Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Will one medical records request usually include both the treatment records and the billing records? — Durham, NC
Not always. One request can ask for both treatment records and billing records, but hospitals and clinics often process chart records and itemized…
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Who may be responsible when a broken bench at a bus stop causes a fall injury? — Durham, NC
Responsibility may fall on the person or organization that owned, installed, inspected, maintained, or controlled the bus stop bench. In North…
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What should I do if police came to the scene but I have not been able to get the report? — Durham, NC
You should keep trying to identify the correct agency and report number, but do not wait on the police report before protecting your injury claim. In…
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What should I do if a law firm contacts me about helping with my car accident case? — Durham, NC
You do not have to hire a law firm just because it contacts you after a car accident. In North Carolina, direct solicitation of legal business can…
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What should I do after a parking lot accident if the other driver backed into my car? — Durham, NC
After a parking lot accident where another driver backed into your car, focus on safety, reporting, evidence, medical documentation, and insurance…
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What kinds of damages can I claim after a motor vehicle accident? — Durham, NC
You may be able to claim damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other crash-related losses that are…
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What is a demand letter in a personal injury case? — Durham, NC
A demand letter is a written request sent to the insurance company that explains your injury claim, supports it with documents, and asks for a…
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What information should I gather after a motor vehicle accident? — Durham, NC
After a motor vehicle accident in North Carolina, gather identifying information, insurance details, photos, witness information, medical records,…
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What happens if the other driver left the scene without giving insurance information after I was taken to the hospital? — Durham, NC
The crash should still be investigated, and you may still have insurance-claim options even if you were taken to the hospital before information was…
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What happens if my car accident settlement is a lump sum and I still have medical bills? — Durham, NC
A lump-sum car accident settlement usually must cover your injury claim, including medical bills, medical liens, and any reimbursement claims that…
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What happens if I went to the ER but do not have any follow-up treatment scheduled yet? — Durham, NC
Your ER visit is an important first record, but having no follow-up treatment scheduled yet can leave a gap that an insurance company may use to…
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What happens if a hospital says it already mailed the medical records but our office never received them? — Durham, NC
If a hospital says it mailed the records but the law office never received them, the safest next step is usually to document the call, confirm the…
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What documents are important for a personal injury claim before sending a demand? — Durham, NC
The important documents are the ones that prove what happened, connect your injuries to the incident, show the full medical billing picture, identify…
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What can I do if the insurance company says my motorcycle coverage was not active even though I made the payment before the crash? — Durham, NC
You can dispute the insurer’s position, but you need proof of when the payment was made, accepted, posted, and what the policy said about…
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Should I accept an insurance company's settlement offer after an accident? — Durham, NC
Do not accept a settlement offer until you understand what you would be giving up and what must be paid from the settlement. In a North Carolina…
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How do medical liens affect what I actually receive from a personal injury settlement? — Durham, NC
Medical liens can reduce the amount you take home from a personal injury settlement because certain medical bills or reimbursement claims may have to…
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How do I prove the other rider caused the crash when the officer did not get my full side of the story? — Durham, NC
You prove fault by building evidence beyond the crash report. In North Carolina, an officer’s report can be important, but it is not the only…
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How do I prove my injuries were caused by a defective bench in a public waiting area? — Durham, NC
You prove this type of claim by connecting three things: a dangerous defect in the bench, notice or responsibility by the proper person or entity,…
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How do I prove fault in a motorcycle crash when there is a police report but the officer did not get the other rider's insurance details from me at the scene? — Durham, NC
You prove fault by building evidence of how the crash happened, not only by relying on the insurance information listed in the police report. In…
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How do I know whether another attorney can join my car accident case as co-counsel? — Durham, NC
Another attorney may be able to join your North Carolina car accident case as co-counsel, but you should not assume it is automatic. You generally…
