You can sue for more than the policy limit in North Carolina if your injuries prove serious enough. This situation is known as an “excess verdict.” Understanding how this works is crucial for seeking fair compensation since a liable party’s insurance policy may not cover all your expenses, such as ongoing medical bills and reduced earning capacity.
A Charlotte car accident lawyer can guide you through the challenges of pursuing compensation beyond insurance limits, which involves filing a personal injury lawsuit. They can investigate your collision, build your case, and make sure to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
North Carolina’s Minimum Insurance Policy Requirements
A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can review the liable party’s insurance policy to see if it would cover your damages. Unfortunately, the state’s minimum insurance requirements often do not meet the needs of victims who suffer severe injuries.
In North Carolina, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to protect against damages resulting from car accidents. The state mandates that drivers have at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
While these minimum insurance requirements are designed to provide some level of financial protection, they may not be sufficient to cover the costs associated with serious injuries sustained in an accident. For example, if you suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care, the costs can quickly exceed the policy limits.
What if Your Injuries Exceed the Liable Party’s Policy Limits?
In such cases, relying solely on the minimum insurance coverage can leave you facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. This is particularly concerning for individuals who may experience lost wages, ongoing medical needs, and other related costs as a result of their injuries.
Understanding the limitations of North Carolina’s minimum insurance requirements is essential. If your injuries exceed the available coverage, a lawyer can help you explore your options for pursuing additional compensation through an excess verdict or other legal avenues. This may involve filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover the full extent of your damages.
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A Lawyer Can Help You Sue for More Than the Policy Limit
If your injuries exceed the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits, a car accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit. The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your case, where an attorney will assess the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the financial damages you have incurred.
Once a lawyer determines that filing a lawsuit is necessary, they will guide you through each step of the legal process. This includes gathering essential evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a compelling case. A well-documented claim is critical for demonstrating the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life.
In cases involving excess verdicts, a lawyer will articulate the justification for seeking compensation beyond the insurance policy limits. They will effectively present your case in court, arguing for the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to your injuries.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
By having an attorney represent you, you enhance your chances of securing a favorable outcome. They will advocate for your rights and work to seek the compensation you deserve, even if it means pursuing a judgment that exceeds the available insurance coverage.
How Long You Have to Sue for More Than the Policy Limit in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve been injured in a car accident, you have a limited timeframe within which to initiate legal action. Failing to file your lawsuit within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations applies to various aspects of personal injury claims, including those involving excess verdicts. If your injuries exceed the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits and you intend to pursue additional compensation, you must still adhere to this three-year deadline under N.C. Stat. § 1-52(5).
Given this strict deadline, it is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An experienced lawyer can ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly, protecting your rights and helping you handle any potential exceptions to the standard time limit.
Types of Damages You Can Pursue
When filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident, it’s important to understand the various types of damages you may be entitled to pursue. Potential compensation may cover both economic and non–economic damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical care related to your car accident injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery, as well as any potential future earnings if your injuries impact your ability to work.
- Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Assistive Devices: Expenses for necessary aids, such as wheelchairs or braces, that may be required for your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you experience as a result of your injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse or family member for the loss of companionship and support due to the injured party’s condition.
A lawyer can help you assess the full extent of your damages and ensure that all relevant factors are considered when pursuing compensation. By effectively documenting and presenting your case, an attorney can advocate for the maximum amount of damages you deserve based on the impact of the accident on your life.
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Our Attorneys Will Help You Sue for More Than the Policy Limit in North Carolina
If your injuries exceed the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits, understanding your options, including the potential for an excess verdict, is crucial. With the right legal representation, you can effectively seek the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. We will handle negotiations with insurance while you recover.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we have successfully obtained over $1 billion in case results for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to
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