Which courthouse do I file my car accident lawsuit in?

In North Carolina, you generally file a personal injury lawsuit in the county where the accident occurred, or in the county where the defendant lives. Your attorney will file the complaint with the Clerk of Superior Court at the appropriate county courthouse.

What is the difference between Superior Court and District Court in NC?

District Court handles civil cases with claims up to $25,000, small claims (up to $10,000), and traffic violations. Superior Court handles civil cases over $25,000, which includes most serious car accident injury claims. Felony criminal cases are also heard in Superior Court.

Do I need to go to the courthouse in person to file a lawsuit?

In most NC counties, your attorney files the complaint with the Clerk of Superior Court, which can sometimes be done electronically through the NC eCourts system. However, some filings still require an in-person visit. If you are filing without a lawyer, you will likely need to visit the courthouse in person.

What are NC judicial districts?

North Carolina divides its 100 counties into judicial districts numbered 1 through 30, some with A and B subdivisions. Each judicial district has assigned Superior Court and District Court judges who hold court in the counties within that district. The district determines which judges hear cases in your county.

Can I file a small claims case for a minor car accident in NC?

Yes. If your total claim is $10,000 or less, you can file in small claims court (also called magistrate court) at your county courthouse. You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, but you must file in the county where the defendant lives or where the accident happened.

Find Your NC County Courthouse: All 100 Counties

Searchable directory of all 100 North Carolina county courthouses with addresses, phone numbers, and judicial district information. Find the courthouse you need for your car accident case.

Published March 6, 2026| Updated March 6, 2026| 6 min read

The Bottom Line

If your car accident case requires filing a lawsuit, you will need the correct county courthouse. North Carolina has 100 counties, each with its own courthouse where civil cases are heard. Use the search tool below to find the courthouse in your county, including the judicial district assignment and contact information.

Understanding NC Courts for Car Accident Cases

Not every car accident ends up in court, but when it does, understanding the NC court system helps you know what to expect. North Carolina has a unified court system with several levels that may be relevant to your case.

Small Claims (Magistrate Court) handles disputes up to $10,000. If you had a minor fender bender with limited property damage and no serious injuries, this is the most accessible option for representing yourself.

District Court handles civil cases up to $25,000. Many moderate car accident claims fall into this range.

Superior Court handles civil cases over $25,000. Most serious car accident injury claims -- those involving significant medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries -- are filed here. Personal injury jury trials are held in Superior Court.

NC Judicial Districts Explained

North Carolina's 100 counties are organized into 30 judicial districts (some with A/B subdivisions). Each district has assigned Superior Court judges who rotate among the counties in their district. This means the same judge may hear cases in multiple counties within the same district.

The judicial district matters because:

It determines which judges will be assigned to your case
Court calendars and scheduling vary by district
Some districts have dedicated "complex business courts" for larger cases
The local rules of practice may differ between districts

Find Your County Courthouse

NC County Courthouse Directory

Search by county name, city, or zip code to find your courthouse.

Browse by county

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What to Expect at the Courthouse

If you need to visit the courthouse for your car accident case, here is what to keep in mind:

Bring valid photo ID -- you will need it for security screening and any filings
Arrive early -- courthouse security lines can be long, especially on court days
The Clerk of Court's office handles all case filings, fee payments, and public record requests
Dress appropriately -- business casual or better if you have a court appearance
No weapons or recording devices are allowed in NC courthouses
Parking -- most courthouses have nearby parking, but some downtown locations may require paid parking

NC eCourts and Online Access

North Carolina has been transitioning to an electronic court system called NC eCourts. Depending on your county, you may be able to:

Search for existing case records online
File certain documents electronically
Check court calendars and scheduling
Look up case status and dispositions

However, the eCourts rollout is happening county by county. Not all counties have full electronic filing capability yet. Check with your specific courthouse about their electronic filing options.