An injury from a car accident can be very debilitating. Not only do you experience pain and physical limitations, but you must also endure multiple doctor’s appointments and time missed from work. You may even have missed an important once in a lifetime personal event. You have probably wondered how much money you will receive if you file an insurance claim or lawsuit. If you are a North Carolina driver, the answer depends on whose fault the accident was, what your medical bills amounted to and how much damage was done to your car. The type of injuries you have may also affect how much money you will get.
Insurance Rules in NC
Different states have different laws when it comes to auto insurance. Some states have a no-fault rule when it comes to auto insurance. If you live in a no-fault state, your own insurance company will have to pay your accident-related bills, no matter who caused the accident. North Carolina is a fault state, which means that the insurance company of the at-fault driver will pay the bills in an accident. However, if you want the insurance company to pay anything, you must prove that the other driver was completely at fault and that you did nothing at all to cause the collision. If you were at fault at all, the insurance company may deny the claim.
It is very important to take the proper actions and collect all of the information an insurance company will need to settle your claim. Always call the police, wait for an officer to arrive and request a copy of the accident report. Most personal injury attorneys in Durham, North Carolina would advise you never to admit to guilt at the scene. It is also a good idea to get the names and numbers of any witnesses. Your insurance company will need the at-fault driver’s name, number, and insurance information.
How Do Fees Factor into the Worth of My Claim?
If your car was totaled in an accident, you may be entitled to recover the title transfer fees in addition to the cost of the new car. If you hire an attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, you may not factor the attorney’s fees into your settlement. Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency basis, so they will only get money if you do. In the unlikely event that your case goes to court, you will not be able to recover attorney fees as part of your settlement.
Crash Statistics North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the most dangerous states in the country in terms of traffic safety. There were 1,412 deaths on the state’s highways in 2017 alone. Alcohol and a lack of seat belt usage played a large part in these accidents.
How Can I Schedule an Appointment?
It is always a good idea to consult with an attorney before you even call your insurance company. A trained and experienced personal injury attorney can help you to negotiate with the insurance adjuster and get you a fair settlement. You can call an attorney for a consultation or click to visit a website.
Authoritative Sources
- https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/study-nc-ranks-among-worst-states-for-deadly-car-crashes/275-603897545
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-fault_insurance
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