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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How do I fill out a lost-wages form after an accident, including the time I missed work?
In a North Carolina injury claim, a lost-wages form should clearly show when you missed work, why you missed work (because of accident-related limitations),…
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How do I challenge my insurance company’s low offer when I have an independent appraisal showing a much higher value?
In North Carolina, the most effective way to challenge a low valuation is to force the insurer to explain its numbers in writing, then use your independent…
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How can I file a claim if I was a passenger in my own car when another driver rear-ended us?
In North Carolina, you can usually pursue an injury claim against the at-fault rear driver even if you were only a passenger in your own vehicle.
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Does it matter that the accident involved an animal instead of another driver when I’m asking for diminished value?
It can matter, but not because “diminished value” is only for crashes with another driver.
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Does it matter for my claim if the people in the other car switched drivers after the accident?
Yes. If the occupants switched drivers after a crash, it can affect your claim because it creates a factual dispute about who was actually driving and who…
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Does being pregnant at the time of the crash change what medical issues and damages can be included in my case?
Yes. In North Carolina, pregnancy can change what medical issues get evaluated and documented after a crash, and it can affect the types of damages you may be…
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Do I need to sign a medical authorization form so my lawyer can request my medical records from the doctor?
Usually, yes. In North Carolina, your doctor’s office will typically require a signed medical authorization before it will release your medical records to…
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Can my insurance company be required to pay my attorney fees as part of the settlement or claim payment?
Usually, no. In North Carolina, your attorney’s fee is typically paid out of the settlement or recovery under your fee agreement, not added on top of the…
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Can I recover money for missed work if I couldn’t get to my job because my car was totaled?
Possibly, but it depends on why you missed work. In North Carolina, lost wages are usually tied to being unable to work because of your injuries, while…
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Can I include the week I couldn’t work right after the accident even if I hadn’t seen a doctor yet?
Often, yes—you can claim the first week of missed work as lost wages in a North Carolina injury claim, even if your first doctor visit happened later.
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Can a campus be held responsible if a dangerous condition caused a slip and fall on school property?
Sometimes, yes—but it depends on what kind of campus it is and whether immunity applies.
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Will changing the claim to bodily injury liability affect what medical bills and other losses can be claimed?
Usually, yes—switching a claim from MedPay to bodily injury (liability) changes what types of losses can be pursued and what must be proven.
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What can I do if the emergency room didn’t do imaging or a full evaluation but I’m still sore?
In North Carolina, it’s common for an ER visit after a crash to focus on ruling out emergencies—not doing every test or imaging study.
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Can I still bring a claim if I haven’t had follow-up treatment since the crash?
Yes—under North Carolina law, you can still bring an injury claim even if you have not had follow-up treatment after the crash.
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What is the difference between MedPay and bodily injury liability coverage for an injured passenger?
In North Carolina, MedPay is usually a no-fault benefit that can help pay medical bills for an injured passenger regardless of who caused the crash, while…
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What information does my attorney need to provide to a health plan recovery company to open or locate a file for my accident?
In North Carolina, a health plan recovery company usually needs enough identifiers to (1) confirm the person is a covered member and (2) match the accident…
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What happens if the insurer initially opens the claim under the wrong coverage type?
If an insurer opens a North Carolina injury claim under the wrong coverage type (for example, MedPay instead of liability bodily injury), it can usually be…
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What happens if MedPay was reported on the claim but the policy shows it was never purchased?
In North Carolina, Medical Payments coverage (often called “MedPay”) is typically optional.
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What does it mean if my auto insurance policy doesn’t include MedPay coverage?
If your North Carolina auto policy does not list Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, it usually means there is no separate “no-fault” pot of money under that…
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If there’s no MedPay on the policy, what other insurance can help pay my medical bills after a crash?
If there is no Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, medical bills after a North Carolina crash may be submitted first to health insurance or, for a…
