Firm news

Accident Q&A series

  1. What happens after the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits are offered? — Durham, NC

    An offer of the at-fault driver’s policy limits is an important step, but it does not automatically finish the claim or determine what you will…

  2. What evidence do I need for a medical malpractice case? — Durham, NC

    You generally need medical records, testimony from a properly qualified medical professional, and documentation showing that improper care caused an…

  3. What documents are usually needed for my attorney to discuss a medical lien with my health insurer? — Durham, NC

    Your attorney will usually need a signed authorization, your health-plan identification, an accident and treatment summary, the insurer’s payment…

  4. What counts as negligence by a medical provider? — Durham, NC

    Negligence by a medical provider generally means that the provider failed to follow the level of care required under North Carolina law and that…

  5. What compensation can I seek after a car accident caused back and seatbelt-related chest injuries? — Durham, NC

    You may seek compensation for accident-related medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket costs, and future losses that…

  6. How important is a police report in a car accident injury case? — Durham, NC

    A police report is important because it can identify the drivers, vehicles, insurers, witnesses, crash location, and the officer’s initial findings.…

  7. How does a prior neck surgery affect a car accident injury claim? — Durham, NC

    A prior neck surgery does not automatically prevent you from bringing a North Carolina car accident injury claim. You may seek compensation for a new…

  8. How does a MedPay claim work when the injured person is represented by an attorney? — Durham, NC

    A MedPay claim can usually continue after the injured person hires an attorney, but the insurer will commonly route claim communications and document…

  9. How do I resolve a health insurance lien after settling an auto accident claim? — Durham, NC

    Resolve the claim by identifying the type of health plan, confirming its legal right to repayment, auditing an itemized payment statement,…

  10. How do I recover lost wages after missing work because of a car accident? — Durham, NC

    You may seek lost wages as part of a North Carolina personal injury claim if another person caused the crash and your injuries caused you to miss…

  11. How do I prove a rear-end collision caused new weakness and pain when the vehicle damage seemed minor? — Durham, NC

    You can prove causation by documenting your condition before and after the collision, obtaining medical findings that connect the new symptoms to the…

  12. How do I know which insurance claim is for the at-fault driver after a car accident? — Durham, NC

    The at-fault driver’s claim is usually the third-party bodily injury liability claim opened under that driver’s auto insurance policy. Do not rely on…

  13. How do I know if I have a medical malpractice claim? — Durham, NC

    You may have a medical malpractice claim if a North Carolina health care provider failed to meet the applicable standard of care, that failure caused…

  14. How do I know if another driver is legally responsible for my accident? — Durham, NC

    Another driver may be legally responsible if the evidence shows that the driver failed to use reasonable care or violated a traffic rule, that…

  15. How can I use medical payments coverage after a car accident? — Durham, NC

    You can generally use medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, by opening a claim with the insurer that issued the applicable auto policy and…

  16. Can my own insurance help pay for injuries after a car accident caused by another driver? — Durham, NC

    Yes. Your own auto insurance may help through medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, or through underinsured motorist coverage if the…

  17. Can my attorney communicate with my chiropractor about my car accident injury claim? — Durham, NC

    Yes. With your permission, your attorney can usually communicate with your chiropractor about records, bills, appointment dates, and issues relevant…

  18. Can I still make a car accident injury claim if I did not feel hurt at the scene? — Durham, NC

    Yes. Not feeling hurt immediately after a Durham car accident does not automatically prevent you from making an injury claim later. You still need…

  19. Can I still bring a claim if I am not sure how serious my injuries are? — Durham, NC

    Yes. You can begin a North Carolina personal injury claim even if you do not yet know the full extent of your injuries. However, you generally need…

  20. Can I recover for worsened neck problems if I already had neck hardware before the crash? — Durham, NC

    Yes. Having neck hardware before a crash does not automatically prevent recovery under North Carolina law. You may seek compensation for the…

A path forward

What happened is part of your story. Not the end of it.

A clear plan makes room to heal. We handle the claim. You get back to your life.

Talk through what comes next