Living in a rural area of North Carolina has many benefits - less traffic, beautiful scenery, a more peaceful way of life. However, navigating the rural roadways in our state also comes with increased risks and dangers. Accidents on North Carolina's rural roads are far too common, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. As an experienced North Carolina car accident law firm, we've seen firsthand the devastation that can result from crashes on rural roads. By understanding the dangers of rural roads, you can help to keep you and your family safe.
Narrow Roads
Many rural roads in North Carolina are two-lane affairs, with little to no shoulder space. This poses a major hazard, as there is minimal room for error. If a vehicle drifts too far to the side of the road, it can easily run off the pavement and into a ditch or other obstacle.Lack of Lighting
Rural roads often have very poor lighting, or none at all. This makes it extremely difficult for drivers to see obstacles, curves, or other vehicles, especially at night or during inclement weather. Hitting a deer or another vehicle head-on is a serious risk on unlit rural roads.Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, cracks, and uneven pavement are common issues on rural NC roads that are not as heavily traveled or maintained as urban thoroughfares. These road defects can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to collisions.Sharp Curves
Winding, hilly rural roads are full of sharp, blind curves that limit visibility. Drivers may not be able to see oncoming traffic or hazards until it's too late to react safely.High Speed Limits
Many rural NC roads have speed limits of 55 mph or higher. While these limits may seem reasonable during the day, they become extremely dangerous at night or in poor weather when visibility is low.Animal Crossings
Deer, livestock, and other animals frequently cross rural roads, often without warning. Colliding with a large animal can cause catastrophic damage to a vehicle and severe injuries to its occupants.Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major issue everywhere, but the problem is exacerbated on rural roads. Without the congestion and traffic signals of urban areas to keep drivers focused, it's easy for people to become distracted by cell phones, passengers, the scenery, or other stimuli.Drunk Driving
Intoxicated or drugged drivers pose a grave threat on rural roads, where there are fewer law enforcement patrols to monitor for and apprehend impaired motorists.Inexperienced Drivers
Rural areas tend to have a higher proportion of young, inexperienced drivers who may not have the skills and judgment to safely navigate winding, challenging rural roads, especially at night or in bad weather.Lack of Safety Features
Many rural roads lack safety features like guardrails, shoulders, and reflective signage that can help prevent crashes or mitigate their severity. This leaves drivers and passengers more vulnerable in the event of an accident.Common Accidents on North Carolina Rural Roads
The dangers outlined above contribute to a variety of common accident types on rural roads in our state, including:
- Head-on collisions
- Run-off-the-road crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Collisions with animals
- Single-vehicle crashes
Common Injuries from Rural Road Accidents in NC
The injuries sustained in rural road crashes are often catastrophic in nature. Common injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Paralysis
- Death
What damages are recoverable after a rural road accident in NC?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on a rural road in North Carolina, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In our state, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company without necessarily having to file a lawsuit.
Do I need to file a lawsuit in NC to recover for a car accident?
North Carolina is a fault-based state, which means the at-fault driver's insurance may be responsible for paying damages. To recover compensation, you'll need to file a claim with the insurance company and provide evidence of the other driver's negligence. This may include things like police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and documentation of your injuries and financial losses.The insurance company may try to deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement. This is where it's critical to have an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney on your side. Our experienced NC car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company, gather supporting evidence, and seek the full compensation that you may be entitled to.
In some cases, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to recover damages. Our NC car accident attorney can advise you on the best course of legal action and handle all the details on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in NC?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in North Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident, but exceptions may apply. Therefore, it is important to speak with a NC personal injury lawyer about the specifics of your case. It's important to act quickly, as waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
How Our NC Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you've been injured in a rural road accident in North Carolina, Tien Law Firm's dedicated personal injury lawyer is here to help. We have more than a decade of experience successfully handling car accident claims and fighting to seek the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
We'll thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to build the strongest possible case. Our attorneys will handle all negotiations with the insurance company and, if necessary, take your case to court. We'll ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Contact Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Today
Don't wait to get the legal help you need after a devastating rural road accident. Call Tien Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We're here to guide you through this difficult time and help you seek justice and fair compensation.