{"id":375388,"date":"2016-12-05T17:58:21","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T22:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-03-07T14:40:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T19:40:59","slug":"north-carolina-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

North Carolina Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
\n
\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
\n

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
\n

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

To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, death and taxes are the only things certain in this world. Had he lived in modern times, he might have added getting into an auto accident<\/a> to that list. While nobody wants to be in a car crash, chances are you’ll have at least one fender bender in your driving career.<\/p>\r\n

In the aftermath of an accident, you’ll have many questions. If you’re injured<\/a> as well, you’ll have even more concerns. Understanding North Carolina’s auto and insurance laws can help, as can knowing the state’s accident compensation laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing what to expect as your car accident lawsuit moves forward can bring peace of mind at a difficult time. In this article, we’ll overview important laws before focusing on the steps involved in the North Carolina accident process. You’ll learn how insurance companies<\/a> function, the settlement timeline, the car accident settlement process, how they will handle your personal injury claim, and how long each phase should take.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Car Accidents and Crash Reports<\/h2>\r\n

In North Carolina, you must call law enforcement to the scene of an accident if any of the following applies:<\/p>\r\n