Car accidents are unfortunately common in North Carolina – in 2023 the N.C. DMV reported 284,157 crashes statewide, including 1,686 fatalities. After a collision, you need a Charlotte car accident attorney who knows local laws (e.g. NC’s strict contributory negligence rule) and can secure the compensation you deserve. Charlotte has many top rated car accident lawyers, but choosing the right one is crucial. In this guide we list the 15 best Charlotte car accident attorneys, explain why a local lawyer helps, and provide tips on picking the right law office and steps to take after a crash.
This image shows the front-end damage of a car after a collision, illustrating a scenario where a Charlotte car accident attorney would be needed.
North Carolina’s laws make local expertise vital. For example, NC follows a contributory negligence rule – if you are even 1% at fault, you may recover nothing. A Charlotte car accident attorney will know how to handle this and other NC-specific rules. By contrast, states like Texas or Georgia use comparative fault. (If your accident happened in another state, you’d seek a Houston car accident attorney or Atlanta car accident attorney licensed there.) charlotte car accident attorney
Here are key reasons to hire a Charlotte car accident attorney:
- Local Law Knowledge. NC’s unique rules (reporting accidents, negligence laws) mean you benefit from an attorney who practices in Charlotte. For instance, NC law requires you to report accidents with injuries, death, or >$1,000 in damage, and an attorney will ensure this is done promptly.
- Expert Investigation. Experienced Charlotte attorneys work with investigators to gather evidence, photos, and witness statements. They know what proofs insurers demand (e.g. police reports, medical records) and avoid pitfalls like admitting fault.
- Maximizing Recovery. A skilled lawyer can calculate all damages – medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. Research shows many NC firms have secured multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements for car accident victims. For example, Gene Riddle of Riddle & Riddle has 40+ years’ experience and won a $9.45M verdict in a truck accident charlotte car accident attorney.
- Trial Experience. If insurers lowball your claim, a lawyer will take the case to court. Attorneys like Douglas Petho (Price, Petho & Assoc.) have tried hundreds of auto accident cases to jury verdict, and Bill Powers (Powers Law Firm) is known for his advocacy in tough cases.
- Top-Rated Reputation. Many Charlotte attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, etc. Clients often search for “top rated car accident lawyers” in Charlotte. Look for attorneys with high peer ratings (e.g., Elizabeth Grimes is AV Rated and a lifetime Multi-Million Dollar Advocates member) charlotte car accident attorney.
15 Best Charlotte Car Accident Attorneys
Below are 15 Charlotte-area attorneys who are highly regarded for car accident and personal injury cases. Each has extensive trial experience and a record of success.
1. Gene A. Riddle – Riddle & Riddle, P.A.
Gene Riddle co-founded Riddle & Riddle and has practiced personal injury law for over 40 years. He has earned hundreds of verdicts and settlements for car, truck and wrongful death cases. Notably, Riddle won a $9,450,000 verdict in a fatal truck accident. His firm is based in Charlotte and focuses exclusively on accident victims.
2. Joseph W. Fulton – Martineau King, PLLC
Joseph Fulton is a partner at Martineau King’s Charlotte office, focusing on civil litigation and insurance defense. His defense background gives him insight into how insurance companies think. Fulton is known locally for his credibility in court. While he handles various injury cases, his experience means he understands both sides of car accident claims.
3. Michael D. Maurer – Maurer Law, PLLC (Cornelius/Charlotte)
Michael Maurer was formerly an insurance defense attorney who now represents plaintiffs. At his Maurer Law firm (near Charlotte), he has secured multi-million dollar results. For example, he achieved a $5,000,000 verdict in a vehicle collision case. Maurer’s insider understanding of insurance tactics helps him build strong car accident claims.
4. Charles Ali Everage – Hunter & Everage, PLLC
Charles Everage is a veteran litigator (20+ years) who represents victims in motor vehicle and trucking accidents. His practice focuses on personal injury, and he prides himself on “aggressively representing individuals involved in motor vehicle and trucking accidents”. Based in Charlotte, Everage brings experience to both highway crashes and workplace injury cases charlotte car accident attorney.
5. Jon R. Moore – Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC
Jon Moore is a top-rated personal injury attorney with Brown Moore & Associates in Charlotte. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers for handling complex injury claims. Moore’s practice includes car accidents, medical malpractice, and workers’ comp. His law firm emphasizes client service, and he has secured numerous favorable settlements for injured clients charlotte car accident attorney
6. Bobby L. Bollinger, Jr. – Bollinger Law Firm, PLLC
Bobby Bollinger is a board-certified specialist in workers’ compensation, but he also handles serious injury cases including auto accidents. Clients praise his skill – one review calls him “outstanding…one of the finest and most respected attorneys in the country”. Bollinger’s decades of experience and AV Preeminent rating (peer review) make him a formidable advocate in complex injury claims charlotte car accident attorney
7. William C. Powers – Powers Law Firm, PLLC
Bill Powers is a veteran trial lawyer and former President of the N.C. Advocates for Justice. He is well-known for handling serious injury cases (including car accidents) statewide. Powers emphasizes courtroom trial skills, noting that in a “bad car accident…courtroom advocacy and trial skills make a difference”. His firm offers aggressive representation in accident injury claims.
8. Elizabeth “Libby” G. Grimes – Grimes Yeoman, PLLC (Mooresville)
Elizabeth Grimes is a top-rated trial attorney serving the Charlotte area from nearby Mooresville. She focuses on catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, including those from vehicle crashes. Grimes is AV Preeminent® rated and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting her success in high-value cases. Her team handles car and truck accident cases with extensive resources.
9. Sean M. Clayton – Karney Law Firm (Charlotte)
Sean Clayton specializes in motorcycle and auto accident cases. As a native North Carolinian and motorcyclist himself, he co-founded Karney Law in Charlotte to represent injured bikers and drivers. Clayton is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and is known for his dedication to traffic accident victims. His practice handles all injury cases, and he prides himself on “fighting for the rights of everyday people” charlotte car accident attorney
10. Margaret E. Shankle – Shankle Law Firm, P.A.
Margaret Shankle is a board-certified workers’ compensation specialist who also handles personal injury claims including car accidents. Based in Charlotte, she is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and has served as President of the North Carolina Bar Association. Her firm advertises a combined focus on workplace and auto injuries. (Her Super Lawyers profile lists “Personal Injury” among her practice areas.) charlotte car accident attorney
11. William R. (Billy) Elam – Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC
William Elam is a veteran litigator (licensed since 1972) and a leader in medical malpractice law. He co-founded Elam & Rousseaux in Charlotte, and although his main focus is healthcare-related cases, he brings that decades of trial experience to auto accident cases as well. Elam is a certified specialist in medical malpractice and has been named a Best Lawyer; clients benefit from his thorough, trial-tested approach charlotte car accident attorney.
12. Douglas A. Petho – Price, Petho & Associates, PLLC
Doug Petho is a seasoned trial lawyer and founder of Price, Petho & Associates in Charlotte. He began his career as a prosecutor and since 1993 has focused on plaintiff’s personal injury suits. Petho has tried hundreds of accident cases to verdict, including automobile and trucking collisions. He holds an AV Preeminent® rating and is active in the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. His extensive experience means he knows how to take a car accident case through trial charlotte car accident attorney
13. Charles G. Monnett, III – Maginnis Howard, PLLC
Charles Monnett has practiced in Charlotte since 1983 and is renowned for representing clients in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He has achieved landmark verdicts – for example a $13,000,000 jury verdict in a medical malpractice case involving a child. Monnett’s firm handles auto accidents as part of its personal injury practice. He is a Fellow of the NC Advocates for Justice and has lectured nationally on trial advocacy.
14. Thomas L. (“Tommy”) Odom, Jr. – The Odom Firm, PLLC
Tommy Odom is the managing attorney of The Odom Firm in Charlotte, founded by his father. He specializes in eminent domain and land condemnation law but also oversees serious injury cases including car accidents. With over two decades at The Odom Firm, he is known for compassionate service and appellate experience. (The firm advertises it as “NC’s Premier Eminent Domain Law Firm” with an injury practice.) While Odom’s primary focus is property claims, he handles auto injury cases under North Carolina law charlotte car accident attorney
15. Helen S. Baddour – Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC
Helen Baddour is an associate attorney at Brown Moore & Associates in Charlotte. A UNC Chapel Hill and NCCU Law graduate, she is committed to representing “everyday people” against insurance companies. Though relatively early in her career, she has garnered recognition – Super Lawyers Rising Star (2020–2024) and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for 2024. Baddour handles car, motorcycle and workplace injury cases in Charlotte and nearby regions. Her dedication and accolades mark her as a rising star among Charlotte car accident lawyers.
This historic Charlotte law office building is representative of the experienced car accident attorneys available in the city charlotte car accident attorney
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney
Selecting the best Charlotte car accident attorney or law office can make a big difference in your case. Look for:
- Specialized Experience. Choose a lawyer or law office focused on motor vehicle crashes. Search terms like “Charlotte car accident law office” or “personal injury attorney” can help find firms dedicated to accidents. Verify they handle cases similar to yours (e.g. head-on collisions, truck accidents).
- Track Record. Review case results and client testimonials. Top attorneys often highlight their verdicts and settlements (for example, many listed above are Million Dollar Advocates members or Super Lawyers). Don’t hesitate to ask about past car accident cases they’ve won.
- Client Reviews. Check Google and Avvo reviews. Look for comments on communication and results. An attorney praised as “outstanding” by clients is a good sign.
- Local Presence. It’s usually best to hire a Charlotte attorney for a North Carolina accident. Your lawyer should be familiar with local courts (e.g. Mecklenburg County) and NC law. (If you are from another state, you’d seek local counsel there – e.g. a Houston car accident attorney for Texas accidents or an Atlanta car accident attorney for Georgia, since those states have different laws.)
- Fee Structure. Most car accident lawyers work on contingency (no fee unless you win). Confirm their percentage (often ~33%) and what expenses might be deducted. A reputable law office will explain fees up front.
- Responsiveness. Choose a lawyer or law firm that promptly answers your questions. You want someone who is available to guide you, especially early on charlotte car accident attorney.
When you contact a law office about a car accident, they should listen carefully and explain the process. They will handle communication with the police and insurance companies, so you can focus on recovery. A good attorney will also ensure you meet all deadlines (NC’s statute of limitations is 3 years from the crash) and will prepare your case thoroughly if the matter goes to trial.
Steps to Take After a Charlotte Car Accident
If you’re involved in a crash, follow these steps right away:
- Dial 911 and Report the Accident. Call emergency services for help. North Carolina law mandates reporting any accident with injuries, death or over $1,000 in damage. A police report is key evidence.
- Document the Scene. Take photos of vehicle damage and the scene. Exchange information with other drivers and collect contact info from witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Remember NC’s contributory negligence rule – any admission of fault could jeopardize your claim. Stick to the facts when speaking with police or insurance.
- Seek Medical Care. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like whiplash) show up later. Keep all medical records and bills charlotte car accident attorney.
- Contact an Attorney Promptly. Once you’re safe, reach out to a Charlotte car accident attorney. Legal experts advise contacting a lawyer when a negligent driver caused the crash. Your attorney can preserve evidence, handle insurance communications, and fight for full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule affect my case?
A: North Carolina is one of the few states with contributory negligence. This means if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot collect damages. It’s crucial to avoid any admissions of fault and hire a knowledgeable Charlotte car accident attorney who can argue the case properly. For example, even slight fault by you (unrelated to the crash) could bar recovery under NC law.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in NC?
A: In North Carolina you generally have 3 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52(16). If you miss this, you lose the right to sue forever. A Charlotte car accident attorney will make sure your claim is filed on time.
Q: How can I find a top-rated Charlotte car accident attorney?
A: Look for lawyers with proven success in auto cases. Many top Charlotte attorneys are featured on Super Lawyers, Avvo, or legal directories. Read client reviews on Google or their websites. Check if they have multi-million dollar verdicts or memberships in groups like the Million Dollar Advocates. Searching terms like “top rated car accident lawyers Charlotte” can help identify leading attorneys in the area.
Q: I live in Charlotte but my crash was near Atlanta. Who should I hire?
A: If your accident happened in Georgia, you will need an attorney licensed in Georgia (often called an Atlanta car accident attorney). Laws differ by state. A Charlotte attorney typically practices only NC law. For Atlanta-area accidents, seek a Georgia lawyer; similarly, accidents in Texas would call for a Houston car accident attorney. Always choose a lawyer familiar with the state where the crash occurred.
Q: When should I contact an attorney after a crash?
A: As soon as possible. Ideally, contact a Charlotte car accident attorney right after emergency care. Early involvement helps preserve evidence (police report details, witness statements, video). Insurance companies move fast; having an attorney on your side early can prevent lowball settlement offers and protect your rights.
Q: How do car accident attorneys charge for their services?
A: Most work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront – the attorney’s fee is taken as a percentage of the settlement or verdict (commonly around 33%). If you don’t recover money, you usually owe nothing. Always discuss fees and costs with your attorney before signing.
Q: What should I look for in a car accident law office?
A: A good car accident law office will specialize in auto injury cases. Look for firms that advertise auto accidents among their practice areas. Check for phrases like “law office car accident” on their site – this indicates a dedicated focus. Also, ensure the attorneys have strong credentials (trial experience, peer reviews) and a responsive staff. Many top Charlotte firms offer free consultations and contingency arrangements.
Q: Can a Charlotte car accident attorney help if I was injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver?
A: Yes. Charlotte attorneys can help you file claims with your own insurance company (under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). They can also sue any responsible third parties. An attorney will maximize recovery from all available sources, including your medical payments (MedPay) or health insurance if needed.
Share your thoughts or experiences with car accidents in Charlotte below, and don’t forget to share this guide if it was helpful. Our goal is to connect accident victims with the best Charlotte car accident attorneys, help answer your questions, and keep you informed. Good luck, and drive safely!
Sources: Official NC crash statistics; North Carolina accident reporting law; NC contributory negligence rule; various attorney profiles and firm sites.
