Common Types of Car Accidents in North Carolina

Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries throughout the state each year, and these incidents can occur in various ways. If you or a loved one recently experienced a car accident because of another driver’s actions, an experienced Wilmington, NC, car accident attorney is the ideal resource to consult for legal counsel as you determine your most viable options for legal recourse.

It’s important to know the common types of car accidents, so you have a better chance of avoiding them or causing an accident yourself. While it’s not practical to expect to be able to anticipate the actions of other drivers all the time, knowing the most common causes of accidents and the biggest risk factors you face on the road can help minimize your chance of facing liability for an accident and help you recover more fully after another driver has injured you.

Most Commonly Reported Types of Car Accidents

A few of the most commonly reported types of car accidents are:

• Rear-end collisions. These accidents happen when one driver slams into the rear of another driver’s vehicle. The rear driver is almost always to blame for this type of accident.
• T-bone accidents. This is a very dangerous type of collision that occurs when one driver strikes another vehicle directly in the side. This most commonly occurs when a driver runs through a red light or stop sign.
• Sideswipe accidents. This accident happens when one driver slides along the side of another vehicle. These accidents can occur from improper lane changes, illegal turns, or failure to yield the right-of-way.
• Head-on collisions. This type of accident occurs when one driver hits another vehicle directly in front. This is a very dangerous type of accident with a high chance of causing catastrophic or fatal injuries, especially if it occurs at high speed.
• Multi-vehicle collisions. This kind of accident involves more than two vehicles. One driver hits another vehicle sending them crashing into yet another vehicle. These accidents are most common in heavy traffic, and it can be difficult to accurately determine fault when multiple drivers may share liability for the incident.

No matter how an accident happens, an injured driver is likely to have many questions when it comes to determining who is responsible for causing an accident and how they will recover their losses.

Recovering From a Car Accident

Proving fault for your recent accident is an essential step toward recovering your losses. Whoever is responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages, and an experienced attorney can help gather the evidence you may need to firmly assert liability for your damages.

Most car accidents in the state are the results of negligence, or failure to use reasonable care in a given situation. Distracted driving and moving violations are common examples of negligence that can easily cause a serious accident. Alternatively, accidents may also happen because of illegal misconduct behind the wheel, like driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. In these situations, at-fault drivers face criminal prosecution from the state along with their civil liability for the damages they inflicted on others.

When you have an experienced attorney representing you, you will not only have an easier time proving fault for a recent accident but will also be more likely to maximize the compensation you obtain for your damages.

FAQs About Common Types of Car Accidents in North Carolina

What Type of Car Accident Is Most Common?

Across the United States, rear-end collisions are the most commonly reported type of vehicle accident. This type of crash can occur on any road whenever a driver does not leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle driving in front of them. Typically, the rear driver is at fault for a rear-end collision because drivers are expected to leave adequate space at all times.

Is North Carolina a Fault State?

Yes. The state upholds the fault rule for resolving vehicle accidents. This means the driver at fault for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages. Before you will be able to recover any compensation for your damages from a recent accident, you must prove how the accident happened and identify the driver responsible for causing it.

What Is the Most Commonly Reported Car Accident Injury?

Soft tissue damage is the most commonly reported type of injury from car accidents in the United States. Specifically, whiplash is a soft tissue injury affecting the shoulders, back, and neck that is very common in car accidents. Other commonly reported injuries from car accidents include bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.

Can I Claim Compensation if I’m Partially Responsible for an Accident?

No. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, a plaintiff in any civil case cannot claim compensation from the defendant if they are revealed to have contributed to causing their claimed damages. Even if you are only slightly at fault, it will nullify your ability to claim compensation from the defendant. If you have concerns about bearing partial liability for a recent accident, it’s vital to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident?

If you can prove another driver is solely to blame for your recent accident, you have the right to hold them accountable for the full spectrum of damages they caused. Your claimable losses might include vehicle repair bills, medical expenses, and lost income if you are unable to work. You also have the right to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, and state law does not limit this aspect of a plaintiff’s recovery in a car accident case.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need after any kind of accident. We excel at handling complex accident cases, including those in which liability is contested. If you believe you have grounds for legal recourse after a car accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who can help.