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.

  1. Accident Q&A series

    Can I stop a claim from being filed against the non-fault driver?: Practical answer under North Carolina law

    No. In North Carolina, you generally cannot prevent an insurer from opening a claim under the vehicle you were riding in.

  2. Accident Q&A series

    Can I require a clerk to resolve a dispute over a car damage appraisal and how are fees allocated?: North Carolina guidance

    No. In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court does not decide auto insurance appraisal disputes or appoint umpires in those contract matters.

  3. Accident Q&A series

    Can I negotiate for a higher settlement after the insurer labels it as a final offer?

    Often, yes—"final offer" is usually a negotiation term, not a legal barrier. In North Carolina, you can continue negotiating unless you have a binding…

  4. Accident Q&A series

    Am I obligated to pay for my own appraiser before reaching a settlement?: North Carolina

    In North Carolina, you generally do not have to hire or pay an appraiser just to keep negotiating a claim.

  5. Accident Q&A series

    What happens if I reject the insurance company’s final offer and proceed to trial?: North Carolina personal injury cases

    In North Carolina, rejecting a final offer means you will pursue your claim in court, where a judge or jury decides liability and damages.

  6. Accident Q&A series

    What factors affect the value of a whiplash and shoulder injury claim in a personal injury case?

    In North Carolina, claim value turns on liability, medical proof, and available insurance.

  7. Accident Q&A series

    What can I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance company delays or denies my property damage claim?: Clear next steps under North Carolina law

    In North Carolina, you don’t have to accept a slow or unfair third‑party property damage decision.

  8. Accident Q&A series

    Should vehicle damage be included when evaluating a bodily injury settlement?

    In North Carolina, vehicle damage is a separate claim from bodily injury. When you evaluate a bodily injury settlement, focus on injury-related losses…

  9. Accident Q&A series

    How do I calculate my vehicle’s fair market value for a total loss insurance claim?

    In North Carolina, fair market value (also called actual cash value) is the price a similar vehicle would sell for locally just before the crash, adjusted for…

  10. Accident Q&A series

    Do I need a police report to pursue a property damage claim after a crash?: North Carolina

    No. In North Carolina, you can pursue a property damage claim without a police report.

  11. Accident Q&A series

    Can I file a small claims lawsuit to recover repair costs or diminished value on my car?: North Carolina

    Yes. In North Carolina, you can file in small claims (magistrate) court if your total property damage is at or under $10,000 and you sue the at-fault driver…

  12. Accident Q&A series

    What steps can I take to increase my settlement for soft tissue injuries treated in the ER?

    In North Carolina, you increase a soft tissue injury settlement by proving liability, clearly linking your injuries to the incident, and presenting medical…

  13. Accident Q&A series

    What information do I need to provide to get my CT scans and x-rays for the injury claim?: Clear steps for North Carolina patients

    In North Carolina, you can request your ER radiology records by sending a written request or HIPAA-compliant authorization to the hospital’s Health…

  14. Accident Q&A series

    What happens to my insurance claim if I become Medicare eligible mid-process?: North Carolina personal injury

    If you become Medicare-eligible while your North Carolina injury claim is pending, Medicare may pay some accident-related bills as a “secondary payer” and…

  15. Accident Q&A series

    What happens if neither insurance company accepts responsibility for my claim?: North Carolina

    In North Carolina, if the at-fault driver is uninsured and neither insurer accepts responsibility, you can pursue your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

  16. Accident Q&A series

    How long should I expect my uninsured motorist claim to take when insurers are disputing coverage?

    There is no fixed timeline in North Carolina. Straightforward uninsured motorist (UM) claims can resolve in months, but a coverage dispute between insurers…

  17. Accident Q&A series

    How do I respond when a claim is reassigned to a new adjuster in the middle of negotiations?: North Carolina Personal Injury

    In North Carolina, treat a reassignment as a chance to re-anchor your demand and confirm the record.

  18. Accident Q&A series

    How do I respond if the insurance company low-balls my personal injury claim?

    In North Carolina, answer a low offer with a documented counter-demand that proves liability, connects your injuries to the crash, and substantiates each…

  19. Accident Q&A series

    How do I determine how much I can recover under my uninsured motorist policy?: North Carolina

    In North Carolina, your uninsured motorist (UM) recovery is capped at your UM policy limits and cannot exceed your proven damages.

  20. Accident Q&A series

    How can I negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance after a hit-and-run collision?

    In North Carolina, you can negotiate directly with the at-fault driver’s liability insurer by presenting a clear, documented demand that proves liability,…

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