If you’ve been in a car accident in Charlotte or anywhere else in North Carolina, you may be dealing with more than just damage to your vehicle. From medical bills and lost wages to ongoing treatment for whiplash or more serious injuries like spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, the impact of a crash can follow you long after the scene is cleared.
Whether you or the other driver are insured by National General, understanding how to file a claim with the company is an important step in protecting your financial recovery. This blog explains how the National General claim process works, what to expect along the way, and how a Charlotte car accident lawyer can support your efforts to recover fair compensation. That process doesn’t start with paperwork—it starts at the scene of the accident.
The moments right after the crash can have a major impact—even before you file a claim. What you do at the scene can make a big difference in how your claim plays out—especially with North Carolina’s strict fault laws.
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in North Carolina
What happens in the moments after a car crash can have a lasting impact on your ability to recover compensation. Whether you're pursuing a personal injury claim, seeking coverage through your own car insurance, or preparing for a possible car accident lawsuit, how you handle the accident scene matters.
Under North Carolina law, you're required to report a crash to law enforcement if it results in death, injury, or property damage of $1,000 or more. That covers most car accident cases, even those that seem minor at first.
If you're physically able, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is hurt. This creates a record that can be used in your car accident claim.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved, including policy numbers and license plate details.
- Document the accident scene with clear photos of vehicle damage, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Speak with witnesses and gather their names and phone numbers. Their statements may support your claim later.
- Cooperate with law enforcement, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Police will typically file an official crash report, which becomes an important piece of evidence in both personal injury lawsuits and insurance negotiations. If you plan to file a National General claim—whether you're their policyholder or the other driver is—this report will likely be one of the first documents the insurance company reviews.
Once the initial steps are taken, the next priority is getting your claim started with the insurance company—whether it’s your own or the at-fault driver’s.
Filing a Claim With National General
Whether you're insured by National General or the at-fault driver is, starting the claims process promptly is key. Delays can complicate your case and raise concerns with insurance adjusters—especially if important documentation is missing or incomplete.
National General provides multiple ways to file a claim:
- Online: National General Claims Center
- Phone: 1-800-468-3466 (available 24/7)
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
If You’re a National General Policyholder
If you were injured in a car accident and carry a National General auto insurance policy, you’ll be filing a first-party claim. This allows you to seek coverage under your own policy for a range of accident-related losses. Be sure to have the following information ready when you report the claim:
- Your National General policy number
- Information about the property involved (vehicle details, VIN, etc.)
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Details about how the accident occurred and the losses you’ve sustained
Depending on your policy, coverage may include:
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay) – Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – Applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little
- Collision coverage – Covers damage to your vehicle, often subject to a deductible
- Rental car reimbursement – May cover transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired, if included in your policy
These coverages can be especially important in personal injury cases involving serious injuries, car accident victims with significant medical expenses, or property damage that leaves your vehicle undrivable. Reviewing your declarations page can help you understand what applies to your situation.
If the At-Fault Driver Has National General
If you're filing a claim against a driver insured by National General, you’ll be submitting a third-party claim. In this scenario, you’re seeking compensation from their liability insurance coverage for your damages—including medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
The process typically follows five key steps on National General’s claims portal:
- Other Party Information – Your contact information and relation to the policyholder
- Policyholder Contact Information – Details about the at-fault driver
- Loss Information – Description of the accident and resulting damages
- Property Damage Information – Vehicle damage or other property loss
- Review and Submit – Final review of the claim before submission
A claims adjuster from National General will be assigned to investigate the accident. They may contact you to request more information, including accident photos or medical documentation, and to assess who was at fault. This is especially important in North Carolina car accident claims, where the state’s strict contributory negligence rule may impact whether you can recover compensation at all.
Key Information to Have Ready
Whether you're filing a first-party or third-party claim, it's helpful to gather this information in advance:
- Accident report number (from responding law enforcement)
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Contact information for the National General policyholder
- A summary of your injuries or vehicle damage
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries
- Initial medical records or hospital discharge paperwork, if available
What to Expect From National General Insurance Adjusters
After your claim is submitted—whether you're a policyholder or filing against a negligent driver covered by National General—a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. This person represents the insurance company, not you, and their role is to investigate the details of the accident, assess liability, and evaluate how much the insurer may be responsible for paying.
