Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Will my underinsured motorist claim be separate from the at-fault driver's liability claim? — Durham, NC
Yes. An underinsured motorist claim is generally opened under your own applicable auto insurance coverage, while the liability claim is made against…
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What steps should I take after another driver runs a stop sign and causes a serious accident? — Durham, NC
Protect your health, preserve evidence, report the crash, and document every injury-related and vehicle-related loss. In North Carolina, evidence…
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What information is needed to make a medical-payments claim after a pedestrian accident? — Durham, NC
To make a medical-payments claim, you generally need the auto policy information, details identifying each injured person, the pedestrian accident…
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What evidence is needed to support an underinsured motorist claim after a pedestrian accident? — Durham, NC
A strong underinsured motorist claim usually needs evidence of insurance coverage, the driver’s fault, the pedestrian’s injuries and damages, and…
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How should I document ongoing pain and medical treatment after being released from the emergency room? — Durham, NC
Document your symptoms, activity limits, appointments, medical records, bills, and missed work in a consistent and factual way. Follow your…
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How can I tell whether an insurance company’s bodily injury offer is fair? — Durham, NC
A fair bodily injury offer should reasonably account for supported medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, other documented losses,…
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Does auto medical-payments coverage apply when a policyholder is struck by a car while walking? — Durham, NC
Yes, auto medical-payments coverage may apply when a policyholder is struck by a vehicle while walking. Many North Carolina personal auto policies…
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Can the same insurance company handle both the at-fault driver's claim and my underinsured motorist claim? — Durham, NC
Yes. The same insurance company can handle the at-fault driver’s liability claim and your underinsured motorist claim, but the claims involve…
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Can injured pedestrians seek coverage from their own auto policy as well as the driver's liability insurance? — Durham, NC
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 I make an underinsured motorist claim under my auto policy if I was injured as a pedestrian? — Durham, NC
Yes, potentially. In North Carolina, underinsured motorist coverage may protect a named insured and certain household family members while they are…
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Can an insurance company limit my lost-wage claim if a medical provider did not formally excuse me from work? — Durham, NC
Yes, an insurer may reduce or dispute a lost-wage allowance when no medical provider documented that your injuries prevented you from working.…
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Can a policyholder and spouse both receive medical-payments coverage under the same auto policy after a pedestrian accident? — Durham, NC
Yes, both may qualify for medical-payments coverage if the North Carolina auto policy included that coverage on the accident date and treats the…
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Can a lawyer handle my injury claim while I deal separately with the damage to my vehicle? — Durham, NC
Yes. A lawyer may handle your bodily injury claim while you address the vehicle-damage claim yourself, as long as the scope of representation is…
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Which insurance policy is responsible when the at-fault driver was using a relative's vehicle? — Durham, NC
The relative’s policy covering the vehicle is usually the first policy to investigate, especially if the owner gave the driver permission to use the…
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What should I verify before signing a pre-demand medical treatment form? — Durham, NC
Before signing, confirm that the form accurately lists every provider, treatment date, accident-related service, and billing source connected to your…
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What should I do if a medical provider or treatment visit is missing from the form? — Durham, NC
Report the missing provider or treatment visit in writing as soon as possible, even if you already signed the form. Give enough detail to identify…
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What photographs and other evidence should I preserve to support my injury claim? — Durham, NC
Preserve original photographs of the scene, vehicles, visible injuries, damaged property, and recovery over time, along with medical records,…
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What information does my employer need to verify for a lost-wage claim? — Durham, NC
Your employer should verify your job, normal schedule, pay rate, exact time missed, and the wages you actually lost. If an employer-required drug…
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What happens when a doctor treats a preexisting condition after a car accident? — Durham, NC
Treatment of a preexisting condition may be included in a North Carolina car-accident claim if the collision activated the condition or made it…
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What happens if I do not want to settle my car accident claim before completing treatment? — Durham, NC
You generally do not have to accept a settlement while you are still receiving care, and the decision to settle belongs to you. Waiting may allow…
