North Carolina Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Every state has different laws regarding fault in car accidents. Getting injured in a car accident can be scary, but not knowing what your future holds can be scarier. Your injuries may lead to significant medical expenses, and it’s essential to obtain a settlement from the liable party who harmed you if you hope to move forward.

If you don’t know the laws in your state, you can miss your chance for justice. Thankfully, you don’t need expert knowledge when you hire an experienced attorney to handle your case for you. If your car accident occurred in Charlotte, then a Charlotte car accident lawyer from The Nye Law Group can file a claim for you and negotiate your settlement in court, if necessary.

Auto Insurance Minimum You Must Have

Knowing the minimum amount of auto insurance you must have in North Carolina is crucial. If you don’t carry the required amount of auto insurance in North Carolina for vehicle damage and bodily injury to others, then you’re breaking the law.

You must carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person injured in any accident you cause, $60,000 in total bodily injury liability when two or more people are injured in any accident you cause, and $25,000 in property damage per accident you cause. This auto insurance won’t cover damage to you or your vehicle. You must buy separate insurance for personal injury and vehicle damage.

Auto insurance can be tricky in North Carolina because even if you have personal injury protection insurance, your insurance company may not settle your case for the amount you deserve. It’s often worth the time and effort to sue the liable party in your wreck so you can get the most out of your claim. 

Contributory Negligence in North Carolina

Every state has a negligence law in place to address fault in car accidents. Unfortunately, North Carolina’s contributory negligence law is stricter than most.

Although some states allow you to file a claim against another at fault party in your car accident, even if you shared fault, North Carolina makes it illegal for you to sue for compensation against an at-fault party in your car accident if you shared even 1 percent of fault.

North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations

When someone else is at fault for your car accident in Charlotte, you’ll have the opportunity to sue. You’ll have three years from when your car accident occurred to take legal action and recover compensation for your damages. If you don’t file your claim within three years, the court likely won’t hear your case. 

Contact a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney

Although it’s easy to understand North Carolina’s car accident laws on the surface, putting these laws into action when filing a car accident claim can be more complex. 

Having the help of a Charlotte car accident lawyer from The Nye Law Group can make it easier to move forward. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call 704-285-6319 or fill out the contact form below.