Knowing the state laws regulating car accidents in North Carolina protects your rights during such critical events. Knowing the state legal framework that controls car accidents benefits all motorists regardless of accident severity during post-accident situations. Stewart Law Offices’s guide to North Carolina car accident laws is an all-encompassing resource that explains essential North Carolina car accident legislation as well as how partial fault works in the law.
North Carolina’s At-Fault System
Cars accidents in North Carolina are governed by the at-fault principle which makes the party who caused the incident responsible for paying for damages. You have three possible options after sustaining injuries from a crash triggered by another driver.
- You need to submit your claim to the insurance provider of the party who created the accident.
- You have the right to file for compensation by using insurance benefits that your policy provides.
- You must file a personal injury lawsuit with the responsible party because of your damages.
Lawmakers within North Carolina enforce a specific standard of contributory negligence which creates obstacles for accident victims trying to get compensation.
Understanding Contributory Negligence
Among the core elements of North Carolina’s car accident regulations stands the contributory negligence doctrine. The law states that claiming 1% responsibility for the accident makes you ineligible for any form of compensation. The harshness of this law stands out against other states because it eliminates compensation for victims even when they hold partial responsibility. Insurance businesses exploit this rule to reject claims and that is why car accident victims need an experienced attorney.
Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
All individuals who drive vehicles in North Carolina need to maintain basic coverage limits on their car insurance policy. The state mandates:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
All drivers in North Carolina need to have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage because it protects them against accidents with uninsured drivers.
The Procedure of Claiming Car Accident Compensation in North Carolina
You become stronger in a car accident case whenever you act optimally after the occurrence. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact emergency services by dialing 911 to notify the police about the traffic accident. The evidence provided by a police report stands as essential documentation.
- Consult doctors immediately after any vehicle accident because unseen serious conditions might exist.
- Record and photograph the accident site together with obtaining evidence from witnesses and making note of essential information.
- Let your insurance provider know about the event but never state responsibility for the crash to them.
- Consider Retaining Legal Advice from a Car Accident Lawyer Since this professional will shield your rights and fight for full compensation.
- The North Carolina law establishes specific time restrictions during which a car accident lawsuit must be filed.
If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit based on a car accident in North Carolina then you must do it within three years from the accident date. A wrongful death leads to a two-year deadline starting from the time of death for such claims. The failure to respect these deadlines will cause you to surrender your legal right to compensation.
Stewart Law Offices provides aid to accident claims victims.
The North Carolina laws involving contributory negligence make car accident claims in the state particularly complicated to handle. Stewart Law Offices demonstrates their commitment to aiding accident victims who want to exercise their legal rights. Our experienced attorneys can handle insurance company negotiations while collecting essential evidence which might require going to court if necessary.
Contact Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation after any car accident injury to yourself or your family member. At Stewart Law Offices we help people deal with the challenging North Carolina car accident laws to earn their rightful compensation.