How to Prove Fault after a Car Accident?

In almost all automobile accidents, it is essential to prove the fault of the liable party (who made a mistake and was negligent). Even if you’re sure that the other driver was at fault, it still is not enough to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for your injuries. You need to prove it by showing evidence. This is where you may require legal assistance from a seasoned lawyer in North Carolina. A lawyer can help navigate you through the process and collect the necessary evidence to prove the other driver’s fault after a car accident.

Before we list down the steps to prove fault, here’s the tricky car accident fault law in North Carolina that you need to know:

Contributory Negligence—North Carolina’s Car Accident Fault Law

Unlike most other states, North Carolina uses the contributory negligence law to determine fault after an automobile accident. Under this law, any driver involved in the accident whose actions in any way contributed to the crash may not receive compensation.

For example: suppose you’re driving at eight miles over the speed limit, and all of a sudden, another driver in front of you takes a left turn when you still have the right of way, and this causes a crash. In such a scenario, if the court finds you even 5 to 10 percent at fault, you will not get any amount in compensation. Thus, even if your carelessness or negligence is minimal, you may not be entitled to compensation.

Prove Fault After a Car Accident

To receive compensation as a victim of a car accident in the state of North Carolina, you need to prove that the accident was entirely the fault of the other driver. In other words, the other driver was at fault 100 percent. However, this isn’t as easy and may require the expertise of an experienced lawyer.

Our car accident lawyers in North Carolina are knowledgeable and have the resources needed to help you prove the other driver’s negligence. Here are some of the best ways to prove fault:

Visual Evidence

If you have any photographs of the accident scene, then they might help. However, if you don’t, our lawyer will seek visual evidence from CCTV cameras, video footage from storefronts, and red light cameras. Visual evidence is crucial to collect and present because it is difficult to argue with visual evidence of the accident.

Testimony of the Witnesses

Testimonies are valuable as they can play a pivotal role in proving the fault of the other driver. Therefore, if you have gathered the phone numbers of the witnesses, then our attorney can reach out to them to speak on your behalf and ensure that their story is offered to provide evidence to support your case.

Law Enforcement Officer Report

After you’re in an accident, a law enforcement officer will likely arrive and write a detailed police report of the accident scene. This report is written from an objective perspective and also documents the events of the accident precisely. Hence, this report can play a crucial role in proving fault after a car accident. Our lawyers can ask the traffic division of your local law enforcement agency to get a copy of the police report.

Exceptions to North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Laws

There are some exceptions to the contributory negligence law. These are:

Last Clear Chance

You may qualify for this exception if you, the victim, can show that the defendant or the party at fault had the last clear chance to prevent the accident from occurring. The defendant can be held responsible regardless of the victim’s contributory negligence. In other words, you, the plaintiff, may still recover the damages if the defendant had a chance to avoid the accident.

However, generally, the plaintiff must prove five things. These are:

  • The plaintiff negligently put himself in a dangerous situation
  • The plaintiff could not escape the dangerous situation
  • The defendant was aware of the danger to the plaintiff and could have avoided it
  • However, the defendant failed to avoid the danger and
  • Thus the plaintiff got injured

Gross Negligence or Willful and Wanton Conduct

Another situation where an exception to the contributory negligence law may be given is when the other driver’s actions can be categorized as egregious or appalling. Let us explain:

Gross negligence arises when the other driver acts carelessly and with disregard for other’s safety, consciously. Likewise, willful and wanton conduct shows that the other party had intentionally and consciously disregarded the safety of other motorists in a way that they knew that injuries are likely to happen.

For instance, if Person A hits the car of Person B intentionally in road rage, it might not matter whether Person B was driving over or far under the speed limit. Therefore, in this situation, Person B’s negligence may be overlooked and excused due to Person A’s willful and wanton conduct.

A two car accident

Age and Diminished Mental Capacity

This is yet another exception to the contributory negligence law in North Carolina. This exception may apply if the injured individual is too young to be held responsible or has a diminished mental capacity.

For example, consider the situation if a five-year-old child runs into the street and gets hit by a speeding car. Although the child’s negligence is likely to contribute to their injuries, it is assumed they don’t understand the consequences of getting hit by a car or running in a busy street. Also, the same exception may apply to an adult with mental impairment.

Get in touch with us for more information on how to prove fault after a car accident or the exceptions to the contributory negligence laws. Our lawyer will review your case in detail and help you determine the best course of legal action.

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