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.

Publication review note — September 17, 2026. Confirm subsequent history, statutory amendments, effective dates and current policy language before reliance.