Wilmington sees more and more tourists every year. Beach season, festivals, riverfront weekends. More visitors means more cars on the road. And more car accidents involving people who do not live in North Carolina.

If you are a local and get hit by a tourist driver, your claim can look different than you expect. Insurance issues come up fast. Delays happen. Confusion is common. And mistakes cost time and money.

Here’s what you need to know if a visitor causes a crash in Wilmington.

Tourist drivers often carry out-of-state insurance

North Carolina insurance rules are specific. Tourists are not required to carry North Carolina insurance if they are visiting from another state. They carry coverage based on the rules where they live.

That matters because coverage limits vary. Some states allow lower liability limits than North Carolina. That means there may be less money available to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

And some drivers carry policies that handle claims slowly. Out-of-state insurers often require extra paperwork and extra time to confirm coverage.

Rental cars add another layer

Many tourist crashes involve rental vehicles. That creates more questions.

Was the driver covered by their personal policy?
Did they buy coverage through the rental company?
Does the rental company accept responsibility?

Each answer affects how the claim moves forward. Rental companies often push responsibility back to the driver’s insurer. Insurers push it back to the rental company. Meanwhile, you wait.

A car accident lawyer in Wilmington can identify which policy applies and force the correct carrier to respond.

North Carolina fault rules still apply

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found even one percent at fault, you can lose the right to recover damages.

Tourist drivers often give statements that shift blame. They may misunderstand local roads. They may not know speed limits. But insurers still use those statements to deny claims.

This is not the time to assume the facts will “work themselves out.”

Photos matter. Witnesses matter. Police reports matter. And timing matters.

Medical treatment should not wait

Many locals delay treatment after a crash. They think soreness will fade. Or they worry about cost.

Waiting creates problems. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies a reason to question whether your injuries came from the crash. Out-of-state insurers use that delay against you.

Get medical care early. Follow through. Keep records.

If you use Medicaid or have limited coverage, that does not reduce the seriousness of your claim.

Out-of-state drivers often leave Wilmington quickly

Tourist drivers usually return home within days. Sometimes within hours.

That makes follow-up harder. If the insurer later disputes fault or coverage, the driver is no longer nearby to clarify details.

This is another reason to gather information at the scene. Names. Addresses. Policy numbers. Rental details. Photos of vehicles and license plates.

Once the driver leaves North Carolina, resolving issues takes more work.

Property damage disputes are common

Out-of-state insurance companies often undervalue vehicle damage. They rely on remote estimates. They push repair shops to cut corners. They delay approvals.

If your car is totaled, valuation disputes can drag on.

If you need your vehicle to work or care for your family, these delays matter.

Settlement pressure is real

Tourist insurers often try to settle fast. They want the claim closed before questions come up.

Quick settlements often come before full medical recovery. Once you accept, the claim ends. Even if symptoms get worse later.

A car accident lawyer in Wilmington can review a settlement offer and explain what it actually covers.

Why locals often need legal help in tourist crashes

Tourist crashes involve more moving parts than local accidents. Multiple insurers. Different state rules. Rental companies. Delays.

You should not have to manage all of that while injured.

Legal help allows you to focus on recovery while someone else handles insurance calls, records, and deadlines.

When to call

Call as soon as possible after the crash. Early involvement helps preserve evidence and prevent mistakes that cannot be fixed later.

If you were hit by a tourist driver in Wilmington and have questions about insurance, coverage, or next steps, call Rodzik Law Group now to speak with a car accident lawyer in Wilmington.