Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Can I refuse to sign an affidavit if I’m unsure about the details I saw in the crash?
Yes. In North Carolina, you do not have to sign a voluntary affidavit for an insurer or attorney, and you should never swear to anything you don’t…
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Can I recover my medical and therapy expenses for ongoing injuries in my accident claim?
Yes. In North Carolina, you may recover the reasonable and necessary costs of past and future medical care and therapy if you prove another person’s…
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Can I access some of my child’s settlement money before they turn 18 for college or medical expenses?: North Carolina Personal Injury
Usually, no. In North Carolina, a minor’s settlement money belongs to the child and is restricted until age 18. You can ask the Clerk of Superior…
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What happens if the insurance company refuses to increase their final offer?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, if the liability insurer won’t raise its final offer, your choices are to accept it, provide new information to justify more, or…
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What can I do if I don’t have a doctor’s note for the days I missed work after an ER visit?
In North Carolina, you can still claim lost wages after an injury even if you don’t have a doctor’s note. You must prove you missed work because of…
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How do I set up an annuity for settlement funds held for my child?
In North Carolina, a judge must approve any settlement for a minor and can authorize a structured settlement funded by an annuity if it is in the…
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How do I calculate lost wages in a minor neck and back injury when I missed work for ER and PT appointments?
In North Carolina, you can claim lost wages for time you reasonably missed from work because of injury-related medical care, including ER visits and…
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How can I prove ongoing pain and future care needs to justify asking for more compensation?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, you justify more compensation for ongoing pain and future care by presenting solid medical opinions that your injuries are…
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How can I negotiate a fair settlement when the initial offer is far below my demand?
In North Carolina, you move a low offer by responding with evidence and clear reasoning: prove fault, tie your medical treatment to the wreck, and…
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How can I claim the medical payments coverage from my auto insurance policy?
Medical payments coverage (often called “MedPay”) is optional, no-fault coverage in North Carolina that reimburses reasonable and necessary medical…
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What is the process for verifying and clearing medical liens on my personal injury settlement, and how long will it take?
In North Carolina, medical providers and some insurers can claim part of your personal injury recovery through liens or reimbursement rights. Your…
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How will I receive my settlement funds once the insurance company issues the check?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, the insurer’s check goes to your lawyer’s trust account. After the funds clear, your attorney deducts approved fees and case…
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Will I need to attend the court hearing for a minor settlement, and what should I expect?: North Carolina
Usually yes. In North Carolina, a judge typically must approve any settlement of a child’s injury claim, and the parent or guardian ad litem who…
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What steps are involved in getting a court to approve a minor’s personal injury settlement?
In North Carolina, a judge must approve any settlement of a minor’s personal injury claim. You (through a guardian ad litem) file a short lawsuit or…
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What should I do if the insurance company says their offer is final?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, an adjuster’s “final” offer is not binding on you. You can keep negotiating, ask for supervisor review, or file a lawsuit before…
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What is the role of a guardian ad litem in a minor injury settlement and can I serve as one?
In North Carolina, a minor cannot legally finalize a personal-injury settlement without court oversight. The court appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL)…
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What is the process to contest the final offer from the insurance company after I was injured?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, you do not have to accept an insurer’s “final” offer. You can keep negotiating, or you can file a lawsuit within the applicable…
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What is the process for getting a quote for diminished value?: North Carolina Personal Injury
In North Carolina, you typically get a diminished value (DV) quote by hiring an independent vehicle appraiser after your car is fully repaired. You…
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What is the process for appealing an insurance company's low settlement offer after an accident?: North Carolina
In North Carolina, there is no formal “appeal” of a low offer in a third‑party auto claim. You can ask the insurer to reconsider with more proof,…
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What do medical liens mean and how will they affect my settlement?: North Carolina personal injury law
In North Carolina, a medical lien is a legal claim against your personal injury recovery to repay medical bills paid or owed for your accident care.…
