What to Do After a Car Accident in North Carolina
Getting into a car accident is overwhelming, but the actions you take in the first hours and days afterward can make or break your injury claim. Learn...
Read MoreFor over 31 years, Dr. Ted Injury Law has been the trusted advocate for accident victims and their families. We fight aggressively to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Since 1995, Dr. Ted Injury Law has been dedicated to protecting the rights of injured individuals and their families. Our team of experienced trial attorneys combines compassion with aggressive legal representation to deliver outstanding results for our clients.
We handle every case personally, treating each client like family. When you choose our firm, you get a team of dedicated professionals fighting to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
About Our Firm Meet Our TeamOur attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
Our client was driving home from work on Interstate 85 near Charlotte when an 18-wheeler whose driver had exceeded federal hours-of-service limits ran a red light at a highway interchange, causing a devastating multi-vehicle collision. Our client suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and required months of intensive rehabilitation. Through exhaustive investigation, we uncovered falsified driver logs and a pattern of safety violations by the trucking company. After a two-week trial, the jury returned a verdict of $12.5 million, one of the largest trucking accident verdicts in North Carolina history.
A 42-year-old mother of three went to a Charlotte-area hospital for a routine gallbladder removal. Due to the surgeon's negligence, her bile duct was severed during the procedure, leading to a life-threatening infection, multiple corrective surgeries, and permanent digestive complications. Our team retained leading surgical experts who testified that the surgeon deviated from the standard of care. The case was resolved through mediation for $9.2 million, providing our client with the resources to cover her ongoing medical needs and compensate her family for the profound impact on their lives.
A commercial truck driver lost control of his vehicle on a steep descent near Asheville when the truck's brakes failed due to inadequate maintenance. The truck struck our client's vehicle head-on, killing the 38-year-old father of two. Our investigation revealed that the trucking company had repeatedly deferred required brake inspections and that the driver had reported brake issues weeks before the accident. We settled with the trucking company and the maintenance provider for a combined $8.7 million for the surviving family.
A construction worker at a high-rise project in downtown Charlotte fell 40 feet when his safety harness, manufactured by a major equipment company, failed due to a defective buckle mechanism. He suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis from the waist down. We pursued claims against both the equipment manufacturer and the general contractor, ultimately recovering $7.8 million through settlement. The case led to a voluntary recall of the defective harness model.
Our client underwent spinal fusion surgery at a Raleigh-area surgical center. During the procedure, the surgeon placed a pedicle screw incorrectly, damaging the spinal cord and leaving our client with permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and limited mobility. Expert testimony established that the surgeon failed to use intraoperative imaging that would have prevented the error. The jury awarded $6.8 million, including $2 million in punitive damages based on evidence that the surgeon had previously committed similar errors.
An 81-year-old resident of a Greensboro nursing home died after developing severe pressure ulcers that became infected due to chronic understaffing and neglect. Our investigation uncovered that the facility had been cited multiple times by state regulators for inadequate staffing levels and failure to provide basic care. Internal documents revealed that corporate owners had deliberately cut staffing to increase profits. The case settled for $5.7 million, and the facility was subsequently placed under enhanced regulatory oversight.
We measure our success by the satisfaction of our clients.
“After my car accident on I-77, I was overwhelmed with medical bills and unable to work. Dr. Ted Smith and his team took my case and handled everything from dealing with the insurance company to coordinating with my doctors. They kept me informed every step of the way and ultimately secured a settlement that was far more than I ever expected. I cannot thank them enough for giving me my life back.”
“When my mother was neglected at her nursing home and passed away, our family was devastated and angry. Sarah Mitchell was compassionate, thorough, and relentless in pursuing justice for our family. She uncovered evidence of systematic neglect that we never would have found on our own. The settlement helped us find peace and know that changes would be made to protect other residents.”
“I was hit by an 18-wheeler on I-85 and nearly lost my life. James Rodriguez and the team at Dr. Ted Injury Law fought for me like I was family. James personally visited me in the hospital, explained everything in terms I could understand, and never gave up. The trucking company tried to blame me, but James proved they were at fault. My verdict was life-changing.”
With 10 offices across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, we are conveniently located to serve you.
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Getting into a car accident is overwhelming, but the actions you take in the first hours and days afterward can make or break your injury claim. Learn...
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Read MoreAt Dr. Ted Injury Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
The statute of limitations varies by state. In North Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). In South Carolina, the deadline is also 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). In Georgia, you typically have 2 years from the date of injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, so it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries have delayed symptoms. Call 911 to report the accident and obtain a police report. Document everything by taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether a fair settlement can be reached. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes over liability can take one to three years or longer. Our attorneys work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.
You may be entitled to recover economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Georgia and South Carolina allow punitive damages under specific circumstances, while North Carolina caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000 (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1D-25).
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. Studies consistently show that claimants represented by attorneys recover substantially more than those who handle claims on their own, even after accounting for legal fees.