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 my lawyer need any more information from me for my personal injury claim?
Based on the situation described, probably not right now. The firm has received the available information and is waiting for final medical bills and records…
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Does making a medical payments claim under a parent's insurance policy mean the claim is against the parent?
No. A medical payments claim under a parent's auto insurance policy usually asks the insurance company to pay available first-party benefits; it does not…
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Does it help my injury claim if the other driver was charged in connection with the accident?
Yes, a charge against the other driver may support your injury claim, but it does not automatically prove civil liability.
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Does having more severe injuries affect how much of the available insurance coverage I may receive?
Yes. More severe, well-documented injuries may support a larger claim and may influence how an insurer divides limited bodily injury coverage among several…
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Does auto medical-payments coverage apply when a policyholder is struck by a car while walking?
Yes, auto medical-payments coverage may apply when a policyholder is struck by a vehicle while walking.
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Could making an underinsured motorist claim affect my insurance premiums when the accident was not my fault?
Making an underinsured motorist claim after a crash that was not your fault does not automatically mean your North Carolina premium will increase.
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Could being unable to make a full fist support a claim for permanent impairment or disability?
Yes. An ongoing inability to make a full fist may support a North Carolina claim for permanent injury, partial loss of use of the hand, or disability,…
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Can the same insurance company handle both the at-fault driver's claim and my underinsured motorist claim?
Yes. The same insurance company can handle the at-fault driver’s liability claim and your underinsured motorist claim, but the claims involve different…
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Can resolving the motorcycle property-damage claim affect my separate bodily injury claim?
Usually, payment for motorcycle damage does not resolve a separate bodily injury claim in North Carolina.
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Can my own insurer consider what I already received from the at-fault driver when evaluating my injury claim?
Yes. When evaluating an underinsured motorist claim, your insurer may consider the bodily injury payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer because UIM…
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Can my current lawyer negotiate my injury claim while the insurer still lists my former lawyer?
Yes. Your current lawyer generally may negotiate your North Carolina injury claim if you have authorized that lawyer to represent you, even when the insurer’s…
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Can medical payments coverage under a parent's auto policy apply to my accident?
Yes, a parent's medical payments coverage may apply if the policy covered you on the accident date.
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Can injured pedestrians seek coverage from their own auto policy as well as the driver's liability insurance?
Yes. A pedestrian injured by a driver may pursue the driver’s liability insurance while also seeking benefits under the pedestrian’s own auto policy,…
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Can independent appraisers negotiate the diminished value amount with the insurance company?
Yes, an independent vehicle appraiser may communicate with an insurance company about valuation and try to resolve differences in the diminished value amount…
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Can I seek additional compensation from my own insurance after the at-fault driver’s insurer pays its full policy limits?
Yes, you may be able to seek additional compensation through your own underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage.
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Can I reject an insurance company's initial settlement offer and negotiate for more?
Yes. You generally may reject an insurance company’s initial settlement offer and make a supported counteroffer.
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Can I make an underinsured motorist claim under my auto policy if I was injured as a pedestrian?
Yes, potentially. In North Carolina, underinsured motorist coverage may protect a named insured and certain household family members while they are walking,…
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Can I make a diminished value claim if my newer vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at a red light?
Yes, you may be able to make a diminished value claim if the collision caused your newer vehicle to be worth less even after proper repairs.
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Can I challenge another driver's insurance company if I believe both drivers shared fault for the accident?
Yes. You can dispute the insurer’s claim by presenting evidence that its insured driver helped cause the collision.
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Can an insurer increase its injury settlement offer after receiving a counteroffer?
Yes. An insurer may increase its injury settlement offer after receiving a counteroffer, but it is not required to do so.
