Automobile Accidents and The Law in North Carolina

It only takes a split second for an automobile accident to happen, but the effects can be devastating, to say the least. Between possible injuries to the drivers, passengers, and bystanders, to damage to the vehicles, and add to the mix the North Carolina vehicle accident laws, and there’s a lot to worry about.

If you’ve been in an accident, give us a call so we can be sure you are treated fairly and help you to navigate the legal issues and your options when you’re involved in an automobile accident.

There’s no doubt that being a vehicle accident is devastating. It happens so fast, and many people don’t know what to do. It’s important to be aware of what steps to take, right after the accident in order to protect yourself.

North Carolina Accident Law

North Carolina has a system called contributory negligence which means that if any driver contributes in any way to the accident, they may be unable to receive any compensation for the damage done no matter how small the infraction.

What to do Following an Accident

If anyone is hurt, call 911.

You want to make sure the injured person(s) are taken care of immediately. It is generally advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries.  Once you are stable, it is helpful to take photos of your injuries.

Call the police and file an accident report.

Give facts only and don’t admit fault. Accidents happen too quickly to understand what has happened. Offer just the facts you know until an investigation can be done.

Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and all contact information with the other driver(s) involved.

Be sure to get this information in case you need to contact them or their insurance company after you have the details on who caused the accident. Do the same for any witnesses.

Take photos of the scene and the vehicles from all angles.

In order to help your case, it’s a good idea to have photos of the area and vehicles to help determine fault and assist in getting the compensation you deserve.

if possible, move vehicles to the side of the road.

Unless your car is blocking traffic, you don’t need to move it until the police arrive. If you do need to get it out of the way, be sure to take photos of vehicles, skid marks or any other information that can assist in determining fault.

Should I call my insurance company?

Yes. Let them know what happened but don’t admit fault.

Do I need a vehicle accident attorney?

It’s a good idea to get an attorney to protect your rights and help you obtain the maximum financial recovery for which you are eligible. Insurance companies have attorneys working for them and so should you.

When it comes to vehicle accidents, there is a lot to consider and things that need to be done. North Carolina laws aren’t always on your side, so it’s a good idea to make sure your rights are protected. If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, call us to discuss your case.