Charlotte recorded 85 traffic fatalities in 2024, representing a 20 percent increase from 70 deaths in 2023, according to data compiled by Panchenko Law Firm. The rise in fatal accidents occurs as Charlotte maintains its position as North Carolina's city with the highest number of traffic crashes.
The 2024 fatality increase adds to Charlotte's existing traffic safety challenges. The city recorded 32,932 reportable traffic crashes in 2023, accounting for more than 11.5 percent of North Carolina's total 284,157 traffic accidents that year. Charlotte experiences approximately 82 car accidents daily based on NC Vision Zero data, nearly double the crash frequency of Raleigh.

Analysis of 2023 Charlotte accident data shows 105 fatal injuries and 16,066 non-fatal injuries resulted from traffic crashes. Speed contributed to 40 percent of Charlotte accidents, while 59 percent of fatalities involved individuals not wearing seatbelts. Statewide, distracted driving accounts for 16 percent of crashes, with speeding remaining the primary cause of traffic accidents throughout North Carolina.
"The 20 percent increase in traffic fatalities requires immediate attention from both drivers and those affected by accidents," stated Dmitriy Panchenko, founder of Panchenko Law Firm. "North Carolina's contributory negligence rule means individuals found even one percent at fault may lose the right to recover compensation. This legal framework makes documentation and proper representation essential following an accident."
Charlotte ranks 69th out of 100 cities for driver safety according to Allstate Insurance data. The city's Vision Zero initiative targets elimination of all traffic deaths by 2030, though current trends indicate significant obstacles to achieving this goal. With more than 25,000 traffic crashes reported annually in Charlotte, the legal complexities facing accident victims continue to multiply.
North Carolina's contributory negligence doctrine differs from most states' comparative negligence systems. Under this rule, accident victims who bear any responsibility for an incident, regardless of how minimal, face potential denial of all compensation claims. This strict standard applies to all motor vehicle accidents throughout the state.
Panchenko Law Firm Charlotte car accident lawyer services include representation for various collision types including aggressive driving incidents, drunk driving crashes, fatal accidents, fatigued driving cases, hit and run incidents, rear-end collisions, and commercial truck accidents. The firm also handles motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accident cases, along with premises liability, workers' compensation, and wrongful death matters.
The firm operates from offices in Charlotte and Matthews, formed through the merger of two law practices. Attorneys Dmitriy Panchenko and William Kibbe lead the legal team, which provides multilingual support in English, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian. The practice offers transportation services and home visits for clients unable to travel to office locations.
The firm operates on a contingency fee structure, collecting 33 percent of final settlement amounts without requiring upfront payments. This fee arrangement allows accident victims to pursue legal remedies while managing immediate medical and financial concerns.
As Charlotte car accident lawyer representation becomes increasingly relevant amid rising fatality rates, understanding North Carolina's contributory negligence system remains essential for accident victims. The state's legal framework and Charlotte's accident statistics underscore the importance of proper documentation and timely legal consultation following traffic incidents.
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For more information about Panchenko Law Firm, contact the company here:
Panchenko Law Firm
Dmitriy Panchenko
(980) 549-4157
leads@bpcounsel.com
6428 Bannington Rd.
Suite A
Charlotte, NC 28226
