Short Answer

In North Carolina, you usually prove fault in a rear-end crash by showing the trailing driver failed to keep a safe following distance and failed to maintain a proper lookout. But when you were turning (especially turning left), the other side often argues you contributed to the crash by turning unsafely or without proper signaling. Because North Carolina uses contributory negligence, even a small share of fault on you can block recovery, so the proof needs to address both what the rear driver did wrong and why your turn was safe.

Understanding the Problem

If you were driving in North Carolina and another driver hit you from behind while you were turning, the key question is: can you show the other driver’s unsafe following or inattention caused the crash, and can you also show you made the turn safely and with proper warning? This matters because the turning driver is often blamed for “cutting in” or stopping suddenly. Here, one important detail is that the impact was hard enough to make your vehicle spin.

Apply the Law

Most rear-end cases focus on whether the trailing driver acted reasonably under the circumstances. North Carolina traffic laws require drivers to avoid following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. At the same time, North Carolina law also requires a driver who is starting, stopping, or turning from a direct line to first make sure the movement can be made safely and to give a proper signal when other traffic may be affected. In a lawsuit, the other driver (or their insurer) may also raise contributory negligence, arguing your own driving helped cause the crash.

Key Requirements

• Prove the rear driver breached a duty: Show they followed too closely, weren’t paying attention, or couldn’t stop in time for normal traffic conditions.
• Prove causation: Connect that unsafe following/inattention to the impact (for example, they had enough time and distance to slow but didn’t).
• Prove you turned safely: Show you checked traffic, used the correct lane/position for the turn, and did not make an unsafe last-second movement.
• Prove you signaled properly: Show you gave a visible turn signal for the required distance before turning (or otherwise gave clear notice).
• Address contributory negligence early: Anticipate and rebut arguments like “no signal,” “sudden stop,” “turned from the wrong lane,” or “turned when it wasn’t safe.”
• Document injuries and timing: Medical records help connect the crash to your shoulder/elbow symptoms and reduce arguments that the pain is unrelated.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-152 (Following too closely) - Requires a driver not to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent for speed, traffic, and road conditions.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-154 (Signals on starting, stopping or turning) - Requires a driver to make sure a turn/movement can be made safely and to signal when other vehicles may be affected (with distance requirements for signaling).
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-153 (Turning at intersections) - Sets basic rules for how drivers must position and complete right and left turns at intersections.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139 (Burden of proof of contributory negligence) - Puts the burden on the party asserting contributory negligence to prove it.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: A rear impact strong enough to spin a vehicle often supports the argument that the trailing driver was too close, not paying attention, or traveling too fast for conditions. To strengthen fault proof, you also want evidence that your turn was predictable and lawful—meaning you signaled in advance and began the turn only when it was safe. Your later medical care for left shoulder and elbow pain helps document that the crash caused real injuries, which matters when the insurer pushes a low settlement.

Process & Timing

1. Who builds the proof: The injured driver (and their attorney, if hired). Where: Start with the investigating law enforcement agency and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) crash report system. What: Request the officer’s crash report and any supplemental materials (diagram, listed witnesses, and any citations). When: Do this as soon as possible while memories and video footage are still available.
2. Preserve independent evidence: Gather photos of vehicle damage (especially rear damage and any spin-related marks), the roadway/intersection layout, and your turn path; identify and contact witnesses; request nearby business or dashcam footage quickly because many systems overwrite within days or weeks.
3. Build the “turn was safe” timeline: Collect phone records (to rebut distraction claims), your medical records, and any documentation showing you used your signal and were already established in the turn lane or proper position before impact. If a lawsuit is filed, formal discovery (written questions, document requests, and depositions) can lock in the other driver’s story and expose inconsistencies.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “You turned when it wasn’t safe” defense: If the other side can show you started the turn without ensuring it could be made safely, they may argue contributory negligence.
• “No signal / late signal” defense: If your signal was not used or not used long enough before the turn, the insurer may claim the rear driver had no fair warning.
• Sudden stop argument: Rear drivers often say the lead driver stopped abruptly. Evidence that you were slowing normally for a turn (and signaling) helps counter this.
• Over-relying on the crash report: A report can help, but it may be incomplete or contain errors. Photos, witnesses, and objective data often matter more in disputed cases.
• Gaps in medical treatment: Long delays or inconsistent care can give the insurer room to argue your shoulder/elbow pain came from something else.
• Recorded statements to the insurer: Casual wording like “I didn’t see them” or “I might not have signaled long” can be used to argue you contributed to the crash.

Conclusion

To prove the other driver was at fault in a North Carolina rear-end crash while you were turning, focus on evidence that the trailing driver followed too closely or failed to keep a proper lookout, and also show your turn was made safely and with proper signaling. Because contributory negligence can defeat a claim, you must be ready to rebut arguments that your turn caused the collision. Next step: request the investigating officer’s crash report and preserve any available video footage as soon as possible.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a rear-end crash dispute where the insurer is blaming your turn and offering a low settlement, an attorney can help you gather the right proof, address contributory negligence arguments, and track deadlines. Reach out today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.