{"id":375387,"date":"2017-10-02T13:47:22","date_gmt":"2017-10-02T18:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-car-accident-report-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-06-10T15:38:51","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T20:38:51","slug":"north-carolina-car-accident-report-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-car-accident-report-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Car Accident Report Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina Car Accident Report Basics<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Your plans for a trip to North Topsail Beach went up in smoke when someone hit your car at an intersection. Not only is your day ruined, but now you’re facing the uncertainty of dealing with an auto accident and insurance companies. As a North Carolina driver, you must meet certain legal obligations after a car crash. Knowing what they are and what to do<\/a> can save you from a lot of headaches.<\/p>\r\n

While it might be difficult to focus in the moments right after a collision, being aware of a few basic steps<\/a> ahead of time can help. After touching on North Carolina car accident laws and overviewing your requirements, this article will focus on an extremely important document: the police accident report.<\/p>\r\n

The North Carolina police car accident report will be used by the involved insurance companies to determine fault in the accident, which will affect who does and doesn’t recover damages. Read on to learn what you need to know about North Carolina car accident reports.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Law and Car Accidents<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

As a driver in North Carolina, you’re expected to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the state. While some are the same as those in other states, certain aspects of motor vehicle laws are specific to North Carolina.<\/p>\r\n

Fault and Negligence in North Carolina<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Many factors are often involved in an auto accident, and it can be difficult to know who’s to blame. When it comes to car crashes, North Carolina is an at-fault state<\/a>. This means that the person determined to be most responsible for the accident will be liable for the damages and medical bills of those deemed faultless.<\/p>\r\n

"Faultless" is an important term to note, as North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence<\/a>. Under this system, if you are considered to have caused the accident in any way, no matter how small, you may be barred from recovering any damages. Even if you’re only found to be 1% to blame, you can be denied.<\/p>\r\n

For a better understanding of what you may or may not be entitled to, take a look at FindLaw’s North Carolina Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n

Liability Auto Insurance Requirements in North Carolina<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

To be a legal driver in North Carolina, you must have liability insurance<\/a>. The state mandates the minimum required amounts, although they recommend getting more coverage if possible. The minimum insurance coverage<\/a> includes:<\/p>\r\n