Even if the adjuster is friendly or seems sympathetic, remember that their job is to minimize payouts and protect the company’s bottom line. This is a common point of frustration for car accident victims trying to recover fair compensation.
Common Steps in the Adjuster’s Process
Once your claim is opened, you can typically expect the following:
- A phone call requesting a recorded statement. The adjuster may ask you to describe what happened and talk about your injuries. What you say can be used to dispute liability or downplay the severity of your injuries.
- Requests for documentation. This may include your medical records, repair estimates, photos, and even your employment information to verify lost wages.
- A review of liability. In third-party claims, the adjuster will assess whether their policyholder was responsible for the car crash—and whether any fault could be assigned to you. This is particularly important in North Carolina, where even a small percentage of fault on your part could block your personal injury claim entirely.
Be Cautious About Early Contact
Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly, often before you’ve completed treatment. These early offers are usually aimed at limiting the insurer’s exposure—not addressing your full losses.
You’re not required to accept the first offer, and you don’t have to provide a recorded statement without considering your options. In fact, many people choose to let a car accident attorney handle communications at this stage—especially in personal injury cases involving significant medical expenses or disputes over fault.
Keep Track of Medical Treatment and Expenses
Strong medical documentation is one of the most important parts of any personal injury claim. Whether you're filing with National General as your own insurer or seeking compensation from a negligent driver, the insurance adjuster will examine your records closely to evaluate the seriousness of your injuries and the necessity of your care. Gaps in treatment, vague documentation, or missing records can raise doubts and may lead to reduced compensation or even a denied claim.
What to Track
Be consistent with your care and document all treatment, including:
- Emergency room visits and follow-ups
- Physical therapy and diagnostic imaging
- Prescription medications and specialist referrals
Also keep records of:
- Out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, parking, medical supplies)
- Mileage to appointments
- Time missed from work and lost wages
Insurance companies like National General often ask for supporting documents such as pay stubs, medical notes, or tax records to confirm both economic and non-economic damages.
The Personal Impact Matters Too
Some effects of an injury don’t appear in medical charts. Ongoing pain, difficulty sleeping, reduced mobility, and emotional distress—like anxiety or PTSD—can have a major impact on your life. Keeping a simple journal of your symptoms and daily challenges can help support a claim for pain and suffering in car accident lawsuits.
If the insurance process doesn’t result in a fair outcome, you may need to take things a step further.
When a Personal Injury Lawsuit May Be Necessary
Not all car accident claims settle quickly—or fairly. If National General denies your claim or offers a settlement that doesn't come close to covering your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next logical step.
In North Carolina, most personal injury cases—including those stemming from car crashes—must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. This time limit is set by G.S. § 1-52. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to pursue financial compensation altogether.
A lawsuit may be worth considering if:
- The insurance company disputes liability
- You sustained serious injuries and the offer doesn't reflect the full impact
- The adjuster refuses to acknowledge the need for ongoing medical treatment
- You've incurred substantial lost wages or long-term disability
- There's a disagreement over what qualifies as fair compensation for pain and suffering
What You Can Seek in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit opens the door to pursue a broader range of damages, including:
- Medical bills, including future care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages, as well as reduced earning capacity if you're unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering, for both physical and emotional harm
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Permanent disability or visible disfigurement resulting from the accident
These claims are common in serious auto accidents, especially those involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or lasting complications from internal injuries.
If the Accident Resulted in a Fatality
If you lost a loved one due to the crash, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. North Carolina law allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation under G.S. § 28A-18-2.
A wrongful death lawsuit may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Medical expenses incurred before death
These claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, rather than the standard three years for most personal injury cases.
If you're unsure whether a lawsuit makes sense in your situation, speaking with a Charlotte personal injury attorney can help clarify your options—especially when dealing with insurance companies like National General that may be focused more on limiting payouts than fully addressing your losses.
Be Aware of How North Carolina’s Fault Laws Can Affect Your Claim
North Carolina follows one of the strictest fault standards in the country: contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation altogether. That includes claims for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.
This legal standard often surprises car accident victims who assume partial blame won’t prevent them from filing a personal injury claim. But in North Carolina, the stakes are high—especially in car accident cases involving conflicting stories or unclear evidence.
