Car accidents in North Carolina can hurt you physically, financially, and emotionally. It often becomes confusing for victims to decide on a fair settlement as they face medical bills, property damage, and a future shadowed by lost wages or reduced earning capacity. It doesn’t stop here, as North Carolina laws present unique obstacles that can make it harder to get compensated.
An experienced North Carolina lawyer can review the case, protect against insurance company fault-shifting, and present a strong case for full compensation. But some factors directly impact what you can expect as a settlement.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in NC?
The average car accident settlement in North Carolina is hard to pin down because it depends on many factors, including injury severity, fault determination, and the specifics of the accident. Understanding these things is important if you’re seeking compensation after an accident. In 2022, national averages gave us some insight. During that time, bodily injury claims averaged $24,211 and property damage claims averaged $5,313.
In North Carolina, contributory negligence is a big deal; if you’re 1% at fault, you can lose your right to any compensation. This strict rule means accident victims need to present a clear case showing the other driver was 100% at fault.
And insurance coverage limits in North Carolina can impact the settlement amount. The minimum liability insurance requirements are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage but these amounts may not cover the cost of a serious accident. Similarly, other factors can have a direct impact on the settlement amount in North Carolina. For instance:
Injuries
Minor injuries (bruises or sprains) tend to have lower settlements, while major injuries (spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries) have much higher settlements. Long term or permanent injuries mean more medical bills and ongoing treatment, which increases the value of the settlement.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses directly related to the accident like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If the injury prevents the victim from working, they can also claim lost wages or even diminished earning capacity if their future income is affected. Property damage from the accident (vehicle repairs or replacement) adds to the economic damages and is usually easier to calculate.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life fall into this category. These damages are the intangible costs of an accident to someone’s life, their mental well-being, and daily activities. While harder to quantify, non-economic damages are important to get full compensation to accident victims and often make up a big chunk of the settlement.
Legal Representation
Not having an experienced attorney can also make all the difference in a car accident case. Good lawyers know North Carolina law and how to negotiate with insurance companies. They make sure victims are treated fairly and get full compensation by using a strong legal strategy. An attorney’s willingness to go to trial can force insurance companies into offering fair settlements because insurers hate to go to court.
Endnote
Several factors determine a fair settlement for an auto accident in NC. It is relatively easy to seek redress for your physical pain or suffering incurred during the accident, but you require professional help to fill all your emotional grievances as well. Be sure to choose the best attorney to fight your case and win the maximum possible compensation.
