Cases We Handle:
Car Accidents

What should I do if my family or I have been hurt in an auto wreck?

After a car accident, your family’s health and safety are the top priorities. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible, or at the first sign of changes or pain escalation.

If you are able to do so, make sure to report the accident to the police at the scene of the collision. The investigating officer can help gather the evidence necessary to prove the other driver is at fault. If you can, document everything with pictures and videos of the accident, injuries, damage to the car, debris, skid marks, road signage or lights, and anything else that may be relevant to the accident. Exchange contact information with everyone else involved, as well as potential witnesses.

Next, call your insurance company to report the collision, but before providing a statement, speak to an attorney to protect your rights and your family’s rights. Adjusters may seek information and ask questions that could weaken your claim. Even innocent comments can be used against you.

Under no circumstances should you speak to the at fault driver’s insurance company. Their insurance company is likely calling to try to gather evidence to prove you are at fault or are not injured because of their driver’s negligence.

How do I know if I have a car accident lawsuit case?

If you were injured in a car accident and someone else may have been at fault — even partially — you may have a valid claim. An experienced attorney can look at the facts, explain your rights, and help you understand what to expect moving forward.

Your lawyer can assist you in gathering evidence, communicating with investigators, and locating independent witnesses to provide a complete picture of the incident. They can also obtain official police reports and explain how the officer reached their conclusions regarding who was responsible for the accident.

How long after the incident do I have to file a car accident claim?

In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the deadline may shift depending on the injuries or the age of the victim. For example, if the accident results in a death, there is only a two-year period to file a lawsuit.

What compensation can I recover after a car wreck?

Those injured in car accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be easily calculated – such as your past medical bills or future anticipated medical costs. Non-economic damages are those that are less easily calculable, such as pain, suffering, disfigurement, or loss of your quality of life. In fact, there is no formula for calculating non-economic damages, which is why it is important to hire a lawyer experienced in car accident claims and dealing with non-economic damages. Typically, compensation for a car accident victim includes:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (Read more: What happens if I cannot work because of my injury?)
• Pain and suffering (Read more: What are Pain and Suffering Damages?)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Costs for long-term care, rehabilitation, or home modifications
• Wrongful death, in some cases (Read more: Wrongful Death: A Guide for Survivors)
• Punitive damages, in some cases

Every case is unique, but the goal is always the same — to help you and your family recover.

What if my child has been injured in a car accident?

As a parent or guardian, it can be particularly overwhelming when a child is involved in a car accident. Hiring an attorney to champion for you and your child’s rights will make navigating the aftermath of an accident less chaotic and give you more time to care for your injured child or grieve after a tragedy.

Child injury claims have different considerations than other types of lawsuits, making it even more vital to hire the right attorney. For example, settlements for injuries to children under the age of eighteen require approval by a court. Read more: Car Accidents Involving Children: What You Should Know If Your Child Was in an Accident in North Carolina.

What if the accident was partly my fault?

There may still be options available for pursuing a claim. However, North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule is often a difficult obstacle; if you are found even one percent at fault, the insurance company might try to completely deny your claim. This is why consulting a qualified attorney is important—they can help determine your eligibility and explore your case thoroughly. An experienced lawyer may uncover that the other driver had the last clear chance to prevent the accident, which could allow you to recover damages despite the challenges.

What is North Carolina’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirement?

On July 1, 2025, North Carolina raised its minimum auto insurance requirement. Now, North Carolinians are required to carry bodily injury coverage of at least $50,000.00 per person, $100,000 per collision, and $50,000.00 in property damage coverage.

North Carolina law continues to require every motorist to carry Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist coverage on every auto policy. The minimum UM limits now match the new liability limits: $50,000.00 per person, $100,000.00 per collision, and $50,000.00 property damage.

Put simply, if you're injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, you can receive at least $50,000.00 from the other driver's insurance and another $50,000.00 from your own insurance for bodily injury. Of course, many drivers carry more than the state-mandated minimum insurance requirements. In those instances, you may have the ability to recover more for your injuries. Read more: North Carolina Auto Insurance Law Updates Effective July 1, 2025: What Every Driver Must Know.

What is GAP Insurance?

GAP stands for Guaranteed Asset Protection. It’s an optional coverage that helps bridge the “gap” between what your car is worth and what you still owe on your auto loan or lease if your vehicle is totaled in a collision.

For example: You buy a car for $30,000 and after a year, it's worth $22,000. You still owe $27,000 on your loan. If it's totaled, standard insurance pays $22,000, leaving you with a $5,000 gap to pay. GAP insurance covers that $5,000, so you don't have to pay for a car you lost.

Please remember that GAP insurance is not required by North Carolina law, but lenders may offer or require it for certain loans.

What is a contingency lawyer?

Langino Law PLLC will handle your lawsuit on a contingency basis.

Contingency lawyers are paid only if they successfully recover money for their client. Unlike hourly attorneys, contingency lawyers do not charge upfront fees. Instead, they advance their time, labor, and often significant case expenses, such as expert witnesses, depositions, and court costs. If the case resolves through settlement or trial, the lawyer receives a percentage of the recovery.

If no recovery is made, contingency lawyers do not charge any fee or seek reimbursement for their time; a key point in Langino Law PLLC’s written contingency fee agreement. This structure allows injured people to pursue justice without the financial risk of paying legal fees out of pocket, while aligning the lawyer’s compensation directly with the client’s success.

Read more: How Are Contingency Lawyers Paid?

What should I do if I think I have a car collision case?

Reach out to an experienced car accident attorney who can understand your unique situation, review what happened, and explain your legal options. At Langino Law PLLC, when we talk, there’s no pressure — just an honest, compassionate conversation about your case and what we can do to move forward together. Our goal is to help you find clarity, confidence, and the support you deserve during what can be one of the most difficult times of your life.