When Your Back Is Against The Wall
Wilmington NC Car Accident Lawyers
Whether you’re commuting on Oleander Drive, navigating College Road, or heading home from the beach, a crash in Wilmington can hit like suckerpunch—sudden, painful, and hard to recover from. Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional strain, the aftermath can leave you reeling. That is where Lanier Law Group steps in.
If someone else’s negligence put you on the mat, you have the right to fight back. Our legal team is ready to investigate the crash, go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies, and help you recover—financially, physically, and emotionally.
Powerful Legal Help for Victims Along North Carolina’s Coast
Lanier Law Group has been representing injury victims throughout North Carolina since 1997—including individuals and families injured in Wilmington and across coastal communities. With decades of experience, a statewide network of attorneys, and a reputation for aggressive litigation, we’re prepared to handle complex claims from day one.
A Trial-Ready Approach Backed by Resources
We approach every car accident case as if it may go to trial. This strategy gives us leverage during negotiations and ensures we’re prepared for every scenario. From gathering evidence to consulting with accident reconstruction and medical experts, we treat your claim with the seriousness it deserves.
Clients in Wilmington benefit not only from our local knowledge, but from the resources of a firm that handles cases across North Carolina. We know the roads, the regional courts, and the tactics insurance companies use to limit your recovery—and we have the tools to fight back.
Legal Support That’s Accessible and Results-Driven
We understand how stressful it is to be injured, out of work, and dealing with calls from adjusters. That’s why we offer:
- 24/7 client support
- Contingency fee representation—no upfront fees, and no payment unless we win
- Full-service case management, from intake to resolution
At Lanier Law Group, we don’t just file claims. We provide a strategic legal plan, personalized guidance, and powerful advocacy to help injured victims get their lives back on track.
Why Accidents Are Rising in New Hanover County
New Hanover County has seen significant population growth and tourism expansion over the last decade. Wilmington’s mix of coastal highways, growing suburbs, and seasonal traffic has created a perfect storm for car accidents in the area.
Tourism and Local Growth Converge on Wilmington Roads
As more visitors flock to Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and downtown Wilmington, local roads experience higher congestion—especially during weekends and holidays. Drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns may make sudden stops, wrong turns, or risky maneuvers that increase the likelihood of a crash.
At the same time, new developments in Leland, Monkey Junction, and northern New Hanover County bring more residents and commuters to the roads each year. More vehicles mean more opportunities for accidents—especially in areas not designed to handle such volume.
Coastal Highways and Speed-Related Risks
High-speed routes like U.S. 17, U.S. 74, and I-140 connect Wilmington to surrounding communities and beach towns. While these roads are essential for travel and commerce, they also see some of the region’s most dangerous collisions. Speeding, aggressive lane changes, and sudden slowdowns are all common on these highways—and when crashes occur, the consequences are often severe.
Rural stretches of highway can be especially dangerous at night or in poor weather conditions, where limited lighting and wildlife increase the risk of single-vehicle accidents or head-on collisions.
Construction and Infrastructure Challenges
As Wilmington continues to grow, infrastructure improvements haven’t always kept up. Road construction, traffic pattern shifts, and insufficient signage contribute to confusion and crash risk. Drivers navigating detours near Military Cutoff Road, Market Street, or Eastwood Road are more likely to encounter sudden hazards—especially when speed or distraction is involved.
Request a free consultation today. Call (910) 613-6983 or submit an online contact form.
When a Beach Weekend Turns Into a Crash Scene
Wilmington’s proximity to popular beach destinations like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach makes it a summer hotspot. While tourism supports the local economy, it also increases traffic volume and accident rates—particularly during holidays, weekends, and warm-weather months.
Out-of-Town Drivers and Increased Collision Risk
Visitors often rent vehicles, rely on GPS directions, and navigate roads they’ve never driven before. This unfamiliarity leads to last-minute turns, abrupt braking, missed signage, or unsafe lane changes. In many cases, tourists are driving more slowly or cautiously—frustrating local drivers and increasing the likelihood of rear-end or sideswipe collisions.
At the same time, many beachgoers may be driving after long hours on the road, making fatigue a factor in some accidents. Others may be operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol after a day of leisure—raising the risk of serious, preventable crashes.
Unique Legal Challenges for Tourist-Involved Accidents
When the at-fault driver lives out of state or is driving a rental vehicle, your case may involve additional insurance policies and liability questions. Lanier Law Group understands how to navigate these complexities, including:
- Rental car insurance disputes
- Out-of-state insurance coverage coordination
- Accident claims involving out-of-area medical care or delayed treatment
We act quickly to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties, and ensure the proper insurance policies are held accountable.
How We Support Local Residents and Seasonal Visitors Alike
Whether you live in Wilmington or were visiting for the weekend, we’re here to help. Our attorneys assist both residents and tourists in recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages after a crash.
