It’s no secret that a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and the aftermath of an incident can be intimidating to navigate. In North Carolina, determining who is at fault in a truck accident is a critical factor when settling an accident claim.
Understanding the legal doctrines and any implications can help you know what to expect as you proceed with your claim. If you have been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and interests.
Truck Accident Fault Laws in North Carolina
In North Carolina, truck accident claims are subject to the state’s contributory fault rules. This means that if an individual is found to have any degree of fault for a truck accident, they may be barred from receiving compensation for injuries sustained from the incident.
For instance, if one driver is determined to have been 95 percent at fault for an accident, the other party will not be able to collect any damages if they contributed 5 percent of the fault.
When it comes to filing a claim following a truck accident, individuals have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim for recovery of damages with their truck accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC. In the event that a fatality occurred due to the accident, however, the statute of limitations begins from the day of death rather than the date of the accident.
This extended timeline is in place so that family members can recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of income, and other associated costs without worrying about beating a strict deadline.
It is important for those affected by any kind of auto accident to be aware that failure to file suit within this three-year window could lead to lost opportunities for reparation.
Is North Carolina an At-Fault State?
Yes, in North Carolina, drivers are responsible for the damages they cause in a crash, making it an at-fault state. In an at-fault system, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver responsible for the accident and their insurance provider. If the other driver does not have enough insurance coverage or is uninsured altogether, you may still be able to make a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
This will help ensure that you are fully compensated for any damages sustained in the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, suppose someone was injured as a result of the crash. In that case, you may even be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation for pain and suffering.
Suppose you’ve been involved in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness. In that case, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation from your insurance provider or even your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Determining Fault for a Truck Accident
When determining the fault for a truck accident, all available evidence must be taken into consideration. This evidence can include the following:
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Photos of the scene
- Physical evidence from the crash site such as debris and skid marks
- Police reports
Ultimately, the goal is to create an accurate picture of what happened in order to identify who or what may have caused the accident. By examining these pieces of information together, investigators can determine who is at fault by evaluating their actions leading up to the crash and decide if they were negligent or reckless in any way.
From here, an attorney will analyze the facts of the case to determine if there is evidence that the other party may be liable for the incident and any resulting damages. Using their expertise and resources, an attorney can help you present a strong case that supports a finding of reduced liability or even exonerated from liability.
Are You Ready To Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney?
In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, the process of determining fault can be complex and challenging. It is important to consider seeking legal assistance if you have suffered injury or losses due to an accident or if there is a disagreement regarding responsibility between drivers.
With the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you can ensure that your rights and interests are protected, helping you pursue a successful outcome on time.
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