Durham Injury Lawyer: What Senate Bill 452 Means for Accident Victims

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Durham Injury Lawyer: What Senate Bill 452 Means for Accident Victims

Quick Answer: Senate Bill 452 raises minimum insurance limits and removes unfair deductions on underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), ensuring better financial protection for car accident victims in North Carolina.

Why Senate Bill 452 Matters

Senate Bill 452 became law on October 3, 2023. It strengthens auto insurance regulations to provide better compensation for accident victims. If you were hurt in a car crash, these changes could increase your total recovery.

Key Changes Under Senate Bill 452

  • Higher Minimum Liability Limits: From July 1, 2025, the minimum required liability coverage increases to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This means victims may receive higher payouts for medical bills and property damage.
  • Removal of UIM Credit: Before this law, the at-fault driver’s coverage reduced your UIM benefits. Now you can collect the entire amount of your UIM policy without losing anything to the at-fault driver’s insurance payment.
  • New Rules on Medical Liens: Medical providers must produce records within 60 days of a request. Failure to comply may result in losing their lien on settlement funds, which can speed up your claim.

Example Scenario

Imagine you are driving on I-85 in Durham, and another driver runs a red light. You break your leg and face $40,000 in medical bills. The other driver’s policy only covers $30,000. If you have $100,000 in UIM coverage, Senate Bill 452 lets you tap into all $100,000, rather than having it reduced by the at-fault driver’s $30,000 insurance payment.

What You Should Do After an Accident

  1. Review Your Insurance Policy: Check if your coverage meets the new limits and consider adding or increasing UIM coverage.
  2. Check the At-Fault Driver’s Coverage: Policies renewed on or after July 1, 2025, must follow the higher limits. Some drivers may still have older, lower-limit plans.
  3. Request Medical Records Early: Providers have a 60-day deadline to send records under the new law. Quick action helps settle claims faster.
  4. Consult a Durham Injury Lawyer: An experienced attorney can navigate the updated insurance laws and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Relevant North Carolina Statutes

  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21: Details insurance requirements, including new minimum liability and UIM limits.
  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44-49: Covers medical liens and the 60-day record production rule.

Your Next Steps

Senate Bill 452 can significantly impact your injury claim. If you are unsure how these changes apply to your case, a Durham Injury Lawyer at Wallace Pierce Law can help. Our attorneys have experience handling car accident claims under the new rules, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Wallace Pierce Law

When you need dedicated representation, reach out to Wallace Pierce Law. We understand how to protect your rights under North Carolina’s updated insurance laws. Email us at intake@wallacepierce.com or call us at (919) 313-2737. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
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