At Lanier Law Group, our coastal legal team understands the seasonal traffic challenges, tourism patterns, and local road hazards that lead to many of these accidents. We use that insight to build stronger cases and fight for better outcomes.
Crash Hotspots in Wilmington You Should Know About
While car accidents can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections in Wilmington see significantly higher crash rates than others. Whether due to heavy traffic, poor design, or visibility issues, these hotspots are frequent sites of collisions—and often the starting point for serious injury claims.
Market Street (U.S. 17 Business)
Market Street is one of Wilmington’s busiest thoroughfares and a leading location for car accidents. With a constant flow of commuters, tourists, and commercial traffic, it’s not uncommon to see rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and intersection crashes along this corridor. Left-turn lanes, frequent traffic lights, and multiple driveways all contribute to the area’s high crash frequency.
Eastwood Road and Military Cutoff
The intersection of Eastwood Road and Military Cutoff Road is another well-known trouble spot, particularly during peak travel hours. Drivers navigating between shopping centers, beaches, and residential areas often make last-minute turns or lane changes—resulting in dangerous conditions. Heavy congestion and seasonal traffic surges only add to the risk.
UNCW Campus and College Road (NC-132)
Traffic near the University of North Carolina Wilmington sees a high volume of student drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The intersections around Randall Parkway, Hurst Drive, and College Road are especially risky. With multiple traffic signals, unpredictable turns, and inexperience behind the wheel, crashes near UNCW are common during the academic year.
South 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard
This busy intersection, located near medical centers and retail outlets, has been identified by local safety agencies as one of the most dangerous in the region. The combination of turning traffic, pedestrian activity, and high-speed travel makes it a top location for collisions.
At Lanier Law Group, we use our knowledge of Wilmington’s roadways to better investigate crashes, locate supporting evidence, and understand how a specific location may have contributed to the collision.
How to Respond After a Car Accident in Wilmington
If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Wilmington, you’re likely dealing with pain, confusion, and financial stress. What you do in the hours and days that follow can have a major impact on your physical recovery and legal claim. Here’s what to focus on after a crash.
Call Law Enforcement
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to report it. A police officer will create an official crash report that includes the names of involved parties, statements from drivers and witnesses, and an initial assessment of fault. This report will serve as key evidence in your claim.
Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signals, skid marks, and weather conditions. Try to capture the overall scene from multiple angles. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information.
Don’t move your vehicle unless it’s necessary for safety or at the direction of law enforcement.
Be Careful What You Say
Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Even a casual apology can be used later to imply that you were partially to blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver or police, and avoid speculation.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Some injuries—like soft tissue damage or concussions—don’t show symptoms right away. Getting evaluated as soon as possible ensures you receive proper care and creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. If you wait too long, the insurance company may question whether your injuries were related.
Contact an Attorney Early
Before giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, speak with an attorney. At Lanier Law Group, we protect your rights, handle the insurance process, and begin building your case while you focus on recovery.
Emergency Care and Follow-Up Treatment in Wilmington
Getting prompt medical care is one of the most important steps you can take after a crash. Not only does early treatment improve your physical outcome, but it also establishes the documentation needed to support your injury claim.
Local Medical Providers in Wilmington
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center: As the region’s largest hospital, NHRMC offers emergency services, surgery, trauma care, and rehabilitation. If you were transported from the crash scene, your records will likely begin here.
- Medac Urgent Care and FastMed: These urgent care clinics are good options for less critical injuries, offering X-rays, prescriptions, and referrals for specialist follow-up.
- Specialty Providers and Therapists: Orthopedic doctors, neurologists, and physical therapists throughout Wilmington provide ongoing care for issues like broken bones, back injuries, and nerve pain.
Our legal team helps clients organize their records, track appointments, and ensure nothing is missed when it comes time to present medical evidence.
Why Documentation Is Crucial
Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment, missed appointments, or incomplete records to dispute the seriousness of your injuries. We help ensure your medical care is consistently documented and clearly linked to the accident, which strengthens your claim and reduces the chance of delay or denial.
From Minor Injuries to Major Trauma—Every Case Matters
Even a so-called “minor” crash can result in serious injuries. At Lanier Law Group, we represent clients who suffer everything from whiplash and concussions to long-term disability. No matter the severity, we treat each case with the attention and care it deserves—because every injury affects someone’s life in real ways.
Common Crash Injuries in Wilmington
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Rear-end collisions often cause neck and back strain that can persist for months.
- Concussions and TBIs: Brain injuries may result from impact with a steering wheel, airbag deployment, or violent movement during the crash. Symptoms may include dizziness, memory issues, and emotional changes.
- Spinal and back injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and spinal cord trauma can result in mobility limitations, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Broken arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common in higher-speed crashes and may require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are often overlooked but very real consequences of a traumatic crash.
