Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Can a medical provider send records directly to an attorney handling an injury case, or do they have to send them to the patient first? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a medical provider can usually send records and bills directly to your attorney if the patient signs a proper written…
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Will Medicaid have to be paid back from my car accident settlement, and can that amount be reduced? — Durham, NC
Often, yes. In North Carolina, Medicaid can seek reimbursement from a car accident settlement for Medicaid-paid, accident-related medical care,…
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Where do we stand right now in my injury case, and what is the next step? — Durham, NC
Based on what you shared, your case is in the “case development” stage: treatment has ended, and your legal team is waiting on the last medical…
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What types of compensation can I seek for pain, medical bills, and car damage after being hit on the driver’s side? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a driver hit on the side can typically pursue compensation for (1) injury-related losses (like medical expenses and pain and…
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What should I do if my arm pain keeps getting worse while I’m waiting on nerve testing? — Durham, NC
If your arm pain is getting worse while you’re waiting on nerve testing, focus on two things at the same time: (1) getting the issue back in front of…
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What should I do if I only went to the emergency room and haven’t had follow-up care because I don’t have insurance? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, an ER visit alone can still support an injury claim, but a lack of follow-up care often gives the insurance company room to argue…
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What medical records and updates should I provide to support my injury claim while treatment is ongoing? — Durham, NC
While you are still treating, the most helpful support for an injury claim is a steady paper trail that shows (1) what you reported, (2) what…
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What kinds of injuries and losses can be included in a personal injury claim after an accident? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a personal injury claim can include both financial losses (like medical bills and lost income) and human losses (like pain,…
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What information should I gather before talking to a personal injury attorney about my accident? — Durham, NC
Before you speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney, gather the basics of what happened, what injuries you had, what treatment you…
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What happens if I was the only person in the car—does that affect who can make a claim? — Durham, NC
Being the only person in the car usually means you are the only injured occupant who can bring an injury claim for what happened inside the vehicle.…
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What happens if I don’t have health insurance but I still need treatment after a bicycle accident? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, you can still get treatment after a bicycle accident even if you do not have health insurance, but you should expect providers to…
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What happens if I didn’t go to the emergency room until the next day and had a gap before starting physical therapy? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, a next-day ER visit and a gap before starting physical therapy do not automatically ruin an injury claim. But insurers often argue…
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Should I wait until I finish treatment before trying to settle my case? — Durham, NC
In many North Carolina injury claims, it is safer to wait until your treatment is essentially complete—or at least until your doctors have a clear…
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Should I get my own appraisal for diminished value, or rely on the insurer’s evaluation? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, an insurer’s diminished value number is not automatically “the” number—it's one opinion about how much value your vehicle lost…
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Is the insurance company’s first settlement offer usually a lowball offer, and how much can it realistically increase? — Durham, NC
Often, yes—the first offer in a North Carolina personal injury claim is commonly a starting point, not the insurer’s best number. How much it can…
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If my chiropractor says it’s up to me to continue, how do I decide when I’m officially done with treatment for my injury claim? — Durham, NC
In a North Carolina injury claim, you’re usually “done with treatment” when your symptoms have stabilized and your providers have documented either…
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How will missing medical bills and records affect the value or timing of my injury claim? — Durham, NC
Missing medical bills and records usually slow an injury claim down and can also reduce the claim’s value—because the insurer (and your lawyer) needs…
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How long does it usually take to resolve an injury claim after treatment ends? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, many injury claims move into their main negotiation phase after treatment ends, but the time to resolve the claim varies widely. A…
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How long do I have to file a claim for injuries from a bicycle accident? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, most bicycle-accident injury cases must be filed in court within three years of when the injury became apparent (which is usually…
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How is compensation handled if I didn’t miss paid work but I’m still dealing with neck, back, and shoulder pain? — Durham, NC
In North Carolina, not missing paid work does not automatically prevent compensation for a rear-end crash injury. A claim can still include medical…
