Firm news
Accident Q&A series
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Can the same law firm handle both my vehicle damage and bodily injury claims after a car accident?
Yes. A North Carolina law firm may handle both the vehicle damage and bodily injury portions of your car accident claim if the firm agrees to that scope of…
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Can my law firm obtain the required medical records directly from my treatment providers?
Yes. In most North Carolina personal injury claims, your law firm can request medical records and itemized bills directly from your treatment providers after…
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Can lost income from losing my job while attending injury treatment be included in my personal injury claim?
Yes, lost income may be included if reliable evidence connects the job loss to treatment for injuries caused by the accident.
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Can contradictions in the other driver's account undermine their credibility and support reconsideration of the fault decision?
Yes. Material contradictions between the other driver’s account, the reported lanes of travel, and the vehicle impact locations can support a request that an…
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Can an underinsured motorist claim be resolved while the claim against the at-fault driver is still pending?
Yes. North Carolina law allows an underinsured motorist insurer to make a payment before the at-fault driver’s liability coverage has been exhausted, so the…
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Can an insurer reduce claimed medical expenses using a standard reimbursement schedule?
Yes, an insurer may use a standard reimbursement schedule as an internal tool when evaluating a North Carolina injury claim, but the schedule does not…
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Can a store be responsible if its equipment was left in a restroom near a wet or soapy floor?
Yes, a store may be responsible if its equipment, employees, or cleaning activities created a dangerous restroom condition, or if the store knew or reasonably…
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Can a formal complaint to an insurance regulator cause an insurer to review its liability decision?
Yes. A formal complaint to the North Carolina Department of Insurance can prompt an insurer to review its file and provide an explanation of its liability…
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Why does a physical therapy provider need a letter of representation before treating me?
A physical therapy provider may request a letter of representation to confirm that an attorney is handling your North Carolina injury claim and to identify…
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When does a personal injury settlement become legally binding?
A personal injury settlement generally becomes binding when the parties agree to the material terms and an authorized acceptance is communicated, unless they…
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What type of medical treatment is the claimant currently receiving?
The claimant is currently receiving physical therapy for neck and back injuries following a referral from a primary care provider. Treatment remains ongoing.
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What should I review before signing a settlement release?
Review whether the settlement release accurately states the payment, parties, claim, and rights being resolved before signing it.
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What should I review before electronically signing a settlement release?
Review every term before signing, including the payment amount, the people and claims being released, medical lien obligations, indemnity language,…
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What should I do if the insurer asks whether I want to keep my damaged car before telling me if it is totaled?
Ask for the insurer’s total-loss decision, vehicle valuation, repair estimate, proposed payment, and salvage deduction in writing before making a final choice.
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What should I do if an insurer cannot find a policy using the policy number or vehicle identification number?
Do not assume that no insurance exists merely because the insurer’s first search was unsuccessful.
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What records can show the payments and adjustments made to my medical bills?
Explanation of benefits forms, itemized bills, provider account ledgers, payment receipts, and health-plan claim histories can show what was billed, paid,…
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What proof do I need when a hospital bill does not match the invoice provided?
You generally need records that reconcile the hospital’s original charges with insurance payments, contractual adjustments, write-offs, patient payments, and…
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What is a driver exchange form, and how can I get one after a car accident?
A driver exchange form is usually an on-scene summary listing the drivers, vehicles, insurance information, and crash reference number.
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What injury and medical treatment information can an attorney provide to an insurance company?
An attorney may generally provide an insurance company with injury and treatment information that the client has authorized and that is reasonably relevant to…
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What injuries is the claimant receiving treatment for?
The claimant is receiving physical therapy for neck and back injuries following a referral from a primary care provider.
