That does not seem fair when this is YOUR case. However, you cannot ask for an amount that's more than three times the size of your North Carolina state maximum for pain and suffering damages.A lawyer shall not make an agreement for, charge, or collect an illegal or clearly excessive fee or charge or collect a clearly excessive amount for expenses. But in some cases, this percentage may go up or down, depending on several factors. When considering what car accident lawyers charge in North Carolina, most work on a contingency fee basis. Discover the costs of hiring a personal injury attorney. Find affordable legal help in Wilmington, NC. Call (910) 341-7570 for a consultation. In personal injury cases, it is customary that the lawyer who handles your personal injury claim represents you on a contingency fee basis. We only accept cases involving real injuries arising from serious accidents. I suppose that is important, but how can I find the very best lawyer for my injury claim?