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 can I confirm that an insurance company received my attorney’s letter of representation?
Ask your attorney for written confirmation from the insurance company, such as an adjuster’s email, claim-system acknowledgment, or letter identifying your…
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Can ongoing hip pain and anxiety after a car accident be included in my injury claim?
Yes. Ongoing hip pain and anxiety may be included in a North Carolina car accident injury claim when the evidence reasonably connects them to the collision.
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Can my attorney handle only my injury claim while the insurance company separately handles my property damage?
Yes. A North Carolina attorney may handle only the injury portion of an auto accident claim while you work separately with the insurance company on vehicle…
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Can an insurance company discuss my vehicle damage claim directly with me if my attorney represents me only for bodily injury?
Yes, an insurance company generally can discuss a vehicle damage claim directly with you when your attorney represents you only for bodily injury.
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Can an insurance adjuster refuse to discuss my vehicle damage because I have a lawyer for my injury claim?
Not necessarily. If your lawyer represents you only for bodily injuries, that representation does not automatically include your separate vehicle-damage claim.
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Can a lawyer help me get the police report and related records from my accident?
Yes. A lawyer can identify the agency that investigated the accident, request the police report, and seek related materials such as photographs, diagrams,…
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When does a settlement for an underage child require court approval?
In North Carolina, a proposed settlement of an underage child’s personal injury claim generally requires court approval before it can conclusively resolve the…
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What vehicle and insurance information do I need to include on a household vehicle form?
List every vehicle owned, registered, insured, regularly used, or normally kept by someone in your household, as the form directs.
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What should I do after the insurance company declares my recently purchased vehicle a total loss?
Document the vehicle, obtain the insurer’s written valuation, and clarify what the company means by “releasing” it before signing anything.
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What is the difference between a medical bill and a medical lien?
A medical bill is the amount a provider says you owe for treatment. A medical lien is a legal claim against money recovered through a personal injury…
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What happens if the insurance company will not meet my minimum settlement amount?
You do not have to accept an offer below your minimum settlement amount, but the insurance company does not have to meet that amount.
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What does it mean when an insurance company asks me to release my vehicle after an accident?
It usually means the insurer wants permission to move your vehicle from a tow yard or storage facility so it can be inspected, stored elsewhere, or processed…
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How do my injuries and chiropractic treatment affect the value of my personal injury claim?
Your injuries and chiropractic treatment can affect the value of a North Carolina personal injury claim, but treatment bills do not determine value by…
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How can I tell whether the insurance company is offering a fair value for my totaled vehicle?
A fair total-loss offer should generally reflect the vehicle’s fair market value immediately before the crash, based on accurate information about its model,…
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How can I tell whether an insurer's initial settlement offer fairly accounts for my injuries, damaged work equipment, and missed business opportunity?
Compare the offer with each documented loss rather than judging only the total amount.
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How can I document replaced work equipment and a missed business opportunity as part of a car accident claim?
Document the damaged equipment with photographs, ownership records, evidence of its pre-crash condition and value, and itemized repair or replacement receipts.
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Does inspecting and collecting my totaled vehicle mean the insurance company has accepted liability?
No. Inspecting, moving, or collecting a totaled vehicle usually means the insurer is documenting the damage, controlling storage costs, or beginning the…
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Can signing property damage or total-loss paperwork affect my bodily injury claim?
Yes, it can if the paperwork contains a broad release covering bodily injury or all claims from the crash.
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Can medical liens be negotiated or limited before a settlement is distributed?
Yes. Medical providers may agree to reduce their claims before settlement funds are distributed, and North Carolina law limits how much valid provider liens…
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Can an underage child receive compensation for emotional trauma after a car accident when medical treatment was limited?
Yes. A child may receive compensation for accident-related emotional trauma even if the child had only one medical visit, but limited treatment can make the…
