Property Damage vs. Bodily Injury Claims
After a car accident, if you suffered injuries and your car was damaged, you will need to file two different types of claims: property damage and bodily injury.
Property Damage
A property damage claim covers the cost of any personal property that is damaged in a car wreck, such as:
- fixing or replacing your car,
- damage to personal items inside the vehicle,
- and damage caused by the wreck itself.
For example, if your car runs off the road, knocks down a fence, and hits a house, the property damage claim covers any damage to the fence, yard, and house. Occasionally, victims of wrecks include dogs or cats riding as passengers. Under North Carolina law, loss of a pet in an accident should be claimed under property damage.
In North Carolina, all drivers must carry insurance with property damage liability limits of at least $25,000.
Bodily Injury
A bodily injury claim covers personal injuries for the occupants of the car (humans only). Under North Carolina law, bodily injury claims can include payment for:
- lost wages,
- medical bills,
- out-of-pocket losses,
- pain and suffering or human losses,
- and permanent injuries or scarring.
In North Carolina, all drivers must carry insurance with bodily injury liability limits of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Additional levels of bodily injury coverage are typically sold in the following increments:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- $300,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident
- and greater.
If you need help determining if you should file a property damage or bodily injury claim, the North Carolina auto accident lawyers at Henson Fuerst can guide you through the legal process. Call us today at (919) 781-1107 or complete a free initial consultation form.
