Articles from the firm

Do I have to go through an umpire before suing in small claims court?: North Carolina

In North Carolina, if your auto policy’s appraisal clause has been invoked and the two appraisers disagree, you are generally expected to complete the…

Can we recover lost wages for my spouse who’s missing work due to crash injuries?: North Carolina

Yes. In North Carolina, the injured person can recover lost wages and lost earning capacity from the at-fault driver (and, if needed, through…

Can I still hire an attorney for a property damage claim if there are no personal injuries in the accident?: North Carolina

Yes. In North Carolina, you can hire an attorney to pursue a vehicle property damage claim even if no one was hurt.

Can I recover the cost of the umpire if the appraisal award is lower than expected?

Usually no. In North Carolina, who pays the appraisal umpire is controlled by your auto policy.

Can I recover my medical bills if my insurer says I’m partially at fault?: North Carolina

In North Carolina, if you are even slightly at fault, the contributory negligence rule can bar recovery from the other driver’s liability insurance.

Can I pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer for my child’s back injuries?: North Carolina

Yes. In North Carolina, a parent or legal guardian may present a third-party bodily injury claim to the at-fault driver’s liability insurer on behalf of a…

Can I negotiate or reduce medical liens after an auto accident claim?: North Carolina guide

Yes. Under North Carolina law, many medical liens can be reduced, capped, or negotiated before settlement funds are disbursed.

Can I get enough compensation to pay off my auto loan and replace my vehicle after an accident when both drivers deny responsibility?

In North Carolina, property-damage law generally pays you the vehicle’s actual cash value (fair market value) at the time of the crash, not a guaranteed loan…

Can I file a personal injury claim when no tickets were issued in my crash?: North Carolina

Yes. In North Carolina, you can pursue an injury claim even if no one received a traffic ticket.

Can I accept part of their offer and still negotiate other damages?: North Carolina Personal Injury

Yes—if the insurer agrees in writing to a partial settlement and you sign a narrowly drafted release that reserves your other damages.

How do I correct an inaccurate police report after an accident in North Carolina?

Will opening a claim against a non-fault driver’s policy hurt their insurance premiums or coverage?: North Carolina passenger-focused answer

In North Carolina, opening a claim against the driver you rode with to check Medical Payments (MedPay) or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage…

What steps can I take if the insurer’s supplement appraisal doesn’t cover full repair costs?: North Carolina guidance

In North Carolina, if your own policy’s appraisal clause is in play and the supplement still underpays, you can proceed to an umpire.

What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover my medical bills?: North Carolina

In North Carolina, if the at-fault driver’s liability insurance won’t cover all of your medical bills, you look next to underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage…

What does signing a release form mean for my diminished value claim?: Plain-English guide for North Carolina drivers

In North Carolina, signing a settlement release is a contract that permanently gives up your right to seek more money for the same diminished value and…

What costs and fees should I consider before accepting a diminished value settlement?: Clear, practical guidance under North Carolina law

Before you sign a diminished value settlement in North Carolina, focus on your net recovery after your attorney’s fee, case expenses (like appraisal or expert…

How do I know which insurer should pay my accident medical expenses?: North Carolina

In North Carolina, your health insurance and any auto Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage usually pay medical bills first.

How can I find out why a claim was opened against the driver I was riding with?: plain-English answer for North Carolina passengers

In North Carolina, insurers often open a claim on your driver’s policy to check available coverages like Medical Payments (MedPay) or uninsured/underinsured…

How can I dispute an insurance company’s low appraisal of my vehicle damage?: North Carolina personal injury

In North Carolina, start by gathering a competing written estimate from a reputable repair shop and ask the insurer for a reinspection or supplement.

How can I decide whether to accept a diminished value offer from an insurance company?: Practical guidance under North Carolina law

In North Carolina, you can settle a diminished value claim if the offer reasonably reflects the drop in your car’s market value after quality repairs.