Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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How long does it usually take to negotiate a personal injury settlement with the insurance company after the first offer?
In North Carolina, settlement negotiations after the first offer often take a few weeks to a few months, but the timeline depends on what still needs to be…
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How long do I have to pursue a diminished value claim after a rear-end accident?
In North Carolina, a diminished value claim is usually treated as part of your vehicle property-damage claim.
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How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after an accident?
In North Carolina, most personal injury lawsuits based on negligence must be filed within three years of when the injury becomes apparent (or reasonably…
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How is fault decided in a car accident injury case?
In North Carolina, “fault” in a car accident injury case is decided by applying negligence rules to the evidence—what each driver did (or failed to do) and…
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How do my doctor’s notes and medical bills affect the value of my injury claim?
In North Carolina, your medical bills help show the dollar cost of your treatment, and your provider notes help show why you needed that treatment and whether…
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How do I prove the other driver was at fault in a T-bone crash when I was exiting onto the highway?
In North Carolina, proving fault in a T-bone crash while you were exiting onto a highway usually comes down to (1) who had the right-of-way at the…
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How do attorney fees and medical liens affect what I actually take home from a car accident settlement?
In North Carolina, what you “take home” from a car accident settlement is usually the settlement amount minus (1) case costs and attorney fees and (2) valid…
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How can I start a car accident claim if the police report isn’t available yet?
In North Carolina, you can start a car accident insurance claim without the police report by reporting the crash to the at-fault driver’s insurer (and your…
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How can I find out whether the auto insurance policy has medical payments coverage for a claim?
In North Carolina, the most reliable way to confirm whether an auto policy has Medical Payments (“MedPay”) coverage is to get the policy’s declarations page…
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Can medical payments coverage be used even if fault is still being investigated or disputed?
Often, yes. In North Carolina, “medical payments” (commonly called “MedPay”) is typically a no-fault, medical-expense benefit that can be opened and paid…
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Can I negotiate a higher settlement if the insurance company’s first offer doesn’t cover my medical treatment and pain from a neck and back strain?
Yes. In North Carolina, an insurance company’s first offer is usually a starting point, not a final number, and you can make a counteroffer supported by…
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Can a family member handle the in-person DMV visit for me after the court paperwork is approved?
Sometimes, yes—but it depends on what paperwork the North Carolina DMV requires for the specific type of transfer and who is legally allowed to sign it.
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Who is allowed to bring a wrongful death case for a child, and what if there are multiple family members involved?
In North Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit for a child generally must be filed by the child’s personal representative (the executor or administrator of the…
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When will my attorney start the process of pursuing my lost wages claim?
In North Carolina, your attorney usually starts building your lost wages claim early—often as soon as they can document (1) that the injury caused you to miss…
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What should I do next if I’ve already had scans and started physical therapy after the accident?
In North Carolina, once you have had imaging and started physical therapy, your next steps are usually to (1) keep treating consistently and follow medical…
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What should I do next after a car accident to protect my claim?
In North Carolina, the best next steps after a car accident are to (1) report the crash when required, (2) get medical care and follow through, (3) document…
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What should I do if the police came to the scene but the insurance company is still disputing fault?
In North Carolina, a police response helps, but it does not automatically force an insurance company to accept fault.
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What should I do if I have a police report but I don’t know the other driver’s identity?
In North Carolina, if you have a police report but the other driver is still unknown (common in a hit-and-run), you should promptly open an uninsured motorist…
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What should I do if I already have medical records and imaging from the ER and follow-up providers?
In North Carolina, if you already have ER records and imaging, you should keep them organized, make sure you also have the complete billing records, and avoid…
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What medical treatment or documentation should I get to connect my arm pain to the car accident?
In North Carolina, the best way to connect arm pain to a car accident is to get timely medical evaluation and make sure your symptoms, the crash history, and…
