What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault in North Carolina?

Car accidents can happen in many ways, and while it is crucial to know what to do after another driver has hit you, you also need to know what to do after a car accident that is your fault in North Carolina. The first steps you take in the aftermath of such an accident can impact your life in several ways, and it is important to know the optimal actions in this situation and what you can do to limit your personal liability for the resulting damages.

What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault in North Carolina

The aftermath of any car accident can be confusing and stressful. If you believe you are responsible for causing an accident, it is crucial to know what to do in this situation to limit your liability as much as possible. If you are at fault, you must accept that you will be responsible for the damages you caused, but it is important that you do not overextend and assume fault for damages you did not cause.

Make Sure You Call 911 After a Car Accident

Call 911 to report the accident immediately if you are able to do so. Do not leave the scene of the accident; otherwise, you could face criminal charges for hit-and-run. Check on everyone else involved in the accident and begin documenting as much as you can from the scene of the crash. Take photos of your vehicle, any injuries you suffered, the positions of the vehicles on the road, and the surrounding area. This helps form a picture showing how the accident happened.

When the police arrive, answer their questions honestly and concisely, but refrain from admitting fault even if you know you are at least partially responsible for causing the accident. Even saying something as seemingly harmless as “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Under the state’s fault rule for accidents, the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for all of the resulting damages.

Consult an Attorney for Legal Advice

It is important to remember that the state upholds a contributory negligence rule. That means that if a driver is seeking compensation for their damages after any vehicle accident, they must prove that the other driver is entirely at fault for causing it. This is easier in some cases than others. One of the most important things to do if you believe you are responsible for causing an accident is to contact an attorney as quickly as possible.

You Might Be Able to Prove Contributory Negligence and Avoid Any Liability for the Crash

There may be room to contest liability for the accident. If so, proving contributory negligence could mean avoiding liability for the other driver’s damages. However, even if you are sure to be found entirely at fault for the accident, a good attorney can still potentially help you resolve your case and may be able to minimize the amount of compensation you will need to pay to the other driver.

FAQs

Q: Can Drivers Share Fault for a Car Accident?

A: Yes, it is possible for drivers to share fault for a car accident in the state. However, due to the state’s contributory negligence rule, if drivers share fault for the accident, neither can claim compensation for their damages from the other. If there is any dispute regarding fault for a recent accident, it is crucial to consult legal counsel you trust as quickly as possible in its aftermath.

Q: What Are the Most Commonly Reported Car Accident Injuries?

A: The most commonly reported car accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, facial and dental injuries, and internal organ injuries. If you are at fault for an accident, you will be liable for the full cost of the medical care a victim needs to recover from the injuries you caused. Additionally, an injured plaintiff can seek compensation for anticipated future medical treatment costs as well.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident That Was My Fault?

A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer after a car accident that was your fault in North Carolina. If there are any disputes regarding liability for the accident, a lawyer can help resolve them, and they may also be necessary to negotiate a settlement with the other driver. Additionally, some car accidents happen due to unpredictable variables, and you may appear at fault at first, but a good attorney may be able to prove the truth of the matter, so you aren’t held liable.

Q: Can a Driver Go to Jail for Causing a Car Accident?

A: It is possible for a driver to go to jail for causing a car accident in the state if they caused the accident by breaking the law. The most common way for this to happen is by intoxicated driving. It is also possible for a driver to face criminal prosecution for intentional misconduct behind the wheel, such as aggressive driving or attempting to inflict harm to another person using their vehicle.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case?

A: The time required to resolve a car accident case in the state depends on several factors. If liability is clear, the injured driver can pursue compensation from them with an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury suit. An insurance claim may take several weeks to resolve, whereas a personal injury suit can potentially require months. If liability is contested, it can significantly increase the timetable for resolving the case.

It is crucial to know what to do after a car accident; this is your fault in the state, and experienced legal counsel will be valuable to either side of any car accident case. If you have legal questions about a recent car accident in North Carolina, or if you are unsure of your legal options after being accused of causing a car accident, contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney who can answer your questions.