What Happens If I’m At-Fault for a Car Accident in Greenville, NC?

Understanding the legal implications of being at fault for an accident is important. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence doctrine, which means if you are even partially at fault for an accident, you may not recover damages.

At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Greenville car accident lawyers have years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you have questions about your rights when at fault for an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Is North Carolina an At-Fault State?

North Carolina is an at-fault state, which means that the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for damages. If you are involved in an accident, you should contact a car accident attorney to help you with your case.

What Are the Penalties For Being At Fault in a Car Accident?

If you are found to be at fault, you may be responsible for the other driver’s damages. The penalties that you will face if you are at fault for a car accident will depend on the severity of the accident and any injuries or property damage that occurred. In addition, you may face driver’s license suspension, increased insurance rates, and other administrative penalties.

It is important to note that you have the right to a jury trial if the other driver sues you. This means that a jury will determine who was at fault for the accident.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the insurance claims process and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Get to a Safe Place

After a car accident, it is important to get to a safe place away from traffic. Once you are in a safe place, call the police to investigate the accident and file a report.

File an Accident Report

After a car accident, you will need to file a report with the police. This report will include information about the accident and any damage or injuries that occurred. It is important to be as accurate as possible when filing this report, as it can be used in court if necessary.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you do not think that you are seriously injured, it is always best to be examined by a medical professional.

Exchange Information With the Drivers Involved

It is also important to exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.

Collect Evidence from the Accident Scene

This evidence can include photos of the damage, witness statements, and your own personal account of what happened. This evidence can be used to help prove who was at fault for the accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You should also report the accident to your insurer. They will likely want to investigate the accident themselves. It is important to cooperate with their investigation and provide them with any information they request.

Contact a Greenville Car Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a car accident, contact an experienced Greenville auto accident lawyer for help. They can investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

North Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

In North Carolina, all drivers are required to have liability insurance. This means that if you are at fault for an accident, the other driver can sue you for damages. Your liability insurance will cover these damages up to the limits of your policy.

It is important to note that your liability insurance will not cover any damage to your own vehicle or injuries that you sustain in the accident.

What Should I Tell My Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

You should always notify your insurance company after a car accident, even if you are not at fault. Your insurance company will need to know about the accident so that they can begin their own investigation.

You should give your insurance company basic information about the accident, such as when and where it occurred. You should also let them know whether or not you were injured and, if so, the extent of your injuries.

What Should I Not Tell My Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

There are some things that you should not tell your insurance company after a car accident. For example, you should not admit fault for the accident. Even if you think you may be at fault, it is best to wait until the investigation is complete before you make any admissions.

You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to your insurance company. These statements can be used against you, and it is best to wait until you have spoken with an attorney before giving one.

How Do Car Insurance Companies Determine Fault?

After a car accident, the insurance companies will investigate who was at fault. They will look at the police report, as well as any evidence from the scene of the accident. They will also speak to witnesses and review any available video footage.

Once the insurance companies have determined who was at fault, they will begin the claims process. If you were not at fault, your insurance company will work to get you compensated for your damages. However, you may not receive any compensation if you are at fault.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident

The insurance adjuster is the person who will determine how much your damages are worth and whether or not you are eligible for compensation.

It is important to be careful when dealing with insurance adjusters, as they may try to take advantage of you. Many adjusters are only interested in paying out the minimum amount of compensation possible.

Will My Insurance Pay If I am At Fault for a Car Accident?

If you are at fault for a car accident, your insurance company will likely pay for the other driver’s vehicle damages. However, it is important to speak with your insurer to determine your policy limits and what is covered.

Can I Recover Damages For Myself?

If you are found to be at fault for a car accident, you will not be able to recover damages for your vehicle. However, if you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, your insurance company will pay to have your vehicle repaired. If the cost of repairs exceeds the value of your car, your insurance company will declare it a total loss and will pay you the value of your vehicle.

Will My Car Insurance Rates Increase If I’m At-Fault For the Car Accident?

If you are at fault for a car accident, your insurance rates will likely increase. How much they will increase will depend on various factors, including the severity of the accident and any damage or injuries that occurred. In some cases, your rates may only go up slightly. However, if the accident was severe or resulted in injuries, your rates could go up significantly.

Determining Fault in Greenville Car Accidents

The fault for an automobile accident is determined by reviewing evidence from the crash. Evidence commonly used in a car accident claim include:

  • Police Report
  • Witness statements
  • Photos of the accident scene and damage to vehicles
  • Video footage, if available
  • Data from car accident reconstruction experts
  • Medical records

Contributory Negligence in North Carolina

Contributory negligence can significantly impact car accident cases in North Carolina. If you are found to be even partially at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover any damages from the other driver. This can leave you responsible for your own medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.

What Damages Are You Responsible for If You Cause a Car Accident in Greenville?

If you are at fault for a car accident, you may be responsible for the other drivers:

  • Medical Bills – Their medical expenses may include hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and prescription costs.
  • Property damage can include damage to their vehicle or any damaged personal property.
  • Lost wages – If the other driver cannot work because of the accident, you may be required to pay for their lost wages. This can include the time they miss from work and any future earnings lost.
  • Pain and suffering – The other driver may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. This can include both physical and emotional pain.

It is important to speak with an attorney about your case to ensure that you know all potential damages that you may be required to pay.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Lacerations

Benefits of Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer in Greenville

If you are at fault for a North or South Carolina auto accident, it is important to hire an attorney. Even if you think that the accident was minor and that you don’t need help, hiring an attorney can be beneficial.

An experienced lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights. They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Contact a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Today

Even if you are at fault for the accident, it is important to contact a lawyer for your car accident case. Our Greenville car accident lawyers are well versed in the laws that apply to North and South Carolina car accidents. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.

Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.

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Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

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