Local police are currently investigating a serious collision that took place on Tuesday, June 20th on Highway 70 between Pleasant Drive and Lynn Road at about 8:00 a.m. Preliminary reports show that a woman behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet HHR was traveling eastbound on US 70 when she swerved across the median and collided with an oncoming 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Both vehicles then crashed into two additional vehicles, a 2016 Honda Civic, and a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, both heading westbound.
How can contributory negligence impact my head-on accident case?
The driver of the HHR sustained unspecified life-threatening injuries. She was moved by paramedics to an area along with her juvenile passenger who was also in serious condition.
The drivers of the Civic and the Silverado were also transported to the hospital. Both are believed to be in non-life-threatening conditions.
A portion of Highway 70 was shut down for several hours as police investigated the incident.
If you sustained injuries during a head-on accident in North Carolina, the North Carolina car accident attorneys from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can assist you in proving liability and protecting your right to compensation. Call our law firm today to schedule your free consultation.
Determining Fault in a Head-on Accident
Driver negligence is the most common cause of head-on collisions. Drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians, other motorists, and anyone else on the roadway. Negligence occurs when a motorist fails to uphold their duty and, as a result, people are injured. The driver determined to be at fault for a head-on crash could be held financially liable for any damages arising from their negligent behavior.
If another driver breached the duty of care they owed you, state law allows you to file a civil lawsuit against them. A major part of a successful lawsuit involves being able to prove that the other driver acted negligently and that negligence was the cause of your accident and subsequent injuries. Unfortunately, showing who is to blame for a head-on accident is not always a simple and straightforward task. Even pictures of the accident scene and an official police report might not be enough to prove fault and you will need additional forms of evidence to strengthen your case.
To make things even more challenging, the other driver will probably claim that you were partially at fault for the collision. In North Carolina, this can have a considerable impact on your case and your ability to be financially compensated.
Contributory Negligence and Your Head-On Collision
Ultimately, the success or failure of your head-on accident case will lean heavily on determining which driver was to blame. North Carolina General Statutes §1-139 states that if a driver contributed to their own accident, even by as little as 1%, they will be barred from any financial recovery.
One of the hurdles that many injured clients face is recalling the details of the crash correctly. If you are having difficulty remembering the facts or are trying to recover from serious injuries, an experienced head-on crash attorney will have the resources and means to perform a thorough investigation and study every facet of your personal injury case. Imposing your rights after a negligence-based accident is crucial because the financial compensation you might receive will help cover your hospital bills and ensure you get the full extent of the medical care you need.
Civil Statute of Limitations
Civil cases in all 50 states are subject to a state of limitations. This statute dictates the amount of time a victim has to bring legal action. North Carolina head-on collision victims have three years from the day their accident occurred to file a suit. If the accident resulted in a fatality, then a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by certain eligible parties within two years from the day of the accident.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Head-On Collision
If you sustained injuries in a North Carolina head-on car accident, it is vital that you speak with a lawyer regarding your legal options and pursue the maximum amount of financial compensation available. Schedule your free case review with an experienced North Carolina head-on accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp by calling (833) 997-1774. We can provide the guidance and advice you need to achieve a successful outcome for your North Carolina head-on accident case.