Why Every Statement Matters
When speaking with insurance adjusters, it's easy to make casual remarks that could be misinterpreted. Even statements like:
- “I didn’t see them coming.”
- “I was only going a little over the speed limit.”
- “Maybe I could’ve stopped sooner.”
can be twisted into admissions of fault and used to deny your claim. That’s why it’s often a good idea to consult a car accident attorney before making any official statement, especially in personal injury cases involving serious injuries or complex crashes.
When Fault Is Unclear or Shared
Some motor vehicle accidents involve multiple drivers or unclear liability—such as lane-change collisions, chain-reaction crashes, or accidents with commercial vehicles. In these cases, the burden typically falls on the injured party to prove the other driver’s full responsibility.
To support your case, your Charlotte personal injury lawyer may:
- Review the police accident report
- Analyze vehicle damage and scene photos
- Obtain video footage from nearby traffic or security cameras
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
- Interview witnesses and collect sworn statements
A strong investigation can make the difference between having your claim denied and recovering financial compensation for the full extent of your losses.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Without Fully Evaluating Your Losses
Insurance companies—including National General—sometimes offer a quick settlement shortly after a crash. While it may be tempting to accept fast compensation, these early offers often come before your medical condition is fully diagnosed or understood. Accepting a low settlement too soon could leave you responsible for future treatment, ongoing medical expenses, or losses you haven’t even calculated yet.
A Charlotte car accident attorney can help you review any offer with a critical eye—especially in personal injury cases involving serious injuries, time away from work, or long-term complications.
What to Review Before Saying “Yes”
Before accepting any settlement, it's important to ask:
- Does the amount cover all current medical bills and anticipated future treatment?
- Have you accounted for lost wages, reduced earning potential, or missed business opportunities?
- Are you still undergoing physical therapy or waiting on specialist evaluations?
- Has the insurer included compensation for property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement?
- Does the offer reflect the personal impact of the accident—pain, mobility limitations, or emotional distress?
An attorney can help you calculate not just your out-of-pocket expenses, but the broader cost of your injuries—especially if you’ve suffered from conditions like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or lingering pain that affects your daily life.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Even when another driver is clearly responsible for a car crash, you may run into a common problem—their car insurance policy doesn’t cover all your losses. In some cases, the at-fault driver may have no insurance at all. In others, their liability limits may fall short of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
That’s where your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may come into play.
What North Carolina Law Requires
North Carolina law mandates that all drivers carry UM/UIM coverage as part of their standard liability policy. This requirement is outlined in G.S. § 20-279.21. These coverages are designed to protect injury victims when the other party can’t pay.
When You Might Use UM/UIM Coverage
You may need to file a claim under your own policy if:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance at all
- The driver’s policy limits are too low to fully cover your damages
- You’re involved in a hit-and-run accident and cannot identify the driver
Your UM/UIM coverage may help pay for:
- Medical treatment and future care needs
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs and other property damage
Because these are still insurance claims—even though they go through your own provider—they often involve the same level of scrutiny and documentation as any personal injury claim. You'll need to provide medical records, repair estimates, and proof of the other driver’s lack of coverage or insufficient limits.
If you're unsure whether this coverage applies to your situation, it’s worth reviewing your policy or contacting your car insurance provider. Some car accident victims don’t realize they have access to this additional layer of protection until after a claim has been denied or underpaid by the other driver’s insurer.
Dealing With a National General Claim After a Car Accident? Get the Help You Need
Whether you're dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, or a totaled vehicle, the aftermath of a car accident in North Carolina can leave you feeling uncertain about what comes next. And if National General is involved—either as your insurer or the other driver’s—you may already be facing frustrating delays or confusing settlement offers.
At Speaks Law Firm, we know how difficult this process can be. Our Charlotte auto injury lawyers work with injury victims every day to pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs. If you're unsure how to deal with the insurance company or whether your claim is being undervalued, we’re ready to step in.
You found this blog by searching terms like "car accident lawyers near me” or “Charlotte car accident attorney." Now it’s time to take action. Call Speaks Law Firm at (888) 222-1111 to schedule your free consultation, or fill out our quick and confidential online form. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can review your options and help you move forward with confidence.
While waiting for your case review, check out our podcast, “The Verdict” with catastrophic injury lawyer Clarke Speaks, for insights on legal rights after an accident.
Who speaks for you? We do!
Related Media
Related Services
