It doesn’t matter is your personal injury claim comes from an accident in small town North Carolina on the Outer Banks. We see the fingerprints of Colossus on lowball settlement offers on a regular basis.

If you received a settlement offer from a major insurance company like Allstate, USAA, or Farmers, you might be shocked by how low the number is. Did the adjuster ignore or fail to properly account for and address your pain and suffering, your sleepless nights, doctors and physical therapy visits, and the disruption to your daily life?

In an ever-increasing number of accident cases, there’s a good chance a human did not calculate the value of your non-economic damages. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer program called Colossus may have.

We think it helps to understand AI personal injury settlement software and how it converts physical suffering into “severity points,” detailing the specific strategies we use to encourage the insurance adjuster to step up, apply some good-old-fashioned human common sense, and pay what your accident case is actually worth.

If the big insurance companies don’t do the right thing when their client is clearly negligent, we also think it helps if your attorney has tried a case or two in court, holding them accountable.

Danny Glover is a litigator. In fact, he’s a former President of North Carolina Advocates for Justice (Trial Lawyers). Danny knows his way around the courtroom and is ready, willing and able to put that substantial knowledge and experience to work for clients who aren’t being treated right by the insurance carrier.

Every claim obviously involves unique facts and twists and turns. If you suspect your settlement offer has been generated by a computer rather than a person, OBX accident lawyer Danny Glover at the Glover Law Firm invites you to reach out for a confidential consultation. Call now: 252-299-5300

What is Colossus?

Colossus is a computer program licensed by some of the nation’s largest insurance carriers to evaluate bodily injury claims. Originally designed to minimize variance between adjusters, it has evolved into a tool that systematically reduces payout amounts.

The software works by converting medical data into a numerical score. The adjuster inputs data from your medical records, specifically diagnosis codes (ICD-10) and treatment notes. The program then assigns “severity points” to your injury. These points are multiplied by a dollar value to generate a settlement range. If your pain is not translated into the specific language Colossus understands, the software seems to assume it does not exist.

The “Garbage In, Garbage Out” Problem

A substantial flaw with Colossus is that it likely relies entirely on the input of the insurance adjuster, who is clearly incentivized, if not instructed, to save the company money. When insurance companies don’t make full and fair settlement when they have clear liability, that’s profitable for them.

Indeed, insurance companies make money on others’ pain and suffering when they improperly deny a claim or limit the final settlement amount.

To be clear, the insurance company represents their best interests, not yours – Danny Glover, OBX Accident Lawyer

It doesn’t help if the adjuster fails to input a specific symptom or “value driver,” resulting in software generating a lower settlement offer.

To understand the difference between how a human jury sees your case and how Colossus sees it, consider this comparison:

Why “Duties Under Duress” Matter

One of the most critical value drivers in the Colossus system is a concept called Duties Under Duress. The software is programmed to award extra points if a victim continues to perform daily activities despite being in pain.

Most clients try to be tough. They tell their doctor, “I’m managing.” That is a mistake in the eyes of the algorithm. To trigger the additional value points, your medical records must explicitly state that you are performing specific tasks, such as working, housekeeping, or yard work, while experiencing pain. If this is not documented in the medical notes, Colossus treats it as if you are fully recovered.

How We Fight the Algorithm

Going to battle with Colossus necessitates a strategy that speaks its language while preparing to bypass it entirely if necessary.

• Specific Medical Documentation: We work with clients to ensure they communicate effectively with their doctors. Vague complaints of “soreness” get lost. Specific reports of “radiating pain,” “muscle spasms,” and “reduced range of motion” trigger higher severity points.
• Demand Letter Formatting: We structure our settlement demands to highlight the exact value drivers the software looks for, effectively “feeding” the machine the data it needs to authorize a higher range.
• The Threat of Litigation: Ultimately, Colossus cannot testify in court. A jury does not use an algorithm. When an insurer relies too heavily on the software and refuses to offer a full and fair settlement, filing a lawsuit removes the case from the adjuster’s desk and puts it in the hands of defense attorneys who understand that a jury will see the human being behind the claim.

Beyond the Algorithm: Maximizing Your Settlement

Colossus is just one tool insurance companies use to minimize payouts. Whether you are dealing with a standard car crash or need an Outer Banks motorcycle accident lawyer, the tactic is generally the same. Prove your unique suffering to specific, provable data points.

Knowing when you should hire an accident lawyer is a good first step. To fight back effectively, it’s helpful to understand the broader legal factors, such as liability limits and evidence rules, that determine what your case is actually worth. We have created a comprehensive NC Accident Claim Value Settlement Guide to help you navigate the claims process and accident valuation.

For even more specific examples regarding economic vs. non-economic damages, you can also review our article on understanding the value of your personal injury claim.

Common Questions About Colossus Software

Stop Negotiating with a Computer

You cannot charm an algorithm, and you cannot reason with a piece of code. For a full and fair settlement after a wreck, you need to properly document your injuries and treatment and provide the specific evidence the computer system requires or force the insurance company to face a jury.

Contact OBX Accident Lawyer Danny Glover at the Glover Law Firm for a confidential review of your claim. Call 252-299-5300 to schedule your free consultation.

If you were involved in an “accident” in North Carolina, normally that is the state where a legal claim for damages would be made. While there are certain exceptions, a good general rule of thumb is this:

If you were injured in North Carolina, you bring legal claims or file suit in North Carolina. It does not matter where you are from or even if you are resident or citizen of another state.

We see a lot of visitors from Virginia, South Carolina, and even Washington, D.C. to the Outer Bank. And with the increased amount of travelers on the roadways comes an increased number of OBX car wrecks – Danny Glover, NC Injury Attorney

Pasquotank County NC Car Crash Statistics – Traffic Fatalities

• 2011 – 8 Motorists Killed
• 2012 – 3
• 2013 – 0
• 2014 – 3
• 2015 – 4

Over a 10 Year Average, there have been 4 Traffic Related Fatalities in Pasquotank County, NC. Five or more people are killed on the roadways of Dare County, North Carolina on an annual basis.

NC DOT 2016 Traffic Crash Facts

What type of legal cases do you handle? Can you help someone from Virginia who was hurt in North Carolina? If I live in another state, Can I sue for an out of state accident?

Our law firms provides legal representation for:

• Car Crash – Auto “Accidents”
• MVA Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Semi Truck – Trucking Accidents
• Wrongful Death Claims
• Serious Bodily Injury Legal Matters
• Traumatic Brain Injury TBI
• Catastrophic Losses
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Cycling Accidents

Indeed, it just makes sense to seek legal representation from a lawyer and law firm where the accident took place. It doesn’t matter if you live in another state. Any claims for damages from an accident in Elizabeth City, Winfall, or Edenton, North Carolina would be subject to North Carolina personal injury laws.

Danny Glover Attorney: Verdicts and Settlements Info

The law that applies to a wreck is the law of the location of the wreck. If that is in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you’ll want to speak with an Outer Banks lawyer – Danny Glover

READ MORE: Who Is Liable In The Event of a Wreck?

That means North Carolina law is going to apply to a wreck in Elizabeth City, Carolla, Duck, and Kitty Hawk accident cases. It doesn’t matter if you live in Virginia, or Kalamazoo, Michigan, or Alaska.

Why do you say, “There is no such thing as an accident?”

While people often refer to car wrecks as “accidents,” in the truest sense of the word, it was no “accident.” Sometimes we all use euphemisms to get through talking about a difficult subject. Insurance companies use words like “accident” or “soft tissue injuries” and “fender-bender” to describe what can be very serious, long-term personal injuries and life-changing medical conditions.

Insurance companies do that to make your injuries seem inconsequential or less-serious than they actually may be. It’s a way to limit damages. And while a creative use words, the ultimate goal of NC insurance adjustors is to limit, if not eliminate the possibility of paying money damages after a car crash.

You generally aren’t going to see “fender bender” cases in court, at least in cases where there is an experienced Outer Banks Personal Injury Attorney involved.

The cases we handle involve real people with real injuries who have been hurt because of real negligence. We don’t have time to waste bringing frivolous lawsuits or legal claims. We are all-too-often forced to file lawsuits in North Carolina because the adjustor just will not pay what is either fair or appropriate given the long-term, if not permanent injuries after car “accidents” – Danny Glover, Elizabeth City NC Lawyer

LEARN MORE: How is liable for NC accident cases?

Lawyers in court do their best to use simple, accurate words. It wasn’t an “accident,” it was a car wreck or collision caused by the negligence of another. The person who caused the wreck failed to do something. It could be as simple as not exercising due care and circumspection for the existing traffic conditions or weather. They may have failed to keep a proper lookout or stopping distance.

In some Eastern NC wrecks, the person responsible for damages may have be careless, whether or not they were formally charged with careless and reckless driving in NC. Chances are, if you find yourself in need of legal representation due to an “accident” someone else caused and through no fault of you own, they failed to follow the NC Traffic laws.

It isn’t an “accident” when you don’t follow the rules. You made a decision. Whether it was speeding over the limit or even drunk driving, you made a choice. And as a result of that choice, or what plaintiff’s lawyers may refer to as the direct and proximate cause, you were injured.

So while we may use the terms interchangeably because it may be easier to explain a difficult subject, the truth of the matter is this: There is no such thing as an accident. Someone caused your injuries.

And if that is the case, if you were injured in Elizabeth City or Kitty Hawk NC or Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, our law office is here to help. So, you need an attorney in Elizabeth City to handle an Elizabeth City car wreck.

MORE INFO: 7 Steps to Take Before Calling an Accident Lawyer

FOR FREE CONSULTATION Dial: (252)-299-5300 Call OBX Accident Lawyer Danny Glover Jr NOW

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Sometimes more than one person can cause the wreck, sometimes 100% of the fault rests on one driver.

Determining who is legally liable for accident injuries in North Carolina requires careful review of the documentation of the wreck scene and causes of the NC accident case.

Establishing legal “liability” is one of the more important aspects of any personal injury law case in North Carolina. That’s because under the wreck laws of the state, there is something called contributory negligence.

Looking at who caused the wreck and who is responsible is one of my most important jobs as a car accident lawyer in North Carolina – Danny Glover, OBX Lawyer

Important considerations in NC wrecks cases:

• How fast were the vehicles traveling?
• Was anyone going above the posted speed limit?
• What were the roadway conditions?
• What were the weather conditions?
• Who had right-of-way?
• Were there proper stopping distances?

What should I do after a car accident in North Carolina?

Being involved in a serious collision is a big deal. As a law office that helps people in northeastern North Carolina with car wrecks, motorcycle injuries, and semi-truck collisions, we understand the trauma associated with an MVA or Motor Vehicle Accident.

After a wreck, people can respond differently. One of the more common emotions or reactions after almost any type of accident is disbelief. They “just can’t believe” he ran that light or failed to stop. We hear things like, “I looked right at her. She saw me. I don’t know how she didn’t slow down.”

How To Use Insurance When Injured In A Car Wreck?

Car accidents in North Carolina are generally not caused by people acting intentionally. They involve things like negligence, the failure to maintain proper lane control, and careless or reckless driving.

The vast majority of personal injury cases in NC happen because the at-fault motorist was not paying attention or failed to act responsibility. That almost always means someone was breaking the law when they hit you.

How people respond after an NC car wreck depends a lot on what happened on the scene. If you or your passengers were hurt, that may complicate things too.

The first thing to do is to make sure nothing worse happens. Secure the accident scene. Get people out of harm’s way. Once you are certain everyone is safe, then begin collecting evidence of the wreck – Danny Glover, Outer Banks Attorney

So in North Carolina, the at-fault driver and that driver’s insurance company are responsible to pay all of the damages, harms, and losses suffered by anyone hurt by that at driver’s negligence or carelessness. That may include things like medical bills, the costs of physical therapy, surgeries, prescriptions, pain and suffering, and property damage.

So when we talk about liability, we mean, who was responsible to pay the injured person or the injured people as a result of the wreck? Is it the person who caused the wreck? Is the insurance company liable? Who pays for damages after a motorcycle accident? Is it different for a truck accident or pedestrian injury?

Should I Call an OBX Accident Lawyer?

How do I protect my injury claims after a North Carolina car wreck? What should I do after an accident?

First, make sure someone has called 911 and reported the accident. That is especially true if there are injuries involved after the NC car wreck. Once that has been done, and after making sure everyone is OK, start collecting information if you are able.

Sometimes all that is possible is exchanging information; but, we recommend the following for the best results:

• Take out your phone and start taking pictures
• Video the scene
• Snap a shot of the other person’s documentation
  • North Carolina Driver’s License
  • Insurance Card
  • NC vehicle registration
• Ask other people involved in the wreck what happened
  • Get their information
  • Take a picture of their driver’s license
  • Record what they tell you

I’m Danny Glover, with the Glover Law Firm in Elizabeth City.

If you have any questions about your car wreck, give me a call, it’s completely free, it’s confidential, and I’ll be happy to talk. We help people with legal claims involving motorcycle accidents, semi truck accidents, and car accidents.

Serving people in the Outer Banks and “Inner Banks” in Northeastern North Carolina, it’s our honor and pleasure to help with accident injury claims in Kill Devils Hills NC, Manteo, North Carolina, Elizabeth City, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Carolla.

Call Now for Free Consultation 252-299-5300

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• What is my case worth?
• How will I find out how much my settlement will be?
• Can I ask for my damages?
• How are damages calculated for a wreck in NC?

You are entitled to compensation for all losses attributed to the wreck. That may include medical expenses, lost wages, and money damages – Danny Glover

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Currituck County car wreck case, it makes sense to talk to a lawyer. Experienced accident attorneys can help you understand how to recover:

• Lost Wages
• Medical Bills
• Accident Expenses
• Personal Property Recovery
• Compensation for Permanent Injuries
• Restitution for Scarring and Disfigurement

It can be tough to answer “How much is my car wreck case worth” because I don’t know how the wreck happened.

The first thing experienced lawyers do is gather information.

I don’t know if you share in any part of the fault. I don’t know how much your medical bills are.

I don’t know what your injuries are. I don’t know what your recovery time is going to be.

I don’t know how much your lost income is. Were you left with scarring?

Will this cause permanent injury or damage to any part of your body?

I have to know all of those things before we can ever begin discussing what your case might be worth.

Once you have a chance to meet with a NC wreck attorney you will better understand how to properly file for a claim. Sometimes litigation is necessary for an auto accident. . .but most often matters are settled prior to reaching trial in court.

At the Glover Law Firm, we like to sit down with you. We want to understand your case, what is important to you, and give you advice on what we think is the best way to move forward.

That involves collecting evidence, reviewing accident reports from the scene, consulting with police officers, witnesses, and preparing a demand package for the insurance carrier.

Many if not most NC wreck cases in Currituck County are settled without having to go to court. That may include going through mediation or arbitration in North Carolina.

There really is no such thing as an accident. Wrecks are caused because someone wasn’t doing the right thing – Danny Glover

Then of course we have to look at what part of the state you’re in because some counties give higher verdicts than other counties and we have to look at what insurance company you’re dealing with.

LEARN MORE: NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENT

Some companies can be more reasonable at times.

Other insurance companies are never reasonable and are going to low-ball you and fight you tooth and nail until the end.

Call Now for Free Consultation (252)-299-5300

• Is there a limit to my claim?
• Is there a minimum for my claim?
• What is a realistic time frame?
• What happens when there is no insurance?
• What do I do if the insurance doesn’t cover everything?
• Does my insurance pay?
• Are lawsuits always filed?

How cases are settled in North Carolina depends on several different factors. We consider the cause of the injury, the level of coverage, and the likelihood of prevailing at trial – Danny Glover

How is a Settlement Reached in North Carolina?

Put simply, it depends.

Not to be glib, but the truth of the matter is, there are a lot of moving parts.

It can be complicated. There is no simple truth for every case. Reasonable minds can, and often do, differ.

That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer that is experienced handling a wide range of cases, who isn’t afraid to take something to trial, and who knows when it is better to settle.

It’s important to realize, ‘settling’ something is a legal term. We often times don’t settle until the insurance company gives up, realizes we’re serious, and settles ‘on the courthouse steps.’ Danny Glover

When we take a new client or accept a file for legal representation, it is important to follow certain steps. We like to:

• Gather important information
  • Witness names, addresses, and contact info
• Collect Police Reports
  • On-Scene Photographs
  • Drawings
  • Video Recordings
  • Witness Statements
  • Measurements
  • Physical Evidence
  • Vehicle Pictures
• Obtain Accident Reports

When you think about it, there really is a lot that needs to be done.

Sometimes we need all those materials to review the case, even to decide whether we can help and whether a successful claim for an auto accident may be made.

As such, we spend a fair amount of time talking to people. We like to meet, if possible, face-to-face to discuss the background of the accident.

If you were hurt in some sort of wreck, we need to know what caused that to happen. We also need to figure out whether other person involved is legally responsible or was in some way “negligent.”

That doesn’t mean people cause wrecks on purpose, although that does happen at times.

Being negligent doesn’t mean the person who caused the wreck is a bad person.

Clients are regularly shocked to hear a claim is being denied. They don’t understand why, until we explain litigation more-often-than not is caused by an unreasonable Insurance Company or Adjustor – Danny Glover

When we represent Outer Banks Car Wreck cases, we cannot undo the accident. We are stuck with trying to get people back to where they were, one second before the wreck.

Sometimes that isn’t even possible. Sometimes we help family members get through the loss of an accident that results in a fatality.

Contrary to what you might see on TV, there is no amount of money that can bring back a loved one. Family isn’t “hitting the lotto.”

We seek compensation for the loss of that person. . .for the rest of the surviving family’s life.

How do you calculate that? What is it worth? If you could get a loved-one back, even for a day, is there a value to that?

Danny Glover is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

That is NOT to say all his cases are worth millions of dollars. The point is, he has handled complicated cases in the past.

He has experience with issues involving complex litigation. And when legally and factually appropriate, he has obtained substantial verdicts on behalf of his clients.

Touch the Image Below. Check out what it takes to be included in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

What kinds of damages and losses are considered?

What we can do is work to get things like funeral expenses and lost wages covered. It’s not at all usual to see tremendous medical bills associated with a traumatic injury or semi truck wreck.

We see things like ambulance and helicopter emergency transport costs, EMS Emergency Medical Services Treatment, ER Emergency Room, CAT, MRI, Radiographic Imagery, Physician, Nurse, and Medical bills.

Those bills don’t simply go away. The hospitals and doctors demand payment.

So we help people get through their time of loss. We help people negotiate an Insurance Settlement, and if the level of coverage is not enough, sometimes we help people by engaging in litigation or filing suit.

How is a Settlement determined?

As stated, we look a lot of different things.

In addition to determining the “causality of the wreck,” we also figure out the consequences or damages or losses.

Personal Injury Lawyers spend their days looking at accident reports and medical records.

Because of recent changes in accident laws in North Carolina, we often prepare what lawyers refer to as a “Demand Packa

We set forth the cause the wreck, who was negligent, and thereafter explain what things cost and why.

Thereafter we spend time providing documentation. That may include billing statements or financial summaries.

When people are out of work, we normally provide proof of lost wages at work.

If people are permanently injured, we might prepare a “life plan,” showing how much help they’ll need in the future to survive.

That involves some pretty complicated math, as we’re engaged in trying to figure out what medical treatments will be necessarily in the future, how much that will cost, considering things like inflation, cost-of-living, and other financial variables.

Put simply, it can be complicated.

And because of that, determining a fair settlement in North Carolina can take time. . .and result in disputes, resulting in a lawsuit being filed when appropriate.

Why won’t they just settle? They caused the wreck.

Great question. The answer is, money.

Insurance companies are in the business of making profits for their Board of Directors and shareholders.

They are not in the business of making sure you get 100% of what you’re entitled to.

And when it comes to making money, nothing is more profitable to insurance companies than denying a claim – Danny Glover

What is the maximum amount of compensation I can get from a car accident? There isn’t a maximum.

But there is a minimum, and that is zero.

It is also to point out that just because a verdict or judgment is entered in a case, that doesn’t mean that money ever actually gets paid to you.

If there isn’t insurance coverage or enough insurance coverage, that very well may be part of the conversation and negotiations in obtaining a Settlement.

Finally, there also can be a minimum if the jury decides the person suing for recovery was at fault.

Again, that minimum may also turn out to be zero. . .or worse.

If you are deemed to have been contributorily negligent, you may receive no recovery or settlement and still be responsible for your medical bills.

Because of that, it makes sense to talk to an experienced courtroom litigator like Danny Glover.

He can help explain the process to you. He offers a free, confidential consultation. And Danny can help you determine the most appropriate manner in which to proceed.

Lawyers in North Carolina seek what is best for their client.

They consider a lot of different factors. As such, the more experience they have, the better.

Give Danny a call now at: (252)-299-5300

Modified Transcript of “What is the maximum amount of compensation I can get from a car accident?” for the Hearing Impaired

There is no maximum compensation that you can get from a car wreck.

The jury decides how much the case is worth unless there’s already been a settlement.

There is no maximum amount that you can get.

Obviously, the more you’re hurt, the more your case is worth.

That amount that you get is either determined by an agreement between you and the insurance company or by the jury later at trial.

I’m Danny Glover with the Glover Law Firm. If you have any questions about your car wreck, give me a call. It’s completely free.

It’s confidential. I’ll be happy to talk to you.

• How long will the trial last?
• Will I need to testify?
• Are there extra costs incurred?
• Do I have any other options?
• Why won’t the Insurance Company pay my claim?

Taking a case to Court is one option available to an experienced lawyer. The key is knowing when to negotiate and when to fight – Danny Glover

Why would a case go to trial?

Sometimes cases “go to trial” because they have to, not because the person hurt wants to argue in Court. In fact, most people just want to get what’s fair, settle-up, and move on with their lives.

Unfortunately, that’s not always how things work.

Contrary to people might think, the system isn’t always fair. As an attorney experienced handling Wreck and Accident cases involving cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles, it’s not usual to have a conversation with a client, where occasionally harsh realities, are exposed about the Personal Injury system.

We hear things like, “Wait, they caused the wreck. No one disputes that. Why are they fighting the claim? Why are they saying I did something wrong? I’m not asking for a bunch of money, I just want my bills paid. I want my car fixed. Why are they being this way?”

Here’s the hard truth: Insurance Companies make money by settling claims for less than they are worth. In fact, they make the most money when they pay nothing.

If people were always treated fairly by the carriers, I wouldn’t have a job. People wouldn’t need a lawyer – Danny Glover

Obviously there are always two sides to a story. There are times when reasonable minds can disagree.

Wrecks can be caused by the fault of several people. In North Carolina, we have some pretty tough laws regarding that.

We remain one of the few states in the country that rigidly applies the Contributory Negligence doctrine.

If you are involved in a wreck, you will find out very quickly how important that legal term is. “Contrib” is more than just a term lawyers use in Court.

MORE INFO: What to Do After You’ve Been In a Traffic Accident this Holiday Season

It has consequences.

If you are deemed, “Contributorily Negligent” in a wreck you get nothing. Zero.

Even if the other person is 99% at fault and you did one, minor, thing wrong, you get nothing.

Doesn’t seem very fair, does it?

Who does that benefit? The Insurance Companies. That’s because in most circumstances, it’s the Insurance Company paying the claim, NOT the person who caused the wreck.

It’s possible for the Defendant to be “sued individually,” and in cases where the amount of insurance coverage isn’t enough, they may be personally liable.

But as lawyers, we are not even allowed to mention, in court, that there is insurance or an insurance company involved.

Again, that may not seem very fair; but, that’s the law in North Carolina.

As such, a decent number of cases go to trial to determine just that. Who was at fault? Was there Contributory Negligence?

Jurors are asked things like:

• What the Defendant negligent?
• Did the Defendant cause the accident?
• Was Defendant’s negligence the reason for the wreck?
• Were the Plaintiff’s Injuries and Damages a result of the wreck?
• Was the Plaintiff responsible, even in part, for the accident?

Lawyers use terms like “direct” or “proximate cause” in trials.

Modified Transcript of “How Long Does It Take to go to Trial” for the Hearing Impaired

It depends on what part of the state you’re in. In Northeastern North Carolina, we’re very rural and our courts don’t meet nearly as often as they do in Raleigh or Charlotte.

In Elizabeth City, Manteo, Currituck, Chowan County, it typically takes somewhere between a year and two years for the entire litigation process to work its way through.

That would include written discovery, depositions, mediation, medical depositions, and then eventually, you get to a point where the case is ready for trial. Then you wait your turn.

So, a year to two years, but remember that a settlement can be reached at any point during that process.

I’m Danny Glover with the Glover Law Firm. If you have any questions about your car wreck, give me call. It’s completely free. It’s confidential. I’ll be happy to talk to you. (252) 299-5300

It is important to understand the various types of automobile insurance coverages so that you can purchase the appropriate types and amounts of coverage needed to fully protect you and your family in the event of an vehicle accident. This article will focus on the types of automobile insurance coverages related to physical injuries, not property damage.

LIABILITY COVERAGE: If you cause a wreck and injure others, then you owe those whom you injured compensation for their harms and losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injury, physical pain and mental suffering, scarring, etc.

Automobile liability coverage pays that money for you. Before this coverage gets paid to someone else, either your insurance company must acknowledge that you caused the wreck, or you must have been determined at-fault in court.

Insurance Law issues can be pretty complicated. We’re her to help answer your questions – Danny Glover

The minimum required liability coverage amount for most automobiles in North Carolina is referred to as “minimum limits”: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident. However, with medical costs being as high as they are, the minimum $30,000 liability policy is often insufficient to fully protect you if you seriously injure someone else.

In the event that you have insufficient liability coverage amounts to fully compensate those that you injured, then you would owe the remainder personally.

Therefore, I recommend that you purchase a minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident. This would mean that if you cause a wreck and injure other(s), then you have $100,000 of coverage to pay to any one person and $300,000 total to pay to everyone injured a wreck, in the event that more than one person is injured.

SEE MORE: How to use insurance when injured in a car wreck

MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE: This is a voluntary, no-fault coverage that benefits you by paying money to you if you incur medical bills related to a wreck, regardless of who caused the wreck.

Typically, you can purchase $1,000, $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 worth of “med. pay.” coverage.

SEE MORE: North Carolina Motor Vehicle Liability Policy Law 2017

Once you incur medical expenses and present those bills to your automobile insurance company, then your automobile insurance company writes you a check for the full amount of the original bill, or up to the amount of your “med. pay.” coverage limits, whichever is less.

SEE MORE: 4 Ways Your Automobile Insurance Can Increase

Practically, this money comes in handy if you are in a wreck and have to pay 1) health insurance co-pays or deductibles, 2) ve

hicle repairs, 3) a new vehicle down payment, and/or 4) ordinary bills if you are out-of-work due to injuries.

UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE: This is perhaps the most important, and usually cheapest, coverage that you should purchase. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you by paying you for your harms and losses if someone else caused the wreck and injured you but that person did not have any automobile insurance, i.e., uninsured.

Underinsured motorist coverage applies if that other person did not have enough automobile insurance to fully compensate you, i.e., underinsured. UM/UIM coverage can be purchased up to $1,000,000.00, typically for just a few hundred dollars per year. UM/UIM coverage not only protects you, but it also protects any relative who was residing with you on the date of the wreck, regardless of what vehicle he/she was in when injured, whether owned by you or not, whether covered under your automobile policy or not, and even if he/she was injured by a vehicle while riding a bike or while walking.

As you can see, this is very important coverage to protect you and your family.

Danny Glover, Jr.
Glover Law Firm
406 S. Griffin St., Suite B
Elizabeth City, N.C. 27909
252-299-5300
danny@dannygloverlawfirm.com