Accidents With Uninsured And Underinsured Drivers

Accidents Caused By Uninsured Or Underinsured Drivers

If you find yourself injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you need to determine if you have a specific provision in your insurance policy called uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage serves as a lifeline in such situations, providing financial recovery to the injured party and essentially serving as a safety net for those who find themselves in accidents with drivers who lack insurance or have inadequate coverage.

Contacting Your Insurance Company After An Auto Accident

After an auto accident in North Carolina, I strongly advise contacting your own insurance company – whether or not you were at fault. Your own insurance may have collision coverage that can address the property damage to your vehicle. This is particularly helpful if the at-fault party’s insurance company is slow to investigate the claim, which can sometimes take weeks or even months, or if you need your car back on the road as quickly as possible. Your own insurance can help expedite the repairs or replacement of your vehicle through this coverage. There may also be medical benefits available to you, even if you are not at fault. In North Carolina, this is typically referred to as medical payments coverage, while in other states, it might be known as PIP coverage. These coverages can assist with medical expenses, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care following the accident.

The Importance Of Seeking Prompt Medical Treatment

When filing an auto-accident injury claim in North Carolina, it is imperative you understand the importance of seeking medical treatment as soon as possible. First and foremost, your health should always be your number one priority. Prompt medical attention is essential to ensure you recover and address any injuries promptly. But beyond this, seeking immediate medical treatment helps document your injuries. This documentation serves as invaluable evidence when presenting your case to the insurance company responsible for the loss later in the process.

Sharing Information With The Hospital

While it’s essential to seek medical treatment promptly, it’s equally important to be cautious about the information you share with the hospital. Anything you say to medical providers could potentially be used against you and hurt your case. For instance, if you mention a preexisting injury or a history of back pain that wasn’t related to the incident, the insurance company might use this information to argue that your current injury isn’t entirely the result of the accident. Additionally, medical records may be scrutinized, so any inconsistencies or contradictions within them can potentially work against you. Be transparent and accurate in your interactions with medical providers to avoid any complications down the road in your personal injury case.

Communication With The At-Fault Insurance Party

When it comes to the at-fault insurance party, they may reach out to you. However, if you’re represented by an attorney, you won’t need to speak with them directly. This is an important safeguard because speaking directly with the at-fault party’s insurance can sometimes lead to making statements unintentionally that could potentially harm your case. It’s wise to limit your contact with them as much as possible, and this is where having an attorney take the lead and handle the communication on your behalf can really pay off.

Timeline

How long it takes for an insurance company to reach a decision on a personal injury claim in North Carolina depends on the specifics of the claim. Sometimes, they may make a decision on the same day, while in other cases, it might take them up to three months to reach a conclusion. The timeline hinges on the unique circumstances of the accident and the complexity of the case. Some cases are straightforward and easy to resolve, while others require thorough investigation, such as determining the extent of coverage, making the process more time-consuming. For more information on Auto-Accident Injury Claims In North Carolina, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (704) 324-8500 today.