Under North Carolina law, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability limits of  $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The state does not take this financial responsibility lightly, and if you’re caught driving without coverage or with a lapsed policy, you can expect to face serious consequences. This is especially the case if you’re uninsured and involved in a car accident. Below is an overview of the legal risks you face under such circumstances.

Criminal Penalties of an Uninsured Car Accident

In some states, drivers who get into a car accident without insurance will simply receive a ticket and have to pay a fine. However, in North Carolina, this is a Class 3 misdemeanor offense. This means you will have a permanent criminal record in addition to being fined up to $150 and receiving 45 days of probation or jail time. It’s also possible to face harsher criminal charges if police believe you were driving recklessly or intoxicated at the time of the crash and another party suffered severe or fatal injuries. 

Risk of Personal Injury Lawsuit 

In a tort state such as North Carolina, suing an uninsured driver is a legal option. If you cause a car accident and don’t have coverage to pay for the other motorist’s losses, they can file a personal injury lawsuit to hold you financially responsible. The court can order that you pay them out of pocket or liquidate your personal assets to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the other driver was liable for the collision, the insurance company is likely to say you acted negligently by not having insurance, which can reduce your compensation for any injuries and property damage you sustained.  

If you’ve been in a car accident and weren’t insured according to the law—whether you were at fault or not—it’s essential to contact an attorney right away to find out what steps you should take next. Bates Law Firm PLLC has a qualified team of legal professionals who can advise you on your chances of recovering damages and avoiding penalties. They handle both traffic law and personal injury cases and have successfully represented countless residents throughout the North Carolina counties of Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union. Visit their website to learn more about the services they provide or call (704) 694-0195 to arrange a consultation.