By Michael Harman ·

Work with an Experienced Attorney

Being sued for a personal injury claim after being involved in an accident is frustrating and can lead to complications. Finding out that you are now being accused of fault or pursued for damages only adds to that frustration. You don’t have to navigate the next steps alone. Work with an experienced attorney that can guide you through the process so that you aren’t making untimely or costly mistakes along the way. They can help you with several aspects, such as handling communications and negotiations, helping you stay on track with deadlines, and helping to ease your mind by explaining the next steps.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in North Carolina?

Each state has specific timelines associated with how long each party has to file a claim. That time is three years for a personal injury claim after an accident in NC. This means that whether damages for injuries or personal property are being pursued, this must occur within three years from the date of the incident. It is imperative to have thorough documentation of accidents you have been involved in. If it has passed the three-year threshold since the accident occurred, you can likely work with an attorney to have the case dismissed entirely.

What is Contributory Negligence?

Some states are “at-fault” or “no-fault” states. North Carolina is a little unique because it follows a contributory negligence rule. This can mean that you cannot legally pursue damages if you share any fault in causing the accident.

This can mean that if it can be proven that all parties involved in the accident share fault, other parties may not be legally able to pursue you for damages. It can be crucial to have an experienced attorney review the facts of the case and help you to determine whether contributory negligence is a factor and what validity the claim against you may or may not have.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Accidents are scary and frustrating, even without an impending lawsuit. Having a knowledgeable and trusted attorney on your side can help ease your mind and provide professional guidance that can be invaluable to the outcome of your case. They are trained and experienced in these cases and can provide a valuable perspective and assemble an effective plan to move forward.

Contact us today to set up a free consultation!

FAQs

What should I do immediately after finding out I am being sued for a personal injury claim in North Carolina?
You should contact an experienced North Carolina personal injury defense attorney as soon as possible to avoid making costly or untimely mistakes. An attorney can handle communications and negotiations on your behalf, keep you on track with important deadlines, and walk you through each step of the legal process.
How long does someone have to sue me for a personal injury claim arising from a car accident in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. This applies to claims for both bodily injuries and personal property damage, and if the three-year window has passed, an attorney may be able to have the case dismissed entirely.
What is contributory negligence and how could it affect the personal injury lawsuit filed against me in North Carolina?
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if the person suing you shared any degree of fault in causing the accident, they may be legally barred from recovering damages. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case to determine whether contributory negligence applies and what impact it may have on the validity of the claim against you.
Could I be held fully responsible for damages even if the other party was also partially at fault for the accident?
Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule, if it can be proven that the other party shared any fault in causing the accident, they may not be entitled to pursue damages against you. This is a significant distinction from many other states, making it especially important to work with a North Carolina attorney who understands how this rule applies to your specific situation.
Why is it important to hire an attorney rather than handle a personal injury lawsuit against me on my own?
Personal injury lawsuits involve complex legal rules, strict deadlines, and negotiations that can significantly affect the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable North Carolina attorney can provide professional guidance, build an effective defense strategy, and help protect you from an unfavorable result that could have lasting financial consequences.