Find An Experienced Injury Lawyer Before Dealing With Insurance Companies. [Their Agents and Brokers Are Generally Not On Your Side]

When involved in an auto accident, or any other type of accident for that matter, you should never admit fault to anyone at the scene, including the other driver, witnesses or the police. As soon as possible following the accident you should notify your insurance company as there are strict filing deadlines in car accident claims, we also strongly recommend that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney from within the same state that the accident occurred.

Working with a local personal injury attorney will ensure that he or she knows the applicable injury laws and can give you the necessary legal advice with which to move forward with any claim for damages.
If you’ve already begun discussions with your insurance company following an accident, personal injury or damage to property, ensure there’s an actual paper-trail for any correspondence with your insurance company or their agents or representatives and keep all original documents safe.

Loss adjusters working on behalf of the insurance company will generally investigate a claim to determine the extent of loss and whether or not the claim is merited. They’ll be looking for ways in which to minimize any payout and in North Carolina, the focus will invariably be around establishing blame/fault for the accident or injury. Since North Carolina is one of only a handful of states where ‘contributory negligence’ is a factor in any claim, it’s essential that zero responsibility be attributed to you, if you plan to seek financial damages/compensation.

In many cases, if you receive an offer from an insurance company following a car accident it will be substantially lower than that to which you might be entitled, so don’t be quick to accept the insurance company’s first offer. Again, the role of a personal injury attorney working on your behalf will be to try to get the maximum award possible for your case, something which you’re not likely to accomplish if you’re representing yourself.

These are just a few of the things to think about when dealing with insurance companies following a car accident or other type of personal injury.
If you need help with your case or claim, contact our New Bern, NC offices today and speak with an experienced personal injury attorney ASAP.