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919.444.4177Tell us about your case and our attorneys will contact you promptly
If for any reason there is no recovery, then we receive no fee or costs.
We’ve obtained recoveries in over 99% of our personal injury cases
You’re not alone in this. We’ll stand by your side and fight for justice.
Our recoveries help clients cover medical bills, replace lost income, and move forward after an accident.
When a motor vehicle collision results in a serious, life-altering injury, you need an advocate who treats your recovery as a top priority. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe crash on Durham’s busy roads, you are likely facing devastating physical trauma, mounting medical bills, and deep anxiety about the future.
At Naomi Ellis Law, we restrict our practice to significant and catastrophic traffic accident claims. We deliberately limit our caseload so that you never get passed off to a case manager or paralegal. When you choose our firm, you receive the investigative resources required for major injury claims combined with the dedicated, one-on-one attention of Attorney Naomi Ellis from day one through final resolution.
When you choose Naomi Ellis Law after an accident, you can rest assured that you have an advocate in your corner committed to protecting your rights while you focus on your recovery.
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There are infinite possibilities for the causes of motor vehicle accidents. However, Durham’s busy streets and big highways often lead to increased collisions.
Some common causes of Durham car accidents include:
Sometimes, an accident is just that, but another driver’s negligence or misconduct often causes the crash. You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries if negligence or willful and wanton conduct is involved. The best way to know if you have a valid claim after a car accident is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Durham, NC.
Our young client was a passenger in a vehicle traveling in Montgomery County when a state-owned truck failed to yield and attempted a left turn directly in front of them. The impact caused their vehicle to roll over, resulting in significant trauma.
She suffered a fractured wrist that required surgery and hardware, multiple facial fractures, and a cracked rib. These were extremely painful injuries, and her recovery required months of treatment and rehabilitation. She also missed school and was unable to continue in the ROTC program she had just started — something she had really looked forward to. Her doctors anticipate she will likely keep the hardware in her wrist permanently and may experience arthritis and stiffness as she gets older.
Because a state-owned vehicle was involved, her claim had to be resolved through the North Carolina Industrial Commission. After gathering her medical records, treatment summaries, and school impact documentation, we negotiated with the State’s liability insurance company to reach a settlement that fairly compensated her for her injuries and long-term needs. This was a sizable settlement — reflecting the severity of her injuries and the impact on her future.
Once the settlement was reached, we worked with her Guardian ad Litem and a financial planner to determine the best way to protect her settlement funds long-term. Given her age and the lasting impact of her injuries, we recommended placing the settlement into a trust — an option that is not typically utilized in State cases. We prepared a detailed request explaining why a trust would better protect her long-term needs, and the Attorney General’s office — which represents the State — did not object.
The Industrial Commission ultimately approved the settlement and confirmed that the trust structure was in her best interests.
A trust provides far more flexibility and protection for a young person. It allows the funds to grow over time and ensures they can be used later for education, housing, medical needs, and general support as she becomes an adult. It also keeps the funds safeguarded and professionally managed, giving her long-term financial stability.
Because the severity of a car crash can range so significantly, the potential injuries also vary widely in seriousness. Sometimes, a victim can simply walk away from a wreck with minor bumps and bruises. However, other times, a victim may sustain serious, permanent life-altering injuries or even death.
Common types of injuries we routinely see from car crashes include the following:
No matter the extent of the crash, you should always seek immediate medical care after a car accident, even if you believe you are uninjured. The shock and adrenaline from the impact can often mask injuries in the hours and days after. It is also possible to have an internal injury that the naked eye cannot see, so be sure to see a medical professional immediately, regardless of your assessment of your injuries.
No one wants to be the victim of a car accident; they often happen when you least expect them. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, and hurt in the moments and hours following a crash. Being familiar with these steps can ease your anxiety. Remember, every car crash has unique circumstances, and each step may not apply to your situation. Or you may need to take additional steps not listed here. However, here are four simple steps you can take immediately after a car accident.
