Can I Make an Insurance Claim if I Was Hit by a Car While Walking in North Carolina?

Being struck by an inattentive or reckless driver can be one of the most frightening experiences possible for a pedestrian. The human body is not made to withstand an impact with a vehicle weighing over 2,000 pounds that is moving at speed. The injuries inflicted upon a walker by a car are often severe and require substantial medical treatment and recovery time.

If you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you likely have hefty medical expenses and other losses stemming from the accident. Many victims wonder if they can file a car insurance claim for these damages. The good news is that you should be able to make a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance for your losses. However, there are factors that can complicate this process and make it more difficult to recover full compensation. A knowledgeable North Carolina personal injury lawyer can tell you what you need to know about filing pedestrian accident claims and why speaking with an experienced lawyer first can be beneficial.

How Do You File a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident Injury?

North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state, so if you have been hit by a vehicle while walking, you have the option to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance for your damages.

To ensure that you have the best possible chance of receiving the maximum compensation for your claim, take these important steps following the accident:

What is the Minimum Insurance Coverage Required by State Law?

Under state law, every driver must carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Depending on their insurance, some drivers may have more coverage, but these are the minimum amounts.

While these limits may seem high, your damages can quickly exceed the coverage limits if you have serious injuries. If the driver’s coverage is insufficient to compensate you for your losses, you can file a personal injury lawsuit for the remainder of your damages.

What if the At-fault Driver Had No Auto Insurance?

By law, every North Carolina driver is required to maintain auto insurance. Sadly, many drivers do not follow the law. Some estimates put the number of uninsured drivers on the roads as high as one in seven. Luckily, you still have options for recovery if the individual who struck you did not have insurance:

What if I Was the Victim of a Hit-and-run Accident?

Law enforcement will undertake an investigation using eyewitness reports, video evidence, and an analysis of the accident site to identify the driver who hit you. If the individual is caught, you may seek civil damages on top of the criminal charges they are likely to face. In cases where the driver cannot be identified, you may utilize your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for your expenses.

Why Can Pedestrian Injury Claims in North Carolina Be Complex?

North Carolina is one of only a few states in the US that still operate under a contributory negligence system. Under contributory negligence, a victim can only seek damages from an at-fault party if they shared no fault in the accident. As unfair as it seems, if the defendant can prove that you were even one percent responsible for the pedestrian accident, you may be barred from recovery.

However, there are some key exceptions to this rule that the court may take into consideration. A skilled Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer can examine the circumstances of your accident, determine if any exceptions may apply, and build a solid case to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How Can a North Carolina Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help You?

If you’ve been hit by a driver while walking, it is crucial to take action promptly to begin the process of recovering compensation for your damages. Waiting too long to file a claim with the insurance company or civil court can result in your claim being denied or dismissed. An experienced personal injury lawyer from Harman Law can identify the proper actions to take based on the details of your case and can ensure that you meet all the necessary deadlines for filing an insurance claim. Our helpful legal team can handle all aspects of your pedestrian accident case while you focus on healing and recovering. Contact our law firm online today or call us at 704-286-0947 to schedule a free consultation.

FAQs

Can I file an insurance claim if I was hit by a car while walking in North Carolina?
Yes, because North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state, you have the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your damages. However, factors such as insufficient coverage limits or a dispute over fault can complicate the process, so speaking with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer before giving any statements to an insurance adjuster is strongly advised.
What steps should I take immediately after being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian in North Carolina?
You should seek immediate medical attention, call the police to file a report, and collect the driver’s name, address, and insurance information along with contact details from any eyewitnesses. It is also important to photograph the accident scene and your injuries, and to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
What is the minimum auto insurance coverage a driver must carry in North Carolina?
North Carolina law requires every driver to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. If your injuries are severe, your damages can quickly exceed these minimum limits, and in that situation you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover the remainder of your losses.
What are my options if the driver who hit me did not have auto insurance in North Carolina?
You may file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, use any MedPay coverage you carry to address medical expenses, or pursue a civil lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. North Carolina law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, but a significant number of drivers remain uninsured, making uninsured motorist coverage an important protection for pedestrians.
What happens if I was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while walking in North Carolina?
Law enforcement will investigate the incident using eyewitness accounts, video footage, and analysis of the accident scene in an attempt to identify the driver who fled. If the driver is not identified, your own uninsured motorist coverage may serve as a critical source of compensation for your injuries and other losses.