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Last Modified on Jan 05, 2026
If you’ve received a claim denial letter from an insurance company after an accident, you have probably wondered, “What happens if the insurance company denies your personal injury claim in North Carolina?” You may be worried that you have little or no recourse in this situation.
A North Carolina personal injury attorney can help you respond to the denial letter so you can receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be to live through an accident and then be denied any compensation for your losses. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Personal Injuries in North Carolina
Personal injuries can happen in many different situations. In general, most personal injury claims are filed due to traffic accidents, workplace accidents, and other types of accidents.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on workplace injuries throughout the country. In North Carolina, there were a total of 68,600 workplace injury or illness cases in 2023. Over half of all cases required days away from work, a job transfer, or restrictions. There were also a total of 177 fatal workplace injuries.
The majority of personal injury claims are settled without the need for court intervention. For cases that can’t be successfully negotiated, you may have to file a civil claim in court. Small claims are filed in district courts, while larger claims are filed in the superior courts.
Steps to Take After Your Claim Is Denied
If your claim has been denied, there are steps you can take. It can be helpful to have an experienced personal injury attorney represent your claim, especially after a denial.
The steps you should take are:
- Carefully review the denial letter to understand why you were denied. There should also be a deadline for appealing the decision. If a clear reason is not presented, you may be able to file a bad-faith complaint.
- Gather any additional evidence that could be used to bolster your case. If your claim was denied because of missing information, make sure you gather that information.
- Submit your appeal to the insurance company along with your additional evidence.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, you have to notify your insurance company. Especially for traffic accidents, your insurance company has conditions that must be followed when filing a claim.
When liability for the accident belongs to another person, you may also have to deal with their insurance adjuster. The adjuster is responsible for investigating your claims and deciding who is at fault.
The adjuster’s role is to minimize the cost of a potential payout. They can do this by using your own words against you, claiming you admitted fault for the accident or that your injuries are less serious than you claim.
When you have a personal injury lawyer, you can refer any questions the adjuster has to your lawyer. If not, you should provide the facts of the accident, but never admit fault, minimize the damage caused, or exaggerate your injuries.
FAQs
How Much Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle For?
Settlement amounts in personal injury cases can vary widely with the circumstances of the case. Accidents that cause severe or catastrophic injuries often settle for more than accidents that only cause minor injuries. Negligence laws and policy limits can also affect the final settlement.
Your settlement amount should provide compensation for all economic losses suffered as a result of the accident, as well as an amount for non-economic losses. You may be awarded punitive damages if the accident was particularly egregious.
What Are Some Reasons Why a Claim May be Denied?
There are legitimate reasons why a claim may be denied. The insurance company may deny a claim if there is a dispute over liability for the accident. The insurance could question whether your injuries are from a preexisting condition.
The insurance may think that your policy coverage lapsed or otherwise does not cover the accident. If you didn’t seek medical care right after the accident, the insurance agency may view that delay as suspicious.
Can I Still Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer if My Claim Is Denied?
If your claim has been denied, you can still hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you and appeal the denial. Receiving a denial letter from an insurance company does not mean that your case is over. You can still appeal or file a civil case in court.
Your attorney can review the reasons given for the denial and determine if the denial was made in bad faith. You can also gather additional evidence to present when appealing the denial.
What Shouldn’t I Say to a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When discussing the accident with your personal injury lawyer, there are some things you should avoid saying. Never admit fault or take responsibility for the accident. You should also avoid making any statements that could be used to show you were negligent.
You should also avoid minimizing the injuries you suffered or the damage that occurred. Likewise, you should not exaggerate your claims or try to claim that preexisting injuries or conditions are the result of the accident.
What Does it Mean When a Claim Is Denied in Bad Faith?
When a claim is denied in bad faith, it could mean several things, but generally it refers to an insurance company denying a claim without a proper reason. When a claim is denied, the insurance company has to provide a valid reason for the denial.
A bad faith denial also includes when an insurance company fails to properly investigate an accident or when the case is intentionally stalled. These actions could demonstrate fraud or malice.
Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC
Our team has represented North Carolina accident victims for over 14 years. We understand how stressful this situation can be and work to represent your interests so you get the settlement offer you deserve. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about what happens if the insurance company denies your personal injury claim in North Carolina.