First and foremost, if you are physically able, you should call 911 after an accident. This will ensure you receive emergency assistance, including EMS and police response.
If you can, you should document the accident while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
This can include:
If you are reading this and are worried you did not do any of these things, don’t panic. It is not always feasible to gather this information at the scene. We can assist you, even later, in investigating and obtaining evidence.
Whether your injuries necessitate emergency medical treatment or not, a doctor should see you after your crash. And be sure to follow any recommended treatment plan. Even if you did not need emergency medical attention, you still may require treatment from a healthcare professional, including:
Many injuries manifest or worsen over time, so quickly getting to a doctor is a crucial step.
Finally, you should consult a car accident attorney in Durham, NC, to discuss your legal options. After a motor vehicle accident, you will have a lot on your plate. As your car accident attorney, I will answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Attorney Naomi Ellis is a dedicated personal injury lawyer known for her tenacity, compassion, and client-first approach. After moving from Australia to the U.S. as a student-athlete, she earned her law degree with honors and gained valuable experience at top firms before founding Ellis Law. Naomi is committed to helping injured individuals reclaim their lives through skilled, personalized legal representation.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for a personal injury is three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Like most rules, some exceptions may shorten or lengthen your time to pursue your claim. We always recommend speaking with a car accident lawyer in North Carolina shortly after the accident to preserve your rights and ensure you do not miss any important filing deadlines.
Recovering compensation for a life-altering injury in North Carolina requires navigating complex legal obstacles. Because NC strictly follows a pure contributory negligence rule, insurance companies will actively look for ways to blame you for the accident. If they can prove you were even one percent at fault, you can be completely barred from recovery. Naomi Ellis Law conducts immediate, thorough investigations to protect your claim and establish absolute third-party liability.
We also look beyond standard auto policies to maximize your recovery. In severe accidents where medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, we strategically analyze Underinsured Motorist (UIM) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage options to ensure you have access to the full resources necessary for your long-term medical care.
In addition to handling severe car crash claims, our boutique Durham practice provides dedicated, one-on-one representation across a wide range of significant personal injury cases. We provide a higher level of individualized attention to each client that large corporate firms simply cannot match.
From our central office in Durham, we directly serve individuals who have suffered serious or life-altering injuries across Durham County, Wake County, and Orange County. If you were injured in Chatham County or Lee County, you can also visit our dedicated Pittsboro Car Accident Lawyer page to learn about our office location in your area.
First, call 911 and seek medical attention. Try to collect evidence at the scene—photos, witness contact info, and details about the car and driver. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters and contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Please read:
It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident—especially before speaking with insurance companies. Early legal advice can help preserve evidence and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs. In serious cases, long-term disability and emotional distress may also be considered.
Please read:
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years. Missing these deadlines can bar you from receiving compensation.
Please read:
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A LEGAL CLAIM FOLLOWING A NORTH CAROLINA CAR ACCIDENT?
North Carolina follows pure contributory negligence, which means you may be ineligible for compensation if you’re found even 1% at fault. This strict rule makes it critical to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Please read:
HOW IS FAULT DETERMINED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN NORTH CAROLINA?
Tell us about your case and our attorneys will contact you promptly
Naomi is an excellent attorney. She is attentive, knowledgeable and compassionate. She went above and beyond, handling aspects I didn’t even know I needed. It’s nice to feel cared for in a situation that is otherwise setup for the opposite.
Naomi is an excellent attorney. She is attentive, knowledgeable and compassionate. She went above and beyond, handling aspects I didn’t even know I needed. It’s nice to feel cared for in a situation that is otherwise setup for the opposite.
Naomi is an excellent attorney. She is attentive, knowledgeable and compassionate. She went above and beyond, handling aspects I didn’t even know I needed. It’s nice to feel cared for in a situation that is otherwise setup for the opposite.
Naomi is an excellent attorney. She is attentive, knowledgeable and compassionate. She went above and beyond, handling aspects I didn’t even know I needed. It’s nice to feel cared for in a situation that is otherwise setup for the opposite.
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