Under North Carolina law, a car accident victim has two separate types of claims: personal injury claims and property damage claims.
Recent developments in North Carolina law have favored those who have suffered property damage and property loss due to car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle and pedestrian accidents. North Carolina Insurance Commission regulations have virtually tied the hands of insurance companies and compelled them to pay fairly for vehicle damage and property damage claims.
Nonetheless, it is important to protect your rights when seeking compensation for property damage. If you have questions about your insurance claim, consult with an experienced North Carolina property damage claims lawyer. Our law practice deals only with injury claims arising from motor vehicle and roadway accidents. We help our clients with related property damage claims for free, and we stand ready to make sure your property damage claims are paid in full.
The attorneys at Nagle & Associates, P.A., have extensive experience handling property damage claims for clients from Winston Salem, Raleigh, Charlotte, throughout North Carolina and nationwide. We can help you make sure you obtain full and fair compensation for your property damage as well as your personal injuries.
If you were injured in a car accident and are in contact with insurance adjusters about your property damage claim, restrict all your conversations with them to property damage matters. Anything you say about your personal injury could hurt your case. As a former insurance adjuster, Mr. Nagle knows that property damage claims adjusters seek to earn your trust, and they use the property damage claim discussions as a tool to gain advantage in the injury claims. Friendly adjuster are typically the best at securing deeply discounted, unfair settlements in the injury case. Don't talk about your injuries or medical history when seeking payment for property damage. Be very careful about what you say and what you sign.
North Carolina Property Damage Claims
The following is a summary of important facts regarding property damage claims in North Carolina:
- The insurance company owes you the amount of either repair or replacement (a/k/a total loss), whichever is less.
- North Carolina law requires the insurance company to handle the claim as a total loss whenever the estimated repair cost equals or exceeds 75 percent of the fair market value of the vehicle.
- Insurance companies are allowed to utilize used parts in having vehicles repaired, as long as those parts are of equal or superior quality.
- Insurance companies are also allowed to use reconditioned and aftermarket parts to repair car accident damage.
- You can choose the body shop! It is a common and allowed practice for the insurance company to have "preferred repair facilities," but it is your absolute right to choose the body/repair shop who handles your car accident repairs.
- While your car is being repaired, the at-fault driver's liability insurance must pay for a rental car throughout a reasonable repair period.
- If your vehicle has not been crashed and repaired previously, you may also collect additional compensation for the diminished value of your vehicle.
If you have questions about your property damage claim, it is important to consult with an experienced North Carolina accident lawyer. Our lawyers can help you understand your rights and seek full and fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Contact Us • North Carolina Insurance Lawyers
Winston-Salem personal injury attorney Carl Nagle is a former insurance adjuster and insurance defense lawyer. His knowledge and insurance claims experience helps our firm's clients get the most out of their property damage claims.
For a free consultation, call Nagle & Associates toll free at (800) 411-1583, or contact us by e-mail. We offer FREE immediate telephone consultations with a skilled North Carolina property damage claims attorney. We aggressively defend people who have been injured while driving in Winston Salem, Raleigh, Charlotte and throughout North Carolina.
