Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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How do I make sure the law firm has the correct mailing address and email so nothing gets missed? — Durham, NC
Give the law firm your contact information in writing (mailing address and email), ask them to repeat it back to you, and confirm which method they…
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How do I find and contact potential witnesses who were reportedly with the bicyclist that night if I only have a first name or nickname? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, you can often identify a witness even with only a first name or nickname by working outward from objective records (the crash…
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How do I confirm the policy-limits payment and release terms match what was agreed? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, you confirm a policy-limits tender by matching three things: (1) the written settlement terms (usually emails/letters), (2) the…
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How can I prove what happened in a fatal bicycle crash when the truck driver didn’t stop and there may not be clear witnesses? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, you can often prove what happened in a fatal bicycle crash without an “eyewitness” by building the story from physical evidence,…
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Do you need separate medical release forms for each facility that treated me? — Durham, NC
Often, yes—many hospitals, clinics, and separate provider groups will only release records with an authorization that is addressed to them (or that…
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Can the intake forms and medical release forms be sent electronically instead of by mail? — Durham, NC
Yes—intake forms and medical release forms are often sent and signed electronically in North Carolina, as long as everyone agrees to use electronic…
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Can the insurance company require a settlement release before sending the policy-limits check? — Durham, NC
Yes. In North Carolina, it is common for an insurance company to require a signed settlement release before it issues a policy-limits settlement…
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Can I apply for children’s survivor benefits using only a marriage certificate and the children’s birth certificates if the death certificate information is being disputed? — Durham, NC
Usually, you can start the process for children’s survivor benefits with a marriage certificate and the children’s birth certificates, but most…
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What information should be included in an update while a demand is under negotiation? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina personal injury negotiations, a useful “case update” should give the other side (or the reviewing law firm) only the new,…
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What information or authorization do I need to include when requesting medical records for an injury claim? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a medical provider will usually require a signed, HIPAA-compliant authorization from the patient (or a legally authorized…
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What happens if the insurance company’s final offer is still below the minimum amount I’m willing to accept? — Durham, NC
If the insurer’s “final” offer is below what you’re willing to accept, you generally have three choices: keep negotiating, reject the offer and…
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What happens if my doctor schedules more appointments after I thought I was done treating? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, it’s common for a treatment plan to change, including adding follow-up visits, therapy, or referrals after you thought you were…
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What happens after a personal injury demand is sent and the other side starts negotiating? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, once a personal injury demand package is sent, the other side (often an insurance adjuster) typically reviews liability, medical…
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What can I do if the police say they can’t find any record of my accident? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a crash can feel like it “disappeared” even when it happened—because the report may be filed under a different agency, a different…
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What can I do if a medical office does not respond to a request for records and billing statements? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, you usually start by confirming the medical office has a valid, properly completed authorization and that your request went to the…
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How do my medical appointments and records get shared with the insurance company or the other side? — Durham, NC
In most North Carolina injury claims, your medical information is shared because you (or your lawyer) sign a written medical authorization, or…
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How do I decide the minimum settlement amount I should accept for my injury claim? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a practical way to set a “minimum acceptable” settlement is to start with what you can prove (medical bills, lost income, and…
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How are health insurance and ambulance liens paid back from a car accident settlement? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, repayment usually happens at the end of the case, when the settlement money is being distributed. Any valid medical provider lien…
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Can I still recover for my injuries and missed work if I left the scene to go to the hospital? — Durham, NC
Often, yes. In North Carolina, leaving a crash scene to get medical help does not automatically prevent you from recovering for injuries or lost…
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Can I negotiate a settlement demand without filing a lawsuit? — Durham, NC
Yes. In North Carolina, many personal injury claims are negotiated and resolved through a pre-suit demand process with the at-fault party’s insurer,…