Our firm works with local medical providers to gather the evidence needed to prove the full scope of your injuries. Whether your condition resolves quickly or requires long-term care, we fight for compensation that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.
Understanding Liability in Multi-Vehicle Coastal Crashes
Wilmington’s coastal highways and busy weekend corridors are frequent settings for multi-vehicle crashes. These chain-reaction accidents are especially common during tourist season, when traffic volume surges and unfamiliar drivers are navigating local roads. Determining liability in these crashes is complex and requires a detailed investigation.
What Makes These Crashes Different
Unlike two-car accidents, multi-vehicle collisions often involve:
- Conflicting accounts of what happened
- Multiple insurance policies
- Varying degrees of fault assigned to different drivers
- Injuries caused by a combination of impacts
It’s not always clear which driver set the crash in motion—or whether poor road conditions or a third party played a role. These cases demand quick action to preserve evidence and establish fault.
How Lanier Law Group Investigates
We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle damage, crash sequence, and physical evidence like skid marks or vehicle positions. In multi-car collisions, we often rely on:
- Dashcam footage from multiple vehicles
- Black box data from involved cars
- Witness statements
- Police reports that document the scene and identify initial points of impact
Our goal is to determine exactly how the crash unfolded—and to protect our client from unjust blame under North Carolina’s strict negligence rules.
When the Driver Who Hit You Is From Out of State
Wilmington attracts thousands of out-of-state visitors every year. Unfortunately, many of them are involved in car accidents—whether due to unfamiliar roads, fatigue, or distracted driving. If you were hit by someone from another state, your case may involve additional complications.
Legal and Insurance Complexities
When the at-fault driver is from another state—or is operating a rental vehicle—the insurance process can become more difficult. Their insurer may not be licensed in North Carolina, or their policy may not meet state minimum coverage requirements. Rental car companies often carry separate liability coverage, and determining who is responsible for paying your damages requires a careful review of all policies involved.
How We Handle Out-of-State Cases
Lanier Law Group has extensive experience managing multi-jurisdictional claims. We handle communication with all involved insurance companies, coordinate with out-of-state adjusters, and ensure your case is governed by North Carolina law—not the laws of the driver’s home state.
We also know how to file claims involving rental cars, leased vehicles, and temporary drivers who leave town soon after the crash. We act quickly to preserve contact information, request documentation, and prevent key evidence from disappearing.
Why North Carolina’s Negligence Law Can Work Against You
North Carolina follows one of the strictest negligence standards in the country—contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering compensation.
How Small Mistakes Become Big Problems
Insurance companies know how to use this law to their advantage. If they can argue that you contributed to the crash in any way—by not signaling, braking late, or simply being inattentive—they may attempt to deny your entire claim.
This is especially problematic in multi-vehicle crashes or accidents involving confusing road layouts, where it’s easier to shift partial blame. That’s why it’s critical to have legal representation from the start.
How Our Team Protects You
At Lanier Law Group, we build every case with this risk in mind. We gather compelling evidence, anticipate the arguments insurers will raise, and work to show that the other party was fully responsible for the collision. In Wilmington, where tourist traffic and complicated intersections are common, a strong legal strategy is essential to avoiding a denial based on contributory negligence.
Who Else Could Be Liable for Your Wilmington Crash?
While most car accident claims focus on the driver who caused the collision, other parties may also share responsibility. Identifying all liable parties can increase the potential compensation available and improve your chances of a successful claim.
Employers and Commercial Vehicles
If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash—such as driving a delivery van, contractor vehicle, or company car—their employer may be liable. Businesses have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, maintain safe vehicles, and follow traffic laws.
We investigate employment status, driver history, and vehicle maintenance logs to determine if corporate negligence played a role.
Bars and Restaurants That Overserve
North Carolina’s dram shop laws allow victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments liable when they serve visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause a crash. These cases often require receipts, witness testimony, or surveillance footage to prove that the business acted negligently.
Negligent Vehicle Maintenance
If a mechanical failure—like brake malfunction or tire blowout—contributed to the crash, a mechanic, dealership, or parts manufacturer may be responsible. We pursue product liability or negligent maintenance claims when appropriate.
Government Liability for Unsafe Roads
Poorly designed intersections, malfunctioning traffic lights, missing signage, and unsafe construction zones can all contribute to accidents. In such cases, a city or state agency may share fault. Claims against government entities require careful adherence to deadlines and filing procedures, and we handle that process for you.
What the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know
After a crash, insurance companies are quick to make contact—but not because they want to help. Their goal is to minimize payouts and close the claim as quickly (and cheaply) as possible. In coastal areas like Wilmington, where many accidents involve out-of-town drivers or complex traffic conditions, insurers are especially aggressive in limiting liability.
The Tactics We See Most
- Lowball settlement offers: Quick offers rarely reflect the true cost of your injuries, future care, or lost wages.
