Highway accidents in North Carolina, particularly on busy corridors like I-95, I-40, and I-85, claim hundreds of lives and cause thousands of injuries each year. With over 1,300 fatal crashes reported annually across the state, highways account for a disproportionate share due to high speeds, heavy traffic, and complex conditions. This article explores the most common causes of highway accidents in NC, backed by 2025 data, and offers insights to strengthen your claim while staying safe on the road.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains the leading cause of highway crashes in NC, contributing to 25% of all traffic fatalities. Cellphone use, texting, or adjusting navigation systems diverts attention, especially at 70+ mph speeds common on interstates.

• Impact in NC: A 2025 I-68 pile-up, killing one and injuring dozens, was linked to a driver distracted by a phone, triggering a chain reaction. NC’s hands-free law, effective 2023, bans handheld devices, yet violations persist.

• Claim Tip: Obtain dashcam footage or witness statements to prove distraction. Police reports noting phone use strengthen liability arguments against NC’s contributory negligence rule, which bars recovery if you’re even 1% at fault.
  
  

2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding contributes to 12% of NC’s fatal highway crashes, with interstates seeing higher rates due to lax enforcement and no statewide truck speed limits. Aggressive behaviors, like tailgating or weaving, exacerbate risks.

• 2025 Context: The FMCSA’s proposed speed limiter mandate for heavy trucks (2025) aims to curb high-speed collisions, but compliance lags. A recent I-35 crash in Texas, killing five, mirrors NC’s I-95 incidents where speeding trucks lost control.

• Claim Tip: Request black box data from commercial vehicles to confirm speeds. For personal vehicles, traffic camera footage or radar reports can establish fault.

3. Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs play a role in 30% of NC highway fatalities, with 2025 data showing persistent DUI issues despite stricter penalties. Nighttime crashes (6 PM-6 AM) are especially deadly, as seen in a 2025 I-55 truck-bus collision.

• NC Specifics: NC’s zero-tolerance policy for commercial drivers (BAC 0.04%) and standard DUI laws (0.08%) mean even low impairment levels trigger liability. Impaired drivers negate contributory negligence defenses in most cases.

• Claim Tip: Secure toxicology reports via police or your attorney. Witness accounts of erratic driving bolster claims.

4. Vehicle and Maintenance Failures

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or overloaded cargo cause 20% of highway crashes, particularly with commercial trucks. The 2025 Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) mandate aims to reduce rear-end collisions, but non-compliance by major carriers like those in recent bankruptcies (e.g., Dolche Truckload) increases risks.

• Impact: A 2025 I-68 multi-vehicle crash was traced to a truck’s brake failure, highlighting carrier negligence.

• Claim Tip: Subpoena maintenance logs and FMCSA inspection records to prove negligence. For related truck claims, explore truckeraccident.com.

5. Weather and Road Conditions

NC’s variable weather—rain, fog, or occasional ice—contributes to 15% of highway crashes, worsened by poor road maintenance like unlit signs or faded lane markers.

• 2025 Example: Hurricane-related flooding in NC led to a spike in hydroplaning accidents, with municipalities facing liability for uncleared drainage.

• Claim Tip: Document weather at the scene (e.g., photos of standing water). Public records requests can reveal neglected road upkeep.

6. Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations

Fatigue causes 10-20% of truck-related highway crashes, despite FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules limiting drivers to 11 hours driving after 10 off. Major carriers often push drivers to meet tight schedules.

• Recent Case: A 2025 NTSB report on a six-fatality chain-reaction crash cited driver fatigue from HOS violations.

• Claim Tip: Request electronic logging device (ELD) data to confirm violations, strengthening carrier liability.

Legal Considerations for NC Highway Claims

NC’s contributory negligence rule is a major hurdle—if you’re found even slightly at fault, recovery is barred. The three-year statute of limitations applies, but evidence fades fast on highways due to cleanup and traffic flow.

• Compensation: Covers medical costs ($50,000+ average for severe crashes), lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages (capped at $250,000 for gross negligence).

• Evidence: Dashcams, black box data, and 911 calls are critical to counter insurer tactics.
  
  

Steps to Avoid Crashes and Strengthen Claims

1. Drive Defensively: Avoid distractions, maintain safe distances, and use headlights in low visibility.

2. Document Immediately: Take scene photos, get witness contacts, and file a police report.

3. Seek Medical Care: Prompt treatment links injuries to the crash, countering contributory defenses.

4. Hire a Specialist: Attorneys like those at Hall & Dixon navigate NC’s tough laws and FMCSA rules.

5. File Promptly: Within three years to preserve rights; act faster for evidence.
   
   

Highway accidents, driven by distraction, speed, and negligence, demand robust legal action to overcome NC’s contributory negligence barrier. With settlements averaging $100,000-$1M for serious cases, acting fast is critical. Don’t let a crash derail your future—contact us today.