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Being involved in a traffic accident in North Carolina can have lasting effects beyond the initial emotional and physical stress. Among the many potential impacts, an accident can leave a significant mark on your driving record. This mark can affect your insurance rates.
Understanding how long an accident remains on your driving record in North Carolina, as well as how to manage its effects, is critical for anyone who has been involved in a collision. In this guide, explore these aspects to help you better navigate the aftermath of an accident and provide valuable information on how a North Carolina accident lawyer can assist in managing the implications.
North Carolina Accident Statistics
In recent years, North Carolina has grappled with a substantial number of traffic accidents, leading to over 110,000 injuries annually. In 2023, 115,009 of these accidents involved injuries. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are major contributors to these high numbers. With such a significant risk of being involved in a crash, it is important for North Carolina drivers to know what to expect in terms of consequences on their driving records.
In response, the state has been implementing comprehensive public awareness campaigns, stricter penalties for traffic violations, and improvements in road infrastructure aimed at reducing accident rates.
What Is a Driving Record?
Your driving record is a comprehensive record of your history behind the wheel. It includes information about any traffic violations, tickets, accidents, license suspensions, and other incidents related to driving.
In North Carolina, your driving record can impact multiple areas of your life. Insurance companies, for example, use your driving history to determine the level of risk you present as a driver and set your premiums accordingly. Accidents on your record will often lead to significantly increased insurance rates.
Additionally, your driving record may be accessed by potential employers, particularly those that require employees to drive as part of their job duties. Even if you are not seeking employment involving driving, certain employers may still request your driving record to assess your responsibility and reliability.
Implications of an Accident in Your Driving Record
After an accident, you may wonder how long the incident will stay on your driving record. In North Carolina, an accident generally remains on your driving record for three years from the date of the incident. This period can vary depending on the severity of the accident, especially if there were injuries or fatalities involved. During this time, insurance companies will see the accident on your record, which typically results in higher insurance premiums.
Beyond insurance implications, the points associated with an accident can also impact your driver’s license status. North Carolina uses a points system to track driving violations. Depending on who was at fault and whether any other traffic violations were committed, you may receive points on your license, which can accumulate and potentially lead to a suspension of your driving privileges if you accrue too many points.
Understanding how these points are accumulated and how they can affect you is critical for managing the long-term impacts of an accident.
How to Check Your Driving Record in North Carolina
If you’ve been in an accident, you might want to check your driving record to understand how it has been affected. In North Carolina, you can access your driving record through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The NCDMV offers certified and non-certified copies of driving records for a fee. You can request your record online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.
Mitigating the Impact of an Accident on Your Driving Record
While an accident can stay on your record for up to three years, there are ways to mitigate the impact it has. One effective method is attending a driver improvement clinic. In North Carolina, attending a driver improvement clinic may help reduce the number of points on your record. This can also show your insurer that you are taking steps to improve your driving skills, which may help reduce insurance premiums over time.
Another important consideration is maintaining a clean record following the accident. Avoiding any further traffic violations can help minimize the long-term impact. Insurance companies often reassess rates after a set period, so a spotless record after an accident can help you qualify for lower premiums down the line.
Lastly, consider negotiating with your insurance company. In some cases, insurers may be willing to work with you to reduce your rates if you take proactive steps to demonstrate responsible driving behavior. This could include taking driving courses, installing safety features in your vehicle, or other measures that demonstrate your commitment to safer driving.
Why You Should Seek a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
An accident can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the impact on your driving record and mitigating potential consequences. North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even partially at fault for an accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes it crucial to consult a North Carolina accident lawyer to understand your liability and ensure that any accident listed on your driving record accurately reflects fault.
After an accident, insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payout, which can lead to disputes over fault and coverage. An accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you are treated fairly and that you receive the compensation you deserve. This is especially important if the accident was not your fault and you need to ensure that it is reflected correctly on your record.
Furthermore, if you were wrongly accused of causing the accident or if you believe there is an error in how the accident has been reported, an accident attorney can assist in disputing the claim. Correcting inaccuracies is crucial for minimizing long-term impacts on your record and ensuring that your insurance rates are not unjustly increased.
If you need legal assistance following a vehicular accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our qualified accident attorneys at The Morgan Law Group. Call us at (984) 370-3590 or complete our online form and have your free consultation.
