Firm news
Articles from the firm
Guidance written by the attorneys who handle the cases — on car accidents, insurance, liens, and what happens after an injury in North Carolina.
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Who pays my medical bills after a car accident caused by someone else?
The other driver’s liability insurer may ultimately compensate you for reasonable accident-related medical expenses, but it usually does not pay each bill as…
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What should I do if the other driver's insurance company is trying to collect my medical bills and records?
Do not assume you must sign the other driver’s insurance company’s medical authorization exactly as written.
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What happens after an insurance company receives a letter of representation for an injury claim?
After receiving a letter of representation, the insurance company will usually note the lawyer’s involvement, confirm the scope of representation, and direct…
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What can I do if the insurer refuses to discuss my vehicle damage because I have an attorney for my injury claim?
Ask your attorney to send the insurer a written notice confirming that the attorney represents you only for the bodily injury claim and that the insurer may…
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Should the insurance company communicate with my lawyer instead of contacting me directly after I have legal representation?
Generally, yes. Once the opposing insurance company receives notice that a lawyer represents you for the injury claim, substantive communications about the…
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Should I respond to a settlement figure before my lawyer reviews my injuries and treatment?
You may acknowledge receiving the settlement figure, but you generally should not accept it, reject it, make a counteroffer, or sign a release before your…
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How does payment of my medical expenses work when another party hit my car?
The other driver’s insurance company usually does not pay your medical bills as they arrive.
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How can I obtain medical payments coverage information after a car accident?
Ask the insurance carrier in writing whether medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, applies to the accident.
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How can I keep my bodily injury claim separate from my vehicle damage claim?
You can usually handle vehicle damage separately from bodily injury by clearly limiting the attorney’s representation in writing, requesting separate claim…
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How can I handle my vehicle damage claim directly when my lawyer represents me only for bodily injuries?
You can usually handle the vehicle damage portion yourself if your lawyer’s representation is limited to the bodily injury claim.
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How can I confirm that an insurance company received my attorney’s letter of representation?
Ask your attorney for written confirmation from the insurance company, such as an adjuster’s email, claim-system acknowledgment, or letter identifying your…
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Can ongoing hip pain and anxiety after a car accident be included in my injury claim?
Yes. Ongoing hip pain and anxiety may be included in a North Carolina car accident injury claim when the evidence reasonably connects them to the collision.
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Can my attorney handle only my injury claim while the insurance company separately handles my property damage?
Yes. A North Carolina attorney may handle only the injury portion of an auto accident claim while you work separately with the insurance company on vehicle…
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Can an insurance company discuss my vehicle damage claim directly with me if my attorney represents me only for bodily injury?
Yes, an insurance company generally can discuss a vehicle damage claim directly with you when your attorney represents you only for bodily injury.
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Can an insurance adjuster refuse to discuss my vehicle damage because I have a lawyer for my injury claim?
Not necessarily. If your lawyer represents you only for bodily injuries, that representation does not automatically include your separate vehicle-damage claim.
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Can a lawyer help me get the police report and related records from my accident?
Yes. A lawyer can identify the agency that investigated the accident, request the police report, and seek related materials such as photographs, diagrams,…
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When does a settlement for an underage child require court approval?
In North Carolina, a proposed settlement of an underage child’s personal injury claim generally requires court approval before it can conclusively resolve the…
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What vehicle and insurance information do I need to include on a household vehicle form?
List every vehicle owned, registered, insured, regularly used, or normally kept by someone in your household, as the form directs.
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What should I do after the insurance company declares my recently purchased vehicle a total loss?
Document the vehicle, obtain the insurer’s written valuation, and clarify what the company means by “releasing” it before signing anything.
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What is the difference between a medical bill and a medical lien?
A medical bill is the amount a provider says you owe for treatment. A medical lien is a legal claim against money recovered through a personal injury…
