Raleigh Contributing Circumstances Crash Report
A crucial element of the North Carolina Crash Report Form DMV-349 is Section 14 to 19, which describes the contributing circumstances of the crash. North Carolina follows the law of contributory negligence and this section of the crash report will be instrumental in determining the liability of the driver(s) and any third parties involved in the accident.
Therefore, it is important to understand the Raleigh contributing circumstances crash report – section 14-19. A capable car accident attorney can thoroughly explain the report to you, so you can have a firm grasp on the facts of your case.
(14-19) Contributing Circumstances, Driver
This section contains a list of circumstances that contributed to or caused the crash. As the instructions note, there can be multiple reasons for the collision but not more than three. The possible contributing factors are below:
- No contributing circumstances indicated
- Disregarded yield sign
- Disregarded stop sign
- Disregarded other traffic signs
- Disregarded traffic signals
- Disregarded road markings
- Exceeded the authorized speed limit
- Exceeded safe speed for conditions
- Failure to reduce speed
- Improper turn
- Right turn on red
- Crossed centerline/going wrong way
- Improper lane change
- Use of improper lane
- Overcorrected/oversteered
- Passed stopped school bus
- Passed on hill
- Passed on curve
- Other improper passing
- Failed to yield right of way
- Inattention
- Improper backing
- Improper parking
- Driver distracted
- Improper or no signal
- Followed too closely
- Operated vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, or aggressive manner
- Swerved or avoided due to wind, slippery surface, vehicle, object, non-motorist
- Visibility obstructed
- Operated defective equipment
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Other* (Write in Narrative)
- Unable to determine
- Unknown
Establishing Fault in a Car Accident Case
Often, these causes of action denote the fault or negligence of at least one of the drivers involved. When negligence contributes to an accident, the injured party can pursue compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can review the contributing circumstances and help determine whether one party may be held liable.
To be eligible for compensation in a personal injury case, North Carolina law requires the injured party to prove that the other motorist’s negligence led to the accident. They may also have to establish that their negligence did not in any way contribute to the accident. Elements that are necessary to prove negligence include:
- The other motorist had a duty of care
- Their breach of that duty
- Injury resulting due to the breach
- The injury led to damages
Why Consult a Raleigh Car Accident Lawyer About a Contributing Circumstances Crash Report – Section 14-19?
If you were injured in a car crash, it is essential to be able to prove that the fault lies with the other motorist and not you. A motivated North Carolina car accident attorney can evaluate your Raleigh contributing circumstances crash report – section 14-19 and assist you in holding the other party accountable. This can help you receive the compensation that is owed to you for injuries sustained.
