Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries, stress, and financial problems for the people involved. If you’ve been hurt in a North Carolina drunk driving accident, it’s important to understand how insurance companies handle these claims and how a lawyer can help you get a fair settlement.
Let’s understand how insurance companies deal with drunk driving accident claims in North Carolina and how a lawyer can make the process easier for you.
How Insurance Companies Handle Drunk Driving Accident Claims
When someone gets into an accident while driving drunk, insurance companies usually handle the claim with more caution. This is because drunk driving is considered a serious form of negligence (carelessness) that can affect who is responsible for paying for the damages.
Here are four things you should know about how insurance companies manage these claims:
They Investigate the Accident Carefully
After a North Carolina drunk driving accident, the insurance company will investigate what happened. They’ll review police reports, witness statements, photos, and the drunk driver’s blood alcohol level (BAC).
The insurance adjuster will then determine fault and how much should be paid to cover your injuries and damages.
Alcohol Affects Who’s Responsible for the Accident
If the driver’s BAC is over the legal limit of 0.08%, they are at fault for the accident. In most cases, insurance companies will say the drunk driver is responsible.
However, some may argue the victim (you) wasn’t injured as much, or other factors caused the crash. This is why it’s important to have a lawyer who knows the law.
What Happens if the Drunk Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance
Sometimes, the drunk driver may not have enough insurance to cover all costs. In these cases, your own insurance might help pay for damages if you have “uninsured” or “underinsured” motorist coverage. Be sure to check your policy to see if this coverage applies and how it works.
Higher Settlements Because of the Drunk Driver’s Actions
Because drunk driving is serious carelessness, insurance companies often offer higher settlements. However, this doesn’t always mean you’ll get the full amount you deserve.
Insurance companies may try to settle for less, so it’s crucial to know your rights and work with a lawyer to get the best deal.
How a Lawyer Can Help You With Your Insurance Claim
Dealing with insurance companies after a drunk driving accident can be tricky. A lawyer who understands insurance law can help you avoid common mistakes that could lower your chances of getting fair compensation.
Here are five ways a drunk driving accident attorney can help:
Making Sure You Get a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly with lower offers. A lawyer will make sure you get a fair settlement based on your injuries, lost wages, and pain.
They know how to negotiate with the insurance company and will push for a higher payout that matches your needs.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Insurance policies can be confusing, especially if you need to use your own insurance for coverage.
A lawyer will help you understand your policy and make sure you get all the money you’re entitled to, whether it’s from the drunk driver’s insurance or your own.
Protecting Your Rights
Without a lawyer, you might make mistakes that hurt your claim. For example, you might accept a lower offer or forget to gather important evidence.
A drunk driving accident attorney will protect your rights and make sure you don’t accidentally hurt your chances of getting fair compensation.
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
A lawyer will help collect important evidence to support your claim. This could include police reports, medical records, accident photos, and statements from witnesses.
Having strong evidence is key to proving that the drunk driver was at fault and that you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Taking Your Case to Court if Needed
While many drunk driving accident claims are settled outside of court, sometimes the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement.
In those cases, your lawyer can take your case to court. They will represent you and fight for your rights, helping you get the compensation you deserve.
The End Note
If you’ve been injured in a North Carolina drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to understand how insurance companies handle these claims.
While drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries and higher settlements, insurers may try to pay less than you deserve.
An experienced drunk driving accident attorney can help you avoid mistakes, gather evidence, and ensure you get a fair settlement, allowing you to focus on recovery while they manage your case.
