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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What does it mean when an insurance company tenders its policy limits before receiving a formal demand?
It usually means the insurance company is offering the maximum amount available under the applicable liability limits without waiting for the injured person…
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What can my lawyer do if a medical facility has not responded to a valid records request?
Your lawyer can confirm that the request reached the correct records custodian, correct any technical issue, send a documented follow-up, and escalate the…
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What accident and insurance documents does my lawyer need to take over my injury claim?
Your lawyer will usually need the crash report, photographs, insurance information, claim correspondence, medical provider details, bills, and any offer or…
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Should the bodily injury adjuster contact me directly after I hire a lawyer?
Usually, no. After the bodily injury adjuster receives notice that a lawyer represents you and should handle communications, claim discussions ordinarily…
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Should I accept an equal share of the at-fault driver's policy limits when several people were injured in the same accident?
Not automatically. An equal share may be reasonable when the available liability coverage is limited, but equality does not necessarily reflect each person’s…
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Is the injured claimant still receiving medical treatment related to the accident?
The available facts do not show whether the injured claimant is still receiving accident-related treatment, so the claimant or an authorized representative…
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How can my lawyer obtain my medical records from a government-operated medical facility for my personal injury claim?
Your lawyer can usually obtain the records by sending the facility a properly signed medical authorization or a patient-directed records request.
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How can I verify whether an insurance company has actually issued a settlement payment?
You can verify an alleged settlement payment by obtaining written confirmation from the insurer or your attorney that identifies the payment date, amount,…
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How can I challenge a medical lien against my settlement?
You can challenge a medical lien by asking for its legal basis, an itemized balance, proof that the charges relate to your injury claim, and proof that the…
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Has the other driver's insurance company already paid settlement funds to my law firm?
Your law firm can confirm whether the insurance company sent settlement funds, but the other driver usually cannot provide a reliable answer.
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Does the at-fault party's insurance have to pay my medical bills separately from my settlement?
Usually, no. An at-fault party’s liability insurer generally offers one settlement intended to resolve the bodily injury claim, including covered medical…
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Can my own underinsured motorist coverage provide additional compensation when the at-fault driver's policy limits are shared among multiple claimants?
Yes, your own underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation when several injured people divide the at-fault driver’s bodily injury limits.
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Can medical liens be deducted from my personal injury settlement?
Yes. A valid medical lien may be paid from a North Carolina personal injury settlement before the remaining funds are delivered to you.
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Can I use a physical therapy referral from my current doctor as part of my injury claim?
Yes. A physical therapy referral from your current doctor can be included in a North Carolina injury claim, especially when the doctor’s records connect the…
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Can I choose my own doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor after a car accident?
Yes, you can generally choose your own licensed doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor after a North Carolina car accident.
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Can I accept whatever settlement offer is available if I urgently need transportation?
Yes, you may choose to accept an available settlement because you urgently need transportation, but make sure you understand what you are giving up and how…
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Am I responsible for outstanding medical bills after resolving a personal injury claim?
Yes, you may remain responsible for outstanding medical bills even after resolving a personal injury claim.
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Will the injured person's attorney send a demand to the insurer?
Usually, yes. If the evidence supports the claim and the client authorizes settlement discussions, the injured person’s attorney will often send a written…
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Why does the insurance company need medical bills and records directly from the treatment facilities?
The insurance company usually wants facility-issued records and itemized bills so it can verify the treatment, dates of service, charges, payment information,…
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Why does my underinsured motorist settlement agreement show less than the full policy limit?
The agreement may show less than the stated underinsured motorist limit because the insurer is treating an earlier payment as part of the total settlement or…
