1. Roane Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, workers’ compensation, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury litigation
Case Types Handled: Head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, T-bone accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, scarring and disfigurement cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation and trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, appellate litigation (NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court)
Background: James M. Roane III founded the firm after experiencing a serious car accident in 1995 that inspired him to attend law school. He earned his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1999 and has been practicing exclusively for plaintiffs since graduation. NC State Bar #26649. Roane holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0 Avvo rating, and was named “Most Outstanding Advocate” by the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was voted a “Legal Elite” attorney in NC under age 40 by Business NC Magazine and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Roane Law is the only firm in North Carolina to win a verdict in every county in the Piedmont region, with victories extending to the NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Notable recovery: $3.8 million settlement for a catastrophic car accident involving a drunk driver.
Location: 107 Lindley Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
Contact: (336) 617-6125 | https://www.roane-law.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery is obtained), virtual consultations available
2. Daggett Shuler, Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, commercial trucking accidents, bus accidents, construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical bill resolution, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, property damage claims, workers’ compensation benefits, disability benefits assistance
Background: Founded in 2009 by David D. Daggett and Griffis C. (Griff) Shuler. The firm has over 200 years of combined attorney experience and has won millions for clients annually. David Daggett is a past President of the Forsyth County Bar Association and served on the Board of Governors of the North Carolina Bar Association. Griff Shuler is a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the NC State Bar. Multiple attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm employs former insurance adjusters on staff. BBB accredited with an A+ rating. Co-founder of Safe Sober Prom Night, a program reaching over 600,000 students since 1991.
Location: 3859 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410 (Winston-Salem main office: 2140 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104)
Contact: (336) 288-2234 (Greensboro) | (336) 724-1234 (main) | https://daggettshulerlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee (no recovery, no fee), available 24/7, home and hospital visits available
3. Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, nursing home negligence, child care negligence, defective medical devices, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving crashes, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, VA disability benefits, Social Security appeals
Background: Founded in 1986, Hardison & Cochran has grown from one office in Dunn, NC to seven offices across the state. Benjamin T. Cochran serves as managing partner and is a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the NC State Bar. The firm employs four North Carolina Board-Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law. Named to “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report and recognized by Best Lawyers in America. The firm has represented thousands of clients over 40 years of practice. Several attorneys have experience formerly defending insurance companies before transitioning to plaintiff representation. Notable verdicts: $6.75 million (personal injury), $3.5 million (workplace injury), $1.5 million (workplace injury).
Location: 1209 Magnolia Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Contact: (336) 777-7777 | https://www.lawyernc.com/greensboro-nc/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7, contingency fee arrangement, firm representatives can travel to client’s home or hospital
4. CR Legal Team (formerly Crumley Roberts)
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, wrongful death, defective products, nursing home abuse
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, intersection accidents, T-bone collisions, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, complex litigation, class actions
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical bill assistance, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, property damage claims, wrongful death claims, mass tort litigation, class action lawsuits
Background: Founded in 1989 as Crumley Roberts, now operating as CR Legal Team with headquarters in Greensboro and 10 office locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. NC State Bar Firm License #20097. The firm has multiple Super Lawyers honorees including Karonnie R. Truzy and Timothy Sheriff named as Rising Stars. Attorneys include W. Todd Harvey (Class Action/Mass Torts), Martin A. Ramey (Personal Injury), and D. Hardison Wood (Personal Injury, Products Liability). The firm operates the Roberts Center for community outreach including scholarship programs and the “Little Red Jumpsuit Tour.” BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Location: 2400 Freeman Mill Road, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27406
Contact: (336) 728-6219 | https://www.crlegalteam.com/greensboro/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee (no fee unless compensation is recovered), 24/7 availability, home and hospital visits offered
5. Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bite injuries, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, traumatic brain injuries, general personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, head-on accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial truck accidents, drunk driving collisions, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist claims, property damage claims
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical bill management, lost wage documentation, pain and suffering claims, property damage recovery, wrongful death claims, insurance dispute resolution
Background: Established firm at 317 S. Greene Street in downtown Greensboro with over 60 years of combined legal experience. The firm is led by former Guilford County Assistant District Attorneys who bring substantial trial experience at both District and Superior Court levels. Three partners have served as President of the Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Personal injury attorneys include S. Brian Walker (Personal Injury, Business Litigation, Civil Litigation) and Philip Olivier (Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation). Multiple attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers lists. The firm is a member of the Greensboro Bar Association and North Carolina Bar Association.
