NC H850

Creates a permissive inference in civil lawsuits that mobile phone use was a proximate cause of crashes resulting in death or serious injury.

Applies when the trier of fact finds a mobile phone or additional technology, as defined in G.S. 20-137.3, was in use by a driver at the time of a reportable crash.

Allows jurors to infer causation between mobile phone use and crash injuries, but does not require such a finding.

Becomes effective October 1, 2011, and applies only to causes of action arising on or after that date.