In North Carolina, focus on clear, factual details you personally observed: who, where, when, how the crash happened, traffic controls, your lane/position, speeds and distances as estimates, weather/visibility, your evasive actions, injuries, and witnesses. Avoid opinions, blame, or speculation—North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means even small admissions can harm your claim. Submit your narrative in writing after you and your attorney review the police report and photos.
You are deciding what to include in a written accident narrative for an insurance adjuster in North Carolina. You want to know how to present the facts so the insurer can reassess liability without a recorded statement. Here, the other driver’s insurer has already leaned against you based on the report and photos, and your attorney suggested you provide a written account for review first.
Under North Carolina law, you generally do not have to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer. A written narrative lets you control accuracy and avoid misstatements. Because North Carolina follows contributory negligence, anything suggesting you shared fault can jeopardize recovery. The insurer’s claims process is the forum for your statement; there is no formal filing deadline for a narrative, but your overall claim is constrained by the statute of limitations (most personal injury claims have a three-year time limit; wrongful death is generally two years).
Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because the insurer relied on the police report and photos to deny liability, your narrative should fill gaps: clarify traffic signals or signs, your lane position and speed as estimates, visibility limits, and any evasive actions. Identify independent witnesses or cameras not noted in the report. Describe when and how symptoms began. Keep to measurable facts, because in North Carolina even minor admissions toward fault can defeat a claim under contributory negligence.
In North Carolina, a strong written accident account is factual, sequential, and specific: your lane and direction, signals and right-of-way, positions and distances as estimates, conditions and visibility, evasive actions, injuries, and witnesses—without blame or speculation. Because contributory negligence can defeat a claim, precision matters. Next step: draft your narrative and have your attorney review it before sharing it with the adjuster; keep the statute of limitations for filing suit in mind.
If you're dealing with an insurer that questioned liability and asked for your version of events, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you shape a clear, accurate narrative and protect your claim timeline. Reach out today at (919) 341-7055.
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.