In North Carolina, the legal system follows a contributory negligence rule, which allows the at-fault driver’s insurance company to deny a claim if the injured party is even 1% at fault. This means that even a minor level of negligence on the part of the injured person can result in the denial of their claim. For example, if someone enters an intersection without the right of way, but the injured person was going slightly over the speed limit at the time, they could be deemed 1% at fault and have their claim denied. Similarly, being involved in an accident while trying to get through a yellow light, though not explicitly illegal in North Carolina, could still lead to a 1% fault determination by the insurance company and a denied claim. If you still have questions about your claim contact us to find out your options.

In North Carolina, insurance companies are required to act reasonably when handling claims. They must promptly investigate claims, pay valid claims, and refrain from fraudulent misrepresentations or bullying tactics. If an insurance company acts in bad faith by delaying payment, wrongfully denying a claim, or lying to the policyholder, the plaintiff may be entitled to treble damages, which means they can receive three times the compensation for their damages. For instance, if a person’s car is totaled in an accident and the insurance company wrongfully denies the claim, forcing the individual to purchase a new vehicle out of pocket, the insurance company could be compelled to pay three times the cost of the replacement vehicle. If you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, you can seek assistance in pursuing a bad faith insurance claim. Contact us to find out more about your claim.

A Personal Injury Attorney discusses the kinds of damages car accident victims can expect to receive in North Carolina. These are:

1. General
2. Special
3. Punitive

Special damages include things like medical bills or lost wages. General damages include pain and suffering which insurance companies may not want to pay. While Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for some outrageous behavior, like drunk driving. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, be sure you’re getting all the damages you deserve. Call one of our Personal Injury Attorneys today!

Insurance companies are often viewed as prioritizing their own financial interests rather than the well-being of their policyholders. While they may not be inherently evil, their primary objective is to safeguard their bottom line. There are 3 top mistakes that can be made to decrease the amount of money you receive.

1. Placing trust in the adjuster assigned to their case. Adjusters are tasked with gathering information and asking questions, but their ultimate goal is to find grounds to deny the claim. Therefore, it is crucial not to naively assume that the adjuster has their best interests at heart.
2. Accepting a settlement offer that falls short of what the injured party truly deserves. Insurance companies have a clear understanding of the value of claims and often employ claims specialists or adjusters who may attempt to persuade claimants to settle for less. Without the knowledge of their claim’s true worth, individuals may unwittingly accept inadequate compensation.
3. Failing to negotiate with the insurance company. While the initial offer presented by the insurer may seem reasonable, it may not be their final and highest offer. Without the expertise of someone experienced in negotiating with insurance companies, claimants run the risk of settling for less than they deserve.

To avoid making these mistakes, it is advisable to consult a personal injury attorney before taking any actions that could jeopardize the claim or result in an inadequate settlement.