- Pushing for statements: Adjusters may pressure you into a recorded interview to use your words against you.
- Disputing treatment: They may challenge the necessity or timing of your medical care to reduce what they owe.
- Blame-shifting: Even minor driving errors may be used to argue contributory negligence and deny your claim entirely.
How Lanier Law Group Levels the Playing Field
We deal with insurers so you don’t have to. Our team manages all communications, collects supporting evidence, and presents a detailed, documented case that reflects the full impact of your injuries. We understand how coastal traffic patterns and tourism issues affect claims—and we know how to counter the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts.
Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial, our goal is always the same: protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What You Can Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit
After a car accident, the costs can feel overwhelming—medical bills pile up, income disappears, and the physical and emotional toll starts to affect every part of your life. North Carolina law allows crash victims to pursue financial compensation for these losses. At Lanier Law Group, we work to ensure that every category of damage is identified, documented, and pursued in full.
Medical Bills and Future Care
You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the crash, including:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
- Surgeries and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy and pain management
- Prescription medications and mobility aids
If your injuries require long-term care, we’ll work with medical experts to estimate future costs and include those projections in your claim.
Lost Income and Earning Potential
If you missed work after the crash—or if your injuries limit your future earning ability—you can seek compensation for:
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost benefits or bonuses
- Loss of earning capacity, if you can’t return to your previous job
We document your employment history, gather statements from your doctors, and—if needed—bring in vocational experts to help calculate your losses.
Property Damage
Your car and any other personal property damaged in the crash—like a laptop, phone, or child safety seat—can be included in your claim. We help clients recover fair compensation for repair or replacement costs.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. Car accidents can cause ongoing physical pain, emotional trauma, and life disruption. These non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep disturbances or chronic fatigue
- Scarring or disfigurement
We use your medical records, personal statements, and expert evaluations to demonstrate the impact these losses have had on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In rare but serious cases—such as crashes involving drunk driving or reckless behavior—courts may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future. We evaluate each case to determine if punitive damages may apply.
Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Wilmington
Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. At Lanier Law Group, we help families in Wilmington and throughout New Hanover County pursue wrongful death claims when a fatal crash is caused by someone else’s negligence.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under North Carolina law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This is typically a spouse, parent, or adult child, but the court may appoint someone if necessary. The claim is filed on behalf of surviving family members, who may be entitled to compensation.
What Damages Are Available?
A wrongful death lawsuit may include:
- Medical expenses from the final injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and services
- Emotional suffering experienced by surviving loved ones
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death
Our attorneys handle these cases with compassion, efficiency, and deep respect for what your family is going through. We manage the legal process so you can focus on healing.
Why Experience Matters in Wilmington Car Accident Cases
Wilmington’s traffic conditions, court systems, and insurance dynamics are different from those in other parts of the state. Whether your crash happened near Wrightsville Beach, on College Road, or along a rural stretch of U.S. 74, local insight can make a major difference in your case.
Understanding the Roads and Risk Factors
We know which intersections see the most crashes, how beach traffic affects weekend driving, and how out-of-town drivers often contribute to collisions. This insight helps us anticipate defense strategies and gather the right evidence quickly.
Navigating Local Courts and Insurers
Our attorneys are familiar with the courts and judges in New Hanover County. We understand how local procedures work and what documentation insurers expect in this region. That experience helps us move claims forward efficiently—and hold insurers accountable when they stall or underpay.
Protecting You From Common Pitfalls
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule makes legal representation even more critical. We build strong, detailed cases that avoid mistakes, anticipate blame-shifting, and position our clients for full compensation.
Get a Free Case Review With a Wilmington Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you live in Wilmington full time or were just passing through when the crash hit, Lanier Law Group is ready to step into the ring for you. We offer free case reviews to help you weigh your options and take the first swing toward recovery.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly rates
- No legal fees unless we win compensation for you
Our attorneys are in your corner 24/7—ready to field your questions, gather critical evidence, and build a strategy designed to go the distance. You should not have to spar with the insurance company alone—and you should never have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Wilmington car accident lawyer.
Call us today at (910) 613-6983 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless/until we recover compensation for you.
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*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
$5.95 Million
Permanent Brain Failure
Our client had a brick fly off of a utility trailer and go through their windshield and hit her on the face.
$4.8 Million
Settlement
A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.
$4.3 Million
Head-On Collision
Personal injury litigation settlement for a client who was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial tractor-trailer.
$3.1 Million
Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury
The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.
$1.8 Million
Litigation Settlement
Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a meat truck.
$1.375 Million
Medication Overdose/Hospital
Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.
We Never Back Down From a Fight
Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
"20 out of 10 stars."
There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
- Diane W.
"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
- Phillip J.
"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
- Mario H.
"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
- Timothy M.
"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
- Malinda P.
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