How Insurance Companies Devalue Car Accident Claims in North Carolina?

After a car accident, victims often expect their insurance company to cover damages fairly, but this is not always the case. How insurance companies devalue car accident claims in North Carolina comes down to several tactics designed to minimize payouts

Insurance companies seek methods to minimize settlement payouts by implementing tactics such as delaying claims processing and applying North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence rule to avoid paying compensation. Victims often accept minimal settlement amounts because they do not know they could receive greater compensation.

Insurance adjusters sometimes challenge medical expense claims and underestimate vehicle damage while misreading policy terms. Learning these strategies ensures you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident. A thorough understanding of your rights provides you with the tools to combat these unjust practices.

Local Car Accident Statistics in North Carolina

North Carolina experienced 284,157 traffic crashes in 2023, which represented a 3.8% increase from 2022. Fatalities reduced to 1,686, which represented a 5.5% decline from the previous year, but the number of injuries climbed to 115,009, indicating a 4% increase.

Additionally, 23.1% of all traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, and alcohol-related crashes resulted in 377 deaths. Distracted driving continued to pose risks on North Carolina roads, contributing to 16.9% of all crashes. While pedestrian deaths decreased by 7.1%, the number of bicyclist fatalities doubled when compared to 2022. Drivers who understand these patterns can maintain awareness and safety when traveling on North Carolina roads.

Using North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule to Deny Claims

Under North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence system, you cannot receive compensation if you hold even 1% responsibility for the accident. Insurance firms exploit the stringent contributory negligence rule by claiming that victims are partially responsible for their own injuries because of minor mistakes such as going slightly over the speed limit or failing to signal a turn.

Adjusters use recorded statements together with inconsistent accident reports to establish partial fault and deny claims. Many accident victims in North Carolina are completely denied compensation because of this law. You should protect your claim by not admitting fault and speaking carefully to insurance companies while seeking legal advice if liability becomes a contested issue.

Lowball Settlement Offers and Delayed Payments

Insurance companies in North Carolina employ a frequent strategy to minimize car accident claims by presenting fast, minimal payment offers before victims fully realize the damage extent. Due to financial pressure, victims often accept these insufficient settlement offers without realizing they could be eligible for more.

Insurers intentionally slow down claim processing to make victims frustrated so they will accept a lower settlement. Insurers delaying payments prompts numerous complaints to the North Carolina Department of Insurance relating to supplemental damage claims.

People should reject initial offers before confirming all costs because they must account for future medical expenses and lost income. Seeking legal advice helps you achieve a fair settlement agreement.

Disputing Medical Treatment and Injury Severity

North Carolina insurance companies often dispute medical expenses and injury severity to minimize settlement payouts. Insurance firms often argue that pre-existing conditions account for injuries while asserting their severity is minimal and medical treatment unwarranted when patients delay doctor visits.

Accident-related injuries lead to heavy patient loads at emergency rooms and urgent care facilities throughout Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, including Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, and Cone Health Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

Health insurance companies often refuse to pay for chiropractic services or physical therapy sessions, which patients frequently receive following vehicular accidents. In claim disputes, victims need to keep records of their medical treatment while also consulting with legal professionals.

FAQs

Q: How Does North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law Affect My Car Accident Claim?

A: In North Carolina, the pure contributory negligence law prevents individuals who hold any fault from receiving compensation. Insurance companies frequently apply this rule to reject claims by stating that victims played a part in causing the accident.

Under this strict law, you must refrain from accepting liability at the scene and seek legal counsel before discussing your case with insurance representatives. The responsibility of the opposing party can be demonstrated through police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.

Q: What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement?

A: Accident victims often receive low settlement offers from insurance companies that hope they will agree to these offers before understanding their complete damages. Before accepting any settlement offer, make certain to analyze your medical bills, along with lost wages and vehicle repair costs.

Settlements in North Carolina must address both present and future expenses resulting from the accident. You can negotiate or seek legal help when an offer fails to meet fair compensation standards.

Q: Can I Claim Compensation for Diminished Vehicle Value in North Carolina?

A: Drivers in North Carolina have the right to make diminished value claims when their cars lose market value after being repaired. A vehicle with a history of accidents tends to be valued less by buyers even after it undergoes complete repairs.

The practice of insurance companies frequently undervaluing these claims necessitates obtaining an independent appraisal. North Carolina permits vehicle owners to seek diminished value compensation through the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in North Carolina?

A: The statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims from car accidents in North Carolina is set at three years. A lawsuit needs to be filed within three years from the accident date when a settlement hasn’t been reached. A wrongful death claim must be filed within two years when the accident results in a fatality. If you miss the deadline to file your claim, you will lose your legal right to receive compensation.

Contact Steven T. Meier, PLLC

Insurance companies use various tactics to devalue car accident claims in North Carolina, making it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. Understanding these strategies can help protect your rights. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we fight for accident victims to ensure they get the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for experienced legal representation.