In one recent year, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reported that more than 284,000 traffic accidents occurred statewide. These collisions impacted hundreds of thousands of lives, causing injuries, emotional distress, and financial difficulties that placed heavy burdens on many.
Insurance companies are meant to play a significant role in easing these burdens. Insurance policies provide a financial safety net for accident victims, who can secure compensation for their losses by filing claims. Here’s what you need to know about the role of car insurance and accidents and how your insurance should work if you suffer crash injuries in North Carolina.
Do You Know Your Car Insurance Coverage Well?
North Carolina is a “fault-based” state when it comes to car insurance. In this system, the driver who causes an accident is responsible for covering the resulting injuries and damage. Victims typically seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Understanding your auto accident insurance coverage is essential in a fault-based system. There are several coverages that may be included in your policy:
Liability Coverage
All North Carolina drivers are required to carry liability insurance under state law. If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the other party’s medical bills, property repairs, and other losses up to your policy limits. Without liability coverage, you could be personally responsible for any costs the other party has in a car wreck. However, your liability insurance does not pay for your own losses.
North Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage are also key components of North Carolina auto insurance policies. UM coverage pays for your losses if the other driver has no insurance. UIM coverage helps you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all your losses. North Carolina also requires UM/UIM coverage.
Other First-Party Coverage
To protect yourself and your property, you might need additional first-party coverages, such as:
- Collision and comprehensive – You can purchase collision insurance to cover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Comprehensive insurance can cover non-accident-related events, such as damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, or weather. Both coverages are optional unless your lender requires them, but they can offer significant financial protection.
- MedPay – Although optional in North Carolina, medical payments (MedPay) coverage can also help by covering crash-related medical expenses regardless of fault.
You should review your policy carefully to ensure you understand the types and amounts of coverage you have. If you have questions about coverage or potential gaps, a lawyer can clarify your options.
How to File a Claim with Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident
Initiating a car accident claim with your insurance company begins with reporting the wreck as soon as possible. You can contact your insurance company through their claims hotline or online portal. Provide them with key details, including the date, time, and location of the collision. Share information about the other driver, including their insurance details and contact information. You should provide any pictures you took of vehicle damage or other relevant details at this time, too.
When speaking to your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. Request a claim number and keep all communications and documents related to your claim organized. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate your case. If you feel unsure about what to say or share, consult a Raleigh car accident attorney before providing detailed statements to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Negotiating a Settlement with an Insurance Company
Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for the lowest amount possible. Adjusters commonly use tactics such as downplaying the severity of your injuries, offering quick but low settlements, or questioning the need for specific treatments. Effective negotiation requires knowledge of your policy, the claims process, and the fair value of your losses.
Allowing your lawyer to handle settlement negotiations can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. A lawyer can assess the full scope of your losses, including future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. They can counter low offers with evidence-backed demands and negotiate assertively on your behalf. A lawyer can also verify that the insurer is following the law and not engaging in unfair practices. With legal representation, you can pursue maximum compensation.
Can Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Benefit an Insurance Claim?
A car accident lawyer can protect your interests and right to obtain fair compensation. Lawyers understand the complexities of insurance policies and the tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts. They can analyze your coverage, identify applicable benefits, and demand the full extent of any compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
Your attorney can also handle communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about making statements that could harm your car accident insurance claim. They can gather supporting evidence like medical records, repair estimates, and expert testimony. If the insurer denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, your lawyer can negotiate aggressively or file a lawsuit if necessary. With a lawyer on your side, you gain a trusted advocate focused on achieving a favorable outcome for your claim.
If You Need Help, Call Today for a Free Consultation!
When you choose Hardison & Cochran, you choose a firm that puts your needs first and works tirelessly on your behalf. Don’t just take our word for it – hear what our clients have to say:
“They did, in my opinion, an amazing job in terms of their speed and also getting me the absolute maximum settlement from my insurance provider. All of the people working at this office were extremely kind and helpful and I appreciate the help they gave me with this!”
– Austin S.
If you need help after a car crash in North Carolina, contact Hardison & Cochran today for a free initial consultation. Our team has more than 40 years of experience helping car accident victims in North Carolina. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and are committed to fighting for your rights and demanding the compensation you deserve.
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