Car Accidents on U.S. 70: What Morehead City Drivers Should Know About Liability
If you have been in a car accident on U.S. 70 near Morehead City, you are likely facing questions about who is at fault, how liability is determined, and what that means for your ability to recover compensation. North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule—meaning if you are found even slightly at fault for the crash, you could be barred from recovering damages. This unique state standard surprises many drivers and makes understanding liability in local car accidents especially important from the very start.
At Hughes & Majstoravich, P.A., we help people in Morehead City and throughout Carteret County understand their rights after a car accident and take practical steps to protect their claim. If you have been injured or are dealing with an insurance company after a crash, it’s wise to talk with a lawyer who knows how North Carolina law may affect your options and what evidence matters most.
How Is Fault Determined in North Carolina Car Accidents?
North Carolina uses an at-fault (or “tort”) system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is generally liable for damages. The courts determine fault by reviewing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, physical damage, traffic camera footage, and, when necessary, expert analysis of the scene. Insurance adjusters and, if needed, the courts weigh this evidence to decide who was negligent.
But unlike many states, North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule means that if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover compensation from the other driver’s insurance. This critical distinction can drastically affect your case, so avoid making statements or assumptions about fault until you review all the facts.
What Does Contributory Negligence Mean for My Claim?
Contributory negligence is a legal doctrine that bars an injured person from recovering any damages if they contributed in any way to the accident—even minimally. For example, if you were speeding slightly or failed to use a turn signal and an accident occurred, you could be found partly at fault and lose the right to recover compensation, even if the other driver was mostly responsible.
This strict rule creates challenges for accident victims in Morehead City and across North Carolina. Insurance companies often look closely for any possible way to assign partial blame to the injured party. That’s why collecting clear evidence, seeking prompt legal advice, and avoiding early admissions of fault are so important.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Crash on U.S. 70?
If you’re involved in a crash on U.S. 70, what you do immediately afterward can significantly affect your case. Here are practical steps to help protect your interests:
Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
Move vehicles to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene.
Exchange information with all involved drivers, including insurance details.
Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries.
Obtain contact information for any witnesses.
Cooperate with law enforcement, but avoid speculating about fault or apologizing.
Seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms, as some injuries surface later.
Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about providing recorded statements.
The more thorough your documentation, the harder it will be for an insurance company to argue that you were at fault.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Liability and Damages
Insurance companies in North Carolina conduct their own investigations to determine liability and the value of your claim. Adjusters may review police reports, examine vehicle damage, interview witnesses, and request your statement. Remember that their primary goal is to minimize payouts—not necessarily to provide the full compensation you deserve.
If the insurer finds any evidence that you contributed to the accident, they may deny your claim completely under the contributory negligence rule. Working with a law firm experienced in personal injury cases can help you present your side of the story fully so important evidence isn't overlooked.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered?
If you are not at fault and contributory negligence does not apply, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses related to your injuries
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Other out-of-pocket costs
The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of your evidence. Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and losses.
How Do Contingent Fees Work in North Carolina Car Accident Cases?
At Hughes & Majstoravich, P.A., our contingent fees in automobile personal injury cases are 25% of the recovery unless and until we file a lawsuit, at which time the contingent fee increases to 33.33% of the recovery. This arrangement is lower than what some other lawyers charge and allows you to pursue your claim without paying upfront legal fees. If you recover nothing, you owe us no attorney fees.
When Should I Contact a Local Car Accident Lawyer?
Given North Carolina's strict contributory negligence standard, contacting a lawyer early can be crucial—even if you think your case is straightforward. An attorney can help you:
Understand your legal rights and options
Investigate the accident and gather evidence
Deal with insurance adjusters and protect your statements
Evaluate settlement offers and calculate damages
File a lawsuit if necessary to recover what you deserve
Based in Morehead City, we have experience handling car accident claims throughout Carteret County and the surrounding area. If you have questions or need help after a crash on U.S. 70, we encourage you to reach out to our team.
Legal Counsel That Puts You First
At Hughes & Majstoravich, P.A., our attorneys help people understand who may be liable after a car accident, what evidence will matter, and how North Carolina’s unique contributory negligence rule could affect their claim. Our firm’s experience with local traffic patterns and insurance practices is especially valuable when building a strong case for clients injured on U.S. 70 and other area roads.
We explain what steps to take after an accident, guide you through communications with insurers, and help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your right to recover compensation. Our contingent fee structure—25% unless and until a lawsuit is filed, then 33.33%—means you can get experienced legal help without paying attorney fees upfront. Call or visit us to learn how we can help you move forward after a crash on U.S. 70.
