3 Red Flags You May Need To Contact A Lawyer After a Car Accident Injury in North Carolina
A car accident can be jarring, leaving you unsure about what to do next. In North Carolina, knowing when to seek legal help may greatly impact your case’s outcome. Let’s explore three red flags that may suggest it’s time to talk to an attorney following a car accident injury in North Carolina.
🚩 Red Flag #1: The Insurance Company Rushes You to Settle
Be wary if the insurance company tries to close your claim during your first conversation. This eagerness often means they want to cut costs. Usually, you’ve only seen a doctor once by this point, and you may not fully grasp your injuries’ extent or how you’ll feel in the coming weeks or months.
Accepting an early offer can cause problems later, especially if your injuries need ongoing care or have lasting effects. If you get an offer and have doubts, seek professional advice. Remember, once you agree to settle and finalize a bodily injury claim, it’s done. An attorney can help clarify your situation.
🚩 Red Flag #2: Disagreements About Who’s at Fault
The second sign involves disputes over who caused the accident. Often, a police report may point to one party being at fault, but further investigation can reveal a different story. After discussing the crash details with a lawyer, it might become clear that the initial assessment was wrong. For example, video from a nearby camera could support your claim and show you weren’t at fault.
If the insurance company denies your claim or tries to blame you, consider talking to an attorney. They can investigate these disagreements and work towards a fair solution.
🚩 Red Flag #3: Not Enough Insurance Coverage
The third sign is when there’s insufficient insurance to cover your damages. In North Carolina, drivers must have at least $30,000 in coverage. If your injuries and related costs exceed this amount, you might wonder what to do next. It’s important to know that just because the minimum coverage is low doesn’t mean you have to accept it as the final recovery.
In this situation, contacting a lawyer is important. They can help find any other applicable insurance policies that might provide more coverage. They can also assess the defendant’s finances to see if there are any assets that could be used for compensation.
Conclusion
Recognizing these signs can help you make smart choices after a car crash injury in North Carolina. If you encounter any of these situations—rushed settlement offers, debates about fault, or inadequate insurance coverage—it might be time to contact a lawyer. An experienced car accident injury attorney can offer guidance, support your case, and work towards a resolution.
Hardison & Cochran handles car accident injury claims across the state of North Carolina. If you have questions, contact us 24/7.