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Duke Student or Staff Injured in a Car Accident? Why You Shouldn’t Handle the Claim

Written by jeffreyhoward on . Posted in North Carolina Law Blog.

If you’re a Duke student, faculty member, or staff employee and you’re injured in a car accident in Durham or the surrounding area, you may assume the insurance company will “do the right thing.”

That assumption usually costs people money.

I represent injury clients throughout the Triangle, including many connected to Duke University, and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a supposedly simple auto accident claim can go sideways without legal help.

Smart, Capable People Still Get Taken Advantage Of

Duke-affiliated clients are often highly educated, capable, and organized—which unfortunately makes insurance adjusters assume they can push harder.

Being smart doesn’t mean you know insurance law. And in North Carolina, one wrong statement or one misstep can tank an otherwise valid claim.

That’s especially true given our state’s strict contributory negligence rules.

Your Injury Claim Is About More Than Medical Bills

If your injuries interfere with:

  • Classes or exams
  • Research obligations
  • Clinical rotations
  • Teaching or administrative duties

those losses matter—but only if they’re documented and presented correctly.

I’ve written before about how injury claim value is tied to pain and suffering, and that includes academic, professional, and cognitive impacts—not just physical pain.

Durham Traffic Is No Joke

Between I-85, I-40, downtown Durham, and campus-adjacent areas, accidents are common—and often involve distracted or aggressive drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides national data on how frequently serious injuries occur even in everyday crashes:
👉 https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety

These aren’t rare events, and they shouldn’t be treated casually.

Why Duke-Affiliated Clients Call Me

I take a practical, detail-oriented approach. I don’t overpromise, and I don’t let insurance companies minimize what my clients are dealing with.

If you’re connected to Duke and you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, talking to an attorney early can protect your claim, your finances, and your future options.

📞 If you’re a Duke student or employee injured in a car accident, call me at 919-929-2992.
🖥️ jeffreyhowardlaw.com