Establishing liability in car accidents can be difficult. When there are more than two vehicles involved in the accident, proving fault can be extremely challenging.
North Carolina follows a system called “contributory negligence.” Under this doctrine, if you contributed in any way to the accident occurring, you are barred from recovering anything at all. Here are some examples of how contributory negligence can come into play:
- A distracted driver is driving in excess of the posted speed limit. Although you are driving the speed limit, you go through a yellow light just as it turns red. The distracted driver crashes into your vehicle, but the court finds that you contributed to the accident by driving through a yellow light turning to red. You are barred from recovering anything from the other driver.
- You are driving in traffic when the vehicles in front of you come to a sudden stop. As you are attempting to stop your vehicle to avoid the vehicle ahead of you, you are struck from behind. You may be considered contributorily negligent and unable to collect from the driver of the vehicle that struck you from behind.
Since contributory negligence is a rigid policy, it is imperative that you understand your rights.
In order to receive compensation after a car accident, you must be able to prove that the other driver was entirely to blame for the accident. Therefore, in accidents involving multiple vehicles, you must prove that you had no liability, and that the other vehicles were cumulatively 100 percent to blame
Since you are barred from recovering damages if you are even one percent at fault, it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified car accident attorney. They will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your case, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness testimony
- Photographic evidence
- Medical records post-accident
- Medical bills
An Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident it can often result in very serious – even deadly – consequences. You shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes of others. The experienced Car Accident Attorneys at Daggett Shuler understand the serious nature of such an accident and will fight to get you what you deserve. Let us help you to move forward. Call us at 336-724-1234.
Daggett Shuler Law – You Can Depend on Us