North Carolina Car Accident Laws – All You Need to Know

It can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing state laws regarding car accidents and driving regulations. However, it is important to know your rights so that you can take the right steps to receive the compensation you deserve in the event of a collision. North Carolina car accident laws can be broken down into categories that make them easier to understand. Working with a car accident lawyer can also help ensure you are treated fairly.

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you can face all kinds of overwhelming situations, such as debilitating injuries, the loss of your ability to work, emotional distress, and more. For this reason, it is helpful to be prepared beforehand. Understanding your state’s laws is significantly important.

How Fault Works in North Carolina

How a state defines fault regarding car accidents is a key element in understanding the right steps to take after an accident. North Carolina is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who is determined to be responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering the damages they caused.

When it comes to determining fault, there are several parties involved. Police and witnesses often give statements regarding what they saw at the time and assessed afterward. Ultimately, the insurance companies of the drivers send adjusters to analyze the scene and determine who they believe to have been at fault. They may take photos, videos, and other forms of physical evidence to support their claims.

If the insurance companies and the involved drivers cannot come to an agreement regarding who was at fault, the case may go to court. Each party may receive a percentage of the fault where they may each share part of it or where one may be assigned 100% responsibility.

State Car Accident Laws

There are various car accident laws in place in North Carolina aimed at protecting victims of negligent and reckless drivers. One important factor to understand is how North Carolina defines negligence and recklessness in terms of driving.

Negligence is a failure to act responsibly and with care while driving. This means that even if you did not intentionally cause harm to another person or their property, a lack of reasonable care can be enough to hold you responsible for compensating them for damages and losses you caused. An example of negligence would be glancing at your radio or cell phone while driving and crashing into another vehicle as a result.

Reckless driving is similar to negligence in that the driver is not acting with reasonable care; however, the difference is that a reckless driver is willfully acting without care. The difference lies in the intentions of the driver. Individuals who cause accidents because of reckless driving may face criminal charges in addition to being responsible for covering the costs of the accident.

New Auto Insurance Law

There have been multiple changes to North Carolina state laws for the new year, but one in particular affects all drivers who are involved in car accidents. The new law, outlined in Senate Bill 452, explains that the minimum amount required for liability insurance is going to be raised. New rates will require $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. The goal is to increase protection for vulnerable drivers.

FAQs

What Are the Car Accident Laws in North Carolina?

There are various laws relating to car accidents in North Carolina. Drivers are expected to act with care and responsibility when they are on the roads and can be held responsible for failing to do so. After a car accident, the driver who was responsible may be required to pay for damages and losses that resulted. In some cases, negligence and reckless driving can even result in criminal charges.

How Is Fault Determined in Car Accidents in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, fault in a car accident is ultimately determined by the insurance company. If there is disagreement in a certain case, the issue may need to be taken to court. There are multiple ways an insurance adjuster may go about determining fault, such as gathering evidence from the scene of the crash, taking witness and police statements, and more. In some cases, drivers may share the fault if both were driving carelessly or negligently.

Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

North Carolina functions as an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that fault is determined and assigned to one or more individuals who are then responsible for compensating the appropriate party for damages and losses caused. Compensation may be given through the at-fault person’s insurance company and can cover a range of losses from vehicle damages to medical bills to loss of wages.

Who Pays for Car Damages in North Carolina?

The person who pays for car damages after an accident will vary. In the case that one driver is deemed liable for the crash, they will be required to compensate the other driver. However, in

North Carolina, if both drivers are partially at fault, each driver will likely be responsible for covering their own damages. While it can be difficult to determine fault precisely, insurance companies in North Carolina have personnel dedicated to investigating such matters.

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr. P.L.L.C., Local Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been the victim of reckless or negligent driving, it is important to seek legal counsel right away. The legal complexities of filing a claim and gathering the appropriate evidence to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve can be overwhelming to handle on your own. A seasoned attorney who has helped clients in similar situations can help the process go smoothly and efficiently.

Contact The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr. P.L.L.C., today to learn more about North Carolina car accident laws and how we can fight for your rights. Our priority is ensuring that our clients are treated respectfully and fairly and that they recover the damages they are owed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to reach out. We are ready to tackle any case, no matter how difficult.