STATE LAW – NORTH CAROLINA LIBRARY – GUIDE 23
North Carolina Auto Insurance & Crash Law Case Authority Library
This issue-organized authority index collects primary North Carolina statutes and leading appellate decisions for automobile insurance and crash-law research.
Core North Carolina Statutes
- N.C.G.S. §20-279.21 — motor-vehicle liability, UM and UIM coverage.
- N.C.G.S. §20-279.5 et seq. — financial-responsibility requirements.
- N.C.G.S. §44-49 and §44-50 — medical-provider liens.
- North Carolina remains a contributory-negligence jurisdiction subject to recognized doctrines including last clear chance.
Leading North Carolina Decisions
- Vernon v. Crist (N.C. 1977) — last-clear-chance doctrine and its relationship to contributory negligence.
- Arvin v. McClintock (N.C. 1961) — contributory negligence and the elements of last clear chance.
North Carolina’s motor-vehicle coverage rules have changed materially in recent years. Match every claim to the policy effective date and current version of §20-279.21, and check later appellate authority before relying on older cases.
Current-law review: September 23, 2026. Confirm subsequent history, statutory amendments, effective dates and current policy language before reliance.
PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION
VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.
Official North Carolina sources
North Carolina General Assembly · North Carolina Department of Insurance · North Carolina Judicial Branch