Location: 317 S. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Contact: (336) 379-0539 | https://www.garrettandwalker.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement, offices directly across from Carolina Theater in downtown Greensboro
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in North Carolina
Statute of Limitations:
Personal injury claims arising from car accidents must be filed within three years from the date of the accident under North Carolina General Statutes Section 1-52. Property damage claims also have a three-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities require filing a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the accident under the State Tort Claims Act.
Fault System:
North Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state for car accidents. The driver who causes the accident is legally and financially responsible for resulting damages. Injured parties file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or pursue civil litigation.
Contributory Negligence:
North Carolina follows the pure contributory negligence doctrine, one of the harshest negligence standards in the nation. Under this rule, if an injured party is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Only four other jurisdictions (Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia) follow this rule. Insurance adjusters frequently invoke contributory negligence to deny or minimize claims.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements (Effective July 1, 2025):
North Carolina increased minimum liability coverage requirements: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25). Prior minimums were 30/60/25. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is mandatory at the same minimum limits as liability coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
UM/UIM coverage is required by law in North Carolina. The minimum limits must match liability coverage limits (50/100/25 as of July 2025). This coverage protects insured motorists when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Damage Caps:
North Carolina does not cap economic or non-economic damages in car accident cases. Punitive damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater. The punitive damage cap does not apply to alcohol-related accidents. Medical malpractice cases have separate caps on non-economic damages ($656,730 as of January 2023, adjusted every three years for inflation).
Dram Shop Liability:
North Carolina recognizes limited dram shop liability under N.C.G.S. Section 18B-121. An establishment may be liable for injuries caused by an intoxicated patron if it sold alcohol to someone who was already visibly intoxicated or to a person under 21 years of age.
Accident Reporting Requirements:
Under N.C.G.S. Section 20-166.1, drivers must immediately report “reportable accidents” to law enforcement. A reportable accident involves death, injury, or property damage of any amount to a vehicle seized from someone charged with impaired driving. Reports must be made to the police department if within city limits or to the sheriff or State Highway Patrol if outside city limits.
Vicarious Liability:
Vehicle owners may be held vicariously liable for accidents caused by permissive users of their vehicles under certain circumstances. Parents may be liable for accidents caused by minor children operating family vehicles.
Dog Owner Strict Liability:
Under N.C.G.S. Section 67-4.4, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the animal had prior aggressive behavior or the owner had knowledge of dangerousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule affect my car accident claim?
A: North Carolina follows the pure contributory negligence doctrine, which means if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. This is one of the strictest negligence standards in the country, used by only four other jurisdictions. Insurance companies in North Carolina frequently invoke this rule to deny claims. For example, if another driver ran a red light and hit you, but evidence suggests you were driving slightly over the speed limit, the insurance company may argue you contributed to the accident. Because of this harsh rule, it is important to avoid admitting any fault at the accident scene, work with an attorney to gather evidence establishing the other driver’s complete liability, and be prepared for aggressive defense tactics from insurance adjusters.
Q: What are the deadlines for filing a car accident lawsuit in North Carolina?
A: For personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under N.C.G.S. Section 1-52. Property damage claims also have a three-year deadline. If the accident resulted in death, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death, not the date of the accident. Special rules apply to claims against government entities: you must file a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the accident. For minors injured in accidents, the statute of limitations is typically “tolled” (paused) until they turn 18, giving them until their 21st birthday to file. While three years may seem like ample time, evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies gain leverage as deadlines approach.
Q: What minimum insurance coverage do North Carolina drivers need after the July 2025 changes?
A: As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits increased from the previous 30/60/25 requirements. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is mandatory and must be carried at the same minimum limits as liability coverage. These minimum amounts may not adequately cover serious accident injuries, which is why many attorneys recommend carrying higher coverage limits. The new requirements apply only to policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2025.
Q: Can I recover compensation if I was hit by an uninsured driver in Greensboro?
A: Yes, North Carolina requires all drivers to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim against your own UM coverage. If the at-fault driver has some insurance but it is insufficient to cover your damages, your UIM coverage can make up the difference. As of July 2025, minimum UM/UIM limits are 50/100/25. Recent legislative changes under Senate Bill 452 (2023) and Senate Bill 319 (2024) have also modified the service requirements for UM/UIM carriers, making it easier to pursue these claims even if service occurs after the statute of limitations expires, provided the lawsuit was timely filed.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a Greensboro car accident case?
A: In North Carolina car accident cases, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. North Carolina does not cap economic or non-economic damages in car accident cases. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct (such as drunk driving), though they are capped at $250,000 or three times compensatory damages, whichever is greater. The cap on punitive damages does not apply to alcohol-related accidents.