Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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How does pain and suffering affect a personal injury settlement offer? — Durham, NC
Pain and suffering can affect a personal injury settlement offer because it is part of the harm an injured person may claim, separate from medical…
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How does an insurance adjuster decide whether to accept or reject a personal injury demand? — Durham, NC
An insurance adjuster usually reviews a personal injury demand by looking at fault, injuries, medical documentation, damages, available coverage, and…
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How do separate injury claims from the same accident get negotiated with the insurance company? — Durham, NC
Separate injury claims from the same accident are usually negotiated as separate claims, even when they involve the same crash and the same insurance…
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How do I know whether my insurance claim is being handled properly after an accident? — Durham, NC
You usually judge an accident insurance claim by the process, not just by whether the insurer agrees with you. A properly handled North Carolina…
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How do I decide whether to accept or reject an insurance settlement offer after an accident? — Durham, NC
You decide by comparing the offer to the strength of your North Carolina injury claim, the proof of your damages, the risks of disputed fault, the…
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How can I prove a tractor-trailer driver changed lanes without signaling before hitting my car? — Durham, NC
You prove an unsignaled tractor-trailer lane change by building evidence from the scene, vehicles, witnesses, video, police materials, and trucking…
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How can I move my injury insurance claim forward if the claims adjuster is not responding? — Durham, NC
You can often move the claim forward by making sure communication is organized, written, complete, and tied to a clear response deadline. In North…
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How can I decide whether to accept an insurance settlement offer after a car accident? — Durham, NC
You can decide whether to accept a car accident settlement offer by comparing the offer to your documented losses, the strength of liability,…
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How can financial hardship be communicated to the insurance company during a personal injury claim? — Durham, NC
Financial hardship can usually be communicated to the insurance company in a clear written update that explains the urgent problem and attaches…
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How are wrongful death settlement proceeds distributed when the court has to determine the heirs? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, wrongful death settlement proceeds are generally distributed to the people entitled under the Intestate Succession Act, not simply…
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How are Medicare or medical liens handled in a personal injury settlement? — Durham, NC
Medicare or valid medical liens are usually identified, verified, negotiated when appropriate, and paid from settlement funds before the injured…
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Can two injured people from the same accident settle their claims for different amounts? — Durham, NC
Yes. Two injured people from the same accident can settle their North Carolina personal injury claims for different amounts because each claim is…
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Can the insurance company ask for more information before responding to my injury claim? — Durham, NC
Yes. An insurance company may ask for more information before making a settlement offer, denying the claim, or giving a fuller response. In a North…
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Can my children challenge someone who claims to be an heir in a wrongful death settlement? — Durham, NC
Yes. In North Carolina, children who may be entitled to wrongful death proceeds can usually raise an objection if another person claims to be an…
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Can I sign a personal injury settlement release electronically? — Durham, NC
Yes. In many North Carolina personal injury claims, a settlement release can be signed electronically if the parties agree to use electronic records…
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Can I recover for injuries if I did not leave the scene by ambulance but went to the emergency room later? — Durham, NC
Yes. In North Carolina, you do not have to leave a crash scene by ambulance to bring an injury claim, but delayed treatment can become an issue in…
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Can I negotiate if the insurance company responds with a low settlement offer? — Durham, NC
Yes. A low settlement offer is usually an opening position, not the end of your North Carolina personal injury claim. You can respond with a reasoned…
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Can I negotiate a personal injury settlement if the insurance company made an offer? — Durham, NC
Yes. An insurance company’s first offer usually does not end the discussion, and you may respond with a supported counteroffer. In North Carolina,…
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Can I bring an injury claim if I got a traffic ticket after the crash but I believe the truck driver caused it? — Durham, NC
Yes, you may still be able to bring an injury claim, but the traffic ticket creates a fault issue that must be handled carefully. Under North…
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Can I bring a personal injury claim after a car accident if I was hurt? — Durham, NC
Yes, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim after a car accident if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In North Carolina,…
