Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Who is responsible for damage to another vehicle when an unauthorized driver causes a rental-car accident? — Durham, NC
The unauthorized driver is usually the first person potentially responsible if that driver negligently caused the crash. The renter may also face…
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Which insurance company should I contact about a liability claim after a crash caused by someone driving a rental vehicle? — Durham, NC
Promptly contact both the rental company or its claims administrator and the rental driver’s personal auto insurance company, even if the driver did…
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What medical records and accident documents should I preserve for my injury claim? — Durham, NC
Preserve complete medical records and itemized bills, the police crash report, photographs, witness information, insurance communications, vehicle…
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What information might the insurer request before reviewing my bodily injury demand? — Durham, NC
The insurer may request basic claim identifiers, proof that your attorney represents you, medical records and itemized bills, lost-income…
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What happens when a rental car is damaged after the renter's insurance coverage has lapsed? — Durham, NC
A lapse in the renter's personal auto insurance does not automatically mean that no coverage exists, but it can leave the renter and driver…
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What happens if the other driver's insurer makes a diminished-value offer that is too low? — Durham, NC
You do not have to accept a diminished-value offer that you believe is too low. You can request the insurer’s valuation method, submit stronger…
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What happens if the insurance company disputes my diminished value appraisal? — Durham, NC
The insurance company may reject the appraisal, request more support, obtain another valuation, or make a lower offer. Your appraisal is evidence of…
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What evidence do I need to support a property-damage claim after a hit-and-run? — Durham, NC
You should preserve evidence showing how the hit-and-run happened, whether the fleeing vehicle made contact, who owns the damaged vehicle, and the…
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What documents can verify the charges included in a healthcare lien? — Durham, NC
An itemized billing statement and a current lien ledger are the primary documents used to verify the charges included in a healthcare lien. Medical…
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What can I do if my insurance company is not helping after a hit-and-run accident? — Durham, NC
Put the claim in writing, ask the insurer to identify the available coverage and any missing documents, and request a written explanation for any…
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Should I hire an attorney in the state where the accident happened even though I live in another state? — Durham, NC
Usually, you should speak with an attorney licensed in the state where the accident occurred, even if you live elsewhere. If the crash happened in…
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Should I hire a lawyer in the state where the accident happened rather than where I live? — Durham, NC
Usually, you should choose a lawyer who is licensed and able to handle a claim in the state where the accident happened, even if you live elsewhere.…
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Should all of my medical treatment be considered in a personal injury settlement? — Durham, NC
All accident-related medical treatment should be reviewed, but an insurer does not have to accept every visit or charge when evaluating a personal…
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How does the appraisal process work if the two appraisers cannot agree on the vehicle's lost value? — Durham, NC
If the two appraisers cannot agree, North Carolina law calls for a qualified, disinterested umpire to review their differences and determine the…
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How does an insurance company decide how much to offer for a personal injury claim? — Durham, NC
An insurance company usually bases its offer on its assessment of fault, medical evidence, financial losses, injury-related limitations, available…
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How does a healthcare lien affect a bodily injury claim? — Durham, NC
A valid healthcare lien may require part of a bodily injury recovery to be used to pay injury-related medical charges before the remaining funds are…
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How do ongoing shoulder pain and limits on daily activities affect the value of a car accident claim? — Durham, NC
Ongoing shoulder pain and documented limits on sleep, household tasks, recreation, writing, and family activities may increase the value of a North…
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How can my lawyer submit a bodily injury demand to the correct insurance adjuster? — Durham, NC
Your lawyer can identify the assigned bodily injury adjuster, verify that person’s contact information and authority, and submit the demand through…
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How can my attorney request copies of my medical records from an emergency services provider? — Durham, NC
Your attorney can usually request the records by sending the emergency services provider a written request with your signed, HIPAA-compliant…
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How can I recover payment for vehicle damage when the other driver leaves the scene? — Durham, NC
You may seek payment through the fleeing driver’s liability insurance if the driver is identified, or through applicable coverage on the damaged…
