In North Carolina, a tank of gas isn’t all you need before you hit the road for work, errands, or weekend fun at your favorite trail or fishing spot.
Auto insurance is just as essential. State Motor Vehicle Law mandates that all drivers maintain minimum liability coverage of $30,000 bodily injury per person and $60,000 for all people involved, along with $25,000 in property damage coverage.
Additionally, North Carolina requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure protection even when the other party lacks sufficient insurance.
Being a safe, cautious driver is not enough; you need the coverage and the peace of mind that comes with auto insurance. If you are involved in an accident, you need to know that it can help protect you from financial worries.
The Rising Risk of Accidents in Asheville and Hendersonville
With the ongoing increase in traffic and road construction throughout Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and the surrounding areas, the risk of being involved in an accident is growing. Western North Carolina has seen significant population growth, especially in urban centers like Asheville.
This increase in vehicles on the road, coupled with extensive road work aimed at accommodating this growth, has unfortunately led to a rise in accidents.
Asheville and Hendersonville, popular with both locals and tourists, are now facing more congestion, which often leads to fender benders and, in some cases, more severe accidents. Construction zones present another significant hazard.
Narrow lanes, sudden lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, and the presence of heavy machinery all contribute to a less predictable driving environment. Despite the presence of warning signs, orange cones, and flashing lights, many drivers are unprepared to adjust to these challenging conditions, leading to collisions.
What to Do to Avoid an Accident
Preventing accidents begins with staying aware of your surroundings and practicing defensive driving techniques.
Here are a few essential tips to help reduce your risk of a crash:
- Follow Speed Limits: Road construction often comes with reduced speed limits. Respect these temporary limits to ensure your safety, that of other drivers, and that of construction workers. Speeding through construction zones is not only dangerous but also illegal.
- Stay Focused: Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting your GPS while driving. With sudden lane changes, construction equipment, and workers present, you need to be fully engaged when navigating through work zones.
- Maintain Safe Distances: Tailgating is a common cause of accidents, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Always maintain a safe following distance to give yourself ample time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.
- Be Aware of Blind Spots: With large vehicles like trucks and buses on the road, always be mindful of blind spots. Ensure that you're visible to other drivers before making any lane changes.
- Use Caution at Intersections: Accidents frequently occur at intersections. Always stop fully at stop signs, yield when required, and ensure the way is clear before proceeding.
- Adapt to Weather Conditions: Western North Carolina is no stranger to rain, fog, and, occasionally, ice. Adjust your driving habits to accommodate these conditions, slowing down and using your headlights appropriately.
- Plan Ahead: With the rise in construction zones, knowing where delays and obstacles might be is crucial. Apps that provide real-time traffic updates can help you avoid congested areas and reduce your likelihood of encountering an accident.
- Stay Patient: Congestion and construction often cause frustration, but aggressive driving only increases the risk of accidents. Staying calm, patient, and respectful toward other drivers is essential in avoiding road rage incidents and collisions.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. When they do, knowing how to react can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and streamlining the insurance claim process.
1. Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
The first step is to remain as calm as possible. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to prevent further incidents. Turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set up road flares to alert other drivers.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
North Carolina law requires that you report any accident that results in injury, death, or over $1000 in property damage. Your insurance company likely requires that you contact law enforcement regardless of the severity of the accident.
This will help ensure you have the necessary police report for your insurance claim. Law enforcement will investigate and create a report detailing the scene, which is vital for your case.
In situations where law enforcement may not be able to respond, such as during inclement weather or when resources are spread thin, it’s your responsibility to document the accident and file a report with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Failure to file a report may result in complications with your insurance claim or legal issues later on.
3. Document the Scene
Even before law enforcement arrives, it's essential to document the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the damage to both vehicles, the position of the cars, road conditions, skid marks, and anything else that may be relevant.
Also, gather information from the other driver, including their name, contact details, insurance provider, and policy number. Collect statements and contact information from any witnesses to further support your insurance claim.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it's a smart idea to visit the emergency room or see a doctor after an accident. Adrenaline from the accident can mask injuries, and some conditions, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.
Having a medical record immediately after the accident can also help support your claim if medical expenses arise.
5. Report to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Many policies require that you report the incident within 48 or 72 hours, and some even stipulate that you notify them immediately. The sooner you reach out, the sooner they can begin processing your claim.
From there, your insurance company assigns a claims adjustor to your case. This person will review the accident reports, witness statements, and any other documentation. They will coordinate with repair shops and medical providers if necessary and determine fault in the accident.
Car Insurance: What Happens After the Accident
After you report the accident to your insurance company, your claims adjuster will become your main point of contact. They will investigate the accident, review the damage, and work to determine who is at fault. North Carolina follows a “fault” system, meaning that the person deemed responsible for the accident is liable for the damages.
When You’re Found at Fault
If you are determined to be at fault, your insurance company will cover the cost of repairs and medical expenses up to the limits of your policy. However, this may result in higher premiums in the future as your insurance company adjusts for the increased risk.
In some cases, if the damage exceeds your coverage limits, you may be personally responsible for covering the remaining costs. Additionally, if the other driver files a lawsuit, you may be required to defend yourself in court, further increasing the potential for legal expenses. Having sufficient coverage is vital to protect yourself financially in these situations.
When the Other Party Is at Fault
If the other driver is at fault, your insurance company will seek reimbursement from their insurer. This process, known as subrogation, helps ensure that your expenses are covered without affecting your insurance rates.
However, it's important to note that if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover the costs. In such cases, your insurance company will cover the damages up to the limits of your policy, ensuring you are not left with out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact First Aid Collision After An Accident
No one wants to be in a car accident, obviously! But if you are, know that you have an ally in First Aid Collision. We are here to help you navigate the process and assist you with your insurance claim in any way we can.
With the increasing risks on the roads of Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville due to growing traffic and construction, understanding your insurance policy and being prepared in case of an accident is more crucial than ever.
Your safety and well-being are of the utmost concern; if you are involved in an accident, it is a smart idea to go to the emergency room to get checked out and to get a clean bill of health. In the aftermath of a crash, the adrenaline is pumping, and this can mask symptoms and injuries. Better safe than sorry, as they say.
Next, it’s time to think about your vehicle. Repairing even “minor” damage is essential. If left, rust can begin to take hold, and, as mentioned, you may have hidden damage that can become a safety risk.
Contact First Aid Collision as soon as you can. Our experienced team will fully assess your vehicle, identify any accident-related damage, and begin work to get your car back on the road for you as soon as possible.
Stay vigilant, stay safe, and know that First Aid Collision is here to help get you back on the road. Schedule an appointment for vehicle repair today!