The sound of crunching metal and the sudden jolt of an impact can leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed, especially when you realize the collision was likely your mistake. You might be replaying the moment in your head, wondering how a split-second distraction or a missed stop sign could suddenly jeopardize everything. The fear of rising insurance rates and the weight of being responsible for someone else’s injuries can feel like a heavy burden.
It is important to remember that accidents happen to people every day, and having the correct information can help you move forward with clarity. At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we believe that understanding your legal obligations and your rights is the first step toward resolving the situation and regaining control.
You can reach our lawyers at 980-326-2270.
What If I’m at Fault?
In North Carolina, if you’re responsible for a collision, you’re liable for damages under the state’s fault-based system. Since the injured party can seek compensation from you or your insurer, understanding what happens after a car accident that is your fault is crucial, as your actions afterward can affect insurance claims and legal disputes.
What Are Your Immediate Legal Responsibilities at the Scene?
North Carolina State traffic laws specify what drivers must do after an accident. Not following these steps can result in criminal charges:
- Stop immediately. You must stop at the scene or as close to it as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary.
- Provide the required information. You must give your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information to the other driver or occupants.
- Report the crash. You are required to notify law enforcement by the quickest means possible if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage that appears to be $1,000 or more.
- Render reasonable assistance. If anyone is visibly injured, you have a duty to provide or arrange for reasonable assistance, such as calling for an ambulance.
Taking these steps ensures you comply with the law and reduces the risk that an at-fault accident escalates into a hit-and-run charge, which may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts.
How Does Your Auto Insurance Policy Protect You?
In North Carolina, your liability coverage typically handles the financial and legal defense, covering key parts of claims arising from an at-fault accident, including:
- Bodily injury liability. This portion of your policy pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of the other parties involved up to your policy limits.
- Property damage liability. This coverage pays for the vehicle repairs or the fair market value of the other driver’s car if it is determined to be a total loss.
- Legal defense. If the other driver decides to file a lawsuit, your insurance company has a duty to provide a lawyer to defend you in court at no additional cost to you, subject to policy terms.
- Assigning an insurance adjuster. The company will assign a professional to review the accident report, evaluate the damage, and negotiate a settlement with the other party.
While your insurance covers the other driver’s costs, you may still be responsible for your deductible and uncovered losses under your collision coverage.
How Do Authorities Make a Fault Determination?
A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you understand how fault is determined, and how that impacts your obligations based on documentation and observations, including:
- Police reports. An officer will document the scene, interview witnesses, and may provide an opinion on the primary cause of the crash.
- Traffic citations. If you were speeding, failed to yield, or ran a red light, the officer may issue a traffic citation, which serves as strong evidence of fault.
- Physical evidence. Skid marks, vehicle resting positions, and photos of the damage help adjusters reconstruct the sequence of events.
- Contributory negligence. If the other driver contributed even 1% to the accident, the court may disqualify (bar) them from recovering any damages from you.
Because North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, insurance companies often seek evidence that the other driver shared blame to reduce or deny payouts.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Being at Fault?
Beyond the immediate stress of the accident, an at-fault determination can have lasting effects on your life as a driver in Charlotte, including:
- Insurance premium increase. Most providers will increase your rates for at least three years following an at-fault crash, though the exact amount depends on your driving history.
- Points on your license. If you received a ticket for a moving violation, the DMV may assess points against your license, which can lead to a suspension if they accumulate too quickly.
- Civil exposure. If the other party’s damages exceed your policy limits, you could face personal financial liability.
Most accidents resolve within the limits of your car insurance policy without ever reaching a courtroom.
Why Choose Mehta & McConnell, PLLC?
Navigating the aftermath of a crash requires a legal team that understands both sides of the insurance industry. We founded our firm in 2021 with a mission to provide extraordinary legal assistance to individuals affected by negligence. With over 40 years of combined experience, our attorneys began their careers representing the large insurance companies they now hold accountable. This insider perspective allows us to handle cases efficiently and cost-effectively, saving you time and stress during a difficult period.
Get the Answers You Need Today
The decisions after a crash impact your financial security for years. Don’t navigate the North Carolina legal system or handle aggressive insurance adjusters alone. Contact Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, for a free consultation to protect your rights.
FAQs
What Happens After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault?
After an at-fault accident, you’re responsible for damages. Your insurance usually covers repairs and medical bills up to policy limits.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase If the Accident Was My Fault?
Yes, in most cases, an at-fault accident will lead to an increase in insurance premiums. The duration and amount of the increase depend on your policy and the severity of the accident.
Do I Have to Pay for the Other Driver’s Damages If the Accident Was My Fault?
If you have liability coverage, your insurer pays for the other driver’s property damage and medical expenses. A court may hold you personally responsible if damages exceed your policy limits.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Was My Fault?
In many cases, your insurance company will handle the defense if you are at fault for a car accident. If you are uninsured, you should consider consulting a personal injury attorney if the accident caused serious injuries or if you think the other driver was partially responsible, as North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws are strict.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page:
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:
- Duty to Stop in Event of Crash, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166, link.
- Notice of Accident, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1(a), link.
- Contributory Negligence, Fault Lines: Understanding Negligence Doctrines, UNC School of Government, link.
- Burden of Proof of Contributory Negligence, N.C. Gen Stat. § 1-139, link.
- N.C. Department of Insurance, Auto and Vehicle Insurance, link.
Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC was founded in 2021 to represent individuals who are injured at work or due to the negligence of someone else. Both of our attorneys began their careers as defense attorneys representing large corporations and insurance companies, but we now only represent injured individuals.