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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Does a driver pulled over with caution lights have to yield before reentering or crossing traffic?
Generally, a driver stopped along a North Carolina road must make sure it is safe before pulling back into traffic or turning across a travel lane.
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Can my former law firm continue handling my earlier accident claims after withdrawing from my newest claim?
Yes, a law firm may stop handling one accident claim while continuing to represent you on separate, earlier claims.
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Can I still seek diminished value compensation after my vehicle was repaired following an earlier collision?
Yes, you may still be able to pursue diminished value from the earlier collision even though the vehicle was repaired and later declared a total loss.
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Can I recover diminished value when I hydroplaned and no other driver was involved?
Probably not as a separate diminished-value payment for the hydroplaning accident if the vehicle was declared a total loss.
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Can I make a diminished-value claim if my vehicle was declared a total loss?
Usually, you cannot receive a separate diminished-value payment when an insurer declares your vehicle a total loss.
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Can I make a diminished value claim if my vehicle was declared a total loss after a later collision?
Yes, you may still be able to pursue diminished value from the earlier collision even though a later collision resulted in a total loss.
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Can evidence showing that the other driver made an unsafe turn change who is considered at fault?
Yes. Evidence that another driver accelerated, turned left without a proper signal, or began turning when the movement could not be made safely may change how…
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Can earlier accidents that lowered my vehicle's value be included in my current claim?
Usually, no. A current total-loss claim generally addresses the vehicle’s value immediately before the current accident, and earlier accident damage may lower…
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Can an insurance company communicate with either law firm until I confirm who represents me?
Yes, an insurance company may contact either law firm for the limited purpose of clarifying who represents you, but it may pause substantive claim…
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Will the law firm provide written confirmation of its representation?
Yes. Based on the stated facts, the firm agreed to provide the insurer with written confirmation that the injured passenger remains represented.
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Why did the insurance company deny liability when the police report appears to support my claim?
An insurance company may deny liability because it conducts its own investigation and is not required to accept the police report as the final word on fault.
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What is the current status of negotiations with the insurance company for additional settlement funds?
The current status cannot be determined without reviewing the claim file and the latest communications between the attorney and insurance adjuster.
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What happens if I choose not to pursue underinsured motorist coverage?
If you choose not to pursue underinsured motorist coverage, you may give up a potential source of payment for bodily-injury losses not covered by the at-fault…
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What happens if a public-benefits program has a lien on my settlement?
A valid public-benefits lien generally must be identified and resolved before the affected settlement proceeds can be distributed to you.
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What happens after I sign and return a notarized settlement release?
After the insurance company receives an acceptable notarized settlement release, it will usually complete its review and issue the settlement check.
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What evidence can document accident-related emotional distress without disclosing all of my private therapy notes?
You may be able to document accident-related emotional distress with a therapist’s summary letter, treatment and billing records, limited portions of the…
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What compensation may be available for knee and back pain after a rear-end collision?
Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, and other losses caused by the rear-end collision.
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What can I do if the transit operator will not respond or provide a claim number?
You can protect your claim even if the transit operator does not respond or assign a claim number.
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What can I do if an insurance company denies responsibility without clearly explaining its decision?
You can ask the insurance company to provide a written explanation identifying the facts, evidence, policy provisions, and legal rules supporting its denial.
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Should I file an underinsured motorist claim through my own insurance after agreeing to a settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer?
Yes, you should generally notify your insurer promptly and have the possible underinsured motorist claim evaluated, even if you have agreed to accept part of…
