, and the personal impact of your injuries. A fair settlement should compensate you for the financial losses you suffered and the mental harm you endured. An experienced car accident lawyer can calculate the true value of your damages and help you decide whether an offer is reasonable or if you should continue negotiating.

Injured in a North Carolina Car Accident? Learn What Your Claim May Be Worth.

Every car accident claim is different, and settlement amounts in North Carolina depend on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. There is no set average because each case reflects unique circumstances and evidence presented. With legal representation, you can gain a clearer understanding of what your claim may be worth.

At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, our founding attorney has fought for injured clients for more than 30 years. She knows how insurance companies attempt to limit payouts and how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can fight for the settlement you are owed.