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North Carolina’s wildlife is one ofĀ theĀ state’s many natural treasures.Ā Sadly, thousands of collisions every year occur because of these animals. Either by directly hitting an animal or by swerving off the road to avoid one, car crashes caused by animals in Raleigh areĀ never another driver’s fault. Because there is no other driver who can serve as the culpable party, no other driver, or their insurance company, will be responsible for payingĀ someone’sĀ bills afterĀ anĀ accident.Ā That is why it is extremely importantĀ for driversĀ to be aware of howĀ their insurance policy will reimburseĀ themĀ in the event ofĀ any accident causedĀ by anĀ animal. If you want to know more about what to do in the event you are involved in an animal-car collision, get in touch with an intelligent car accident attorney who can help.

North Carolina Insurance Requirements

North Carolina law requires that policies carry a minimum protection level of $30,000 for personal injury to other people and $25,000 for property damage. North Carolina has no requirement that policies cover injuries to oneself through PIP coverage. Individuals who have no coverage for medical expenses due to car accidents caused by animals in Raleigh will be forced to pay out of pocket for any bills after the accident.

Additionally,Ā a driver’sĀ policy will be the only source of coverage for any property damages causedĀ by the collision. The $25,000Ā minimum coverage is for bothĀ the driver’s ownĀ damagesĀ and any damage to anything else, including other drivers’ cars.

Excess Expenses

While North Carolina requires people to retain coverage thatĀ pays forĀ other peoples’ damages, the requirements to protectĀ themselvesĀ areĀ fairly low. Regardless, the value ofĀ a person’sĀ vehicle may easily surpass the $25,000Ā minimum. In these cases, any excess will be charged directlyĀ to the person, whoĀ will still be responsible for any damage to others.

WhileĀ oneĀ may not like to think about what will happen to the animal in the event of a collision, the fact of the matter is that if a driver must hit an animal to avoid hitting another driver, this is a move that they must make. Not only does the law requireĀ individualsĀ to protect other people and not animals, but avoiding other peoples’ cars will keepĀ a driverĀ off the hook for their expenses.

Preventative Measures

Remember, any collision with another car that happens becauseĀ a driver isĀ avoidingĀ wildlife will make the accidentĀ theirĀ fault. The resulting financial strain that this can place onĀ themĀ may be significant. By reviewingĀ theirĀ insurance policy, and making any additions to coverage thatĀ theyĀ feel are necessary,Ā North Carolina driversĀ can limitĀ their exposure.

If you want to know more aboutĀ car crashes caused by animals in Raleigh, and what the implications of getting into an accident are, get in touch with a qualified car accident lawyer. Your attorney can work with you to resolve issues with the insurance company. Furthermore, in the event that the collision does involve another driver and an animal, your attorney can help you figure out what your